Note: If you apply for a role at Hershey through our career’s website, we may use technologies that use automation to filter your candidacy based on objective criteria. We also use AI-enabled tools that help us facilitate the selection of our future Hershey talent. These tools may help with activities such as matching and scoring candidates to roles based on requirements and scheduling interviews. These systems process only the information you provide in your application, including your resume, work history, education, and responses to screening questions. While these technologies assist with certain steps in our recruitment process and may provide recommendations, all final decisions, including those affecting whether candidates advance to subsequent stages in the applicant process, are made by our talent acquisition teams with meaningful human review and independent judgment. Depending on your location and the specific role you apply for, additional disclosures about our use of AI in recruitment may be provided to you separately.

Line Lead Trainee - Whitestown, IN

Posted Date:  Aug 4, 2026
Requisition Number:  129752

Location: Whitestown, IN 

  

At the Hershey Salty Snacks Company, we make brands that people love. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, salty or a tasty twist of both, we offer a number of snacks to meet your needs. With our most recent acquisition, we are excited to be able to continue to deliver more Salty options, including Skinny Pop. Behind each moment of goodness is a diverse team focused on being part of something bigger. Come be a part of our dynamic team in Whitestown, IN as a Machine Operator Line Lead! 

  

Pay: 

  • Starting at $27.00/hour 

  • Bi-weekly Pay 

  

Total Rewards 

  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision) starting Day 1! 

  • 401 (k) Retirement Plan, with generous company match 

  • Paid Time Off 

  

Shifts 

  • Orientation Week: Schedule will be provided prior to start date 

  • Schedule: 2-2-2 Schedule 

 

Candidate Process 

Please note – communication will be through phone, email and text. To be considered, you must have access to a valid email address. 

  • Qualified candidates will receive a phone call to schedule an onsite interview 

  • Post offer background and drug screen required 

  

Job Summary 

Our Machine Operator Line Lead is responsible for operating and maintaining production equipment, ensuring that products are produced in a safe, efficient, and timely manner. A Machine Operator Line Lead has experience working in a food manufacturing environment and a commitment to quality and safety. 

  

Responsibilities 

  • Responsible for pre-shift pass downs and sharing info with team. In the event a Lead is unavailable the responsibility falls on the previous shift’s Team Lead 

  • Ensures all startups and changeovers checks for their area are completed 

  • Train team members 

  • Cover breaks for their team members and are responsible for ensuring breaks are taken and done according to policy 

  • Radios issues to the other Line Leads, SHL and Supervisor 

  • Communicate with Material Handler team for which materials are needed for production with based on priority 

  • Ensure all materials no longer in use are removed from production and communicate with Material Handler to transfer back to warehouse 

  • Ensures the team does housekeeping throughout the shift and completes their required tasks as defined by the MSS 

  • Ensures team members are following the Good Manufacturing Plant (GMP) policies and wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) 

  • Coordinate shut down / start up / cleans in a safe and controlled manner. If a wet clean, ensuring all electronics and motors are wrapped such that there is no damage to any equipment that cannot get wet 

  • Operate and troubleshoot all equipment in their area in accordance with the documented procedures to ensure that products are produced in accordance with production schedules and quality standards. 

  • Follow safety guidelines and procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), Lock Out Tag Out procedures etc. 

  • Adhere to the company policies and practices 

  • Monitor and report updates for the production process to identify and correct issues that may affect product quality or consistency 

  • Maintain accurate records of production activities, such as equipment performance, product yields, downtime and waste. 

  • Communicate with other plant personnel regarding production schedules, equipment issues, and product quality 

  • Participate in training programs to develop knowledge and skills related to production equipment and processes 

  

Requirements 

  • High school diploma or equivalent 

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience operating production equipment in a food manufacturing environment 

  • Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures for operating production equipment 

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills 

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks. 

  • Basic computer skills for record-keeping and equipment monitoring. 

  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications or working conditions. 

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

 

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans

If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center (askhr@hersheys.com).


Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis