Job Description

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is proud to take these iconic brands into a new era and to continue the evolution that transformed one small Chicago bakery into an American institution. Using carefully sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes, the company is committed to making life’s moments a little sweeter, putting its customers first and discovering new ways to make everyone’s favorite foods even better.

Working for Sara Lee:

Our vision is to be the world’s most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all.  We believe that each of us has unique points of difference and experience to offer. We will achieve success through collaboration and innovation in an environment where employees feel empowered to execute with speed. 

Position Overview:

The Occupational Health Nurse – LPN is responsible for providing professional nursing care and overseeing employee health services for a 450+ employee manufacturing facility. This role supports employee safety, wellness, and regulatory compliance through clinical care, health programs, and medical case management.

The LPN conducts pre-placement and periodic health assessments, maintains medical records, manages workers’ compensation cases, and serves as the facility’s key medical liaison. This role also includes preventive care (vision, hearing, pulmonary function testing), emergency response, and coordination of external medical resources. The LPN serves on the HazMat Team and co-leads the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), while working closely with the Health & Safety Coordinator to promote a safe and healthy workplace.

Essential Functions:

• Provide high-quality emergency and episodic care for occupational and non-occupational injuries/illnesses; assess, plan, and implement appropriate medical care.
• Support incident and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) investigations as needed.
• Implement and oversee respiratory surveillance per Flour Dust Guidelines.
• Administer SLFB Bloodborne Pathogen Program, Hearing Conservation, and Respiratory Protection policies.
• Collaborate with the Health & Safety Manager to develop and implement health-related programs and policies in compliance with MIOSHA, OSHA, ADA, and State Workers’ Compensation regulations.
• Lead and support health and safety initiatives including the Ergonomic Task Force and other employee wellness teams.
• Prepare monthly statistical reports; maintain accurate and up-to-date OSHA logs.
• Ensure consistent treatment and compliance with all medical recordkeeping and regulatory requirements, while fostering positive employee relations.
• Maintain all required professional certifications, including LPN licensure and OHN-related credentials.
• Manage the health services budget for supplies and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and functional medical office and exam room.
• Securely manage confidential employee health records, with exclusive key access for medical personnel.
• Provide detailed workers’ compensation claims documentation to the insurance carrier; manage or coordinate case management.
• Administer the facility’s substance abuse testing program in accordance with company guidelines.
• Oversee and administer First Aid/CPR/AED training program
• Collaborate with local healthcare providers to deliver quality and cost-effective care for employees.
• Champion health and wellness initiatives, including health fairs, education programs, and preventive screenings.
• Provide schedule flexibility to support employee needs across multiple shifts.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Familiarity with food manufacturing processes is a plus.
• Collaborate effectively with employees at all levels, including plant leadership and union representatives.
• Ensure high-quality internal customer service and smooth coordination with external medical/legal partners.
• Compile reports and data for the Health & Safety Manager as needed.
• Lead or participate in plant-wide safety meetings, campaigns, and employee engagement activities.
• Assist in safety incident investigations, root cause analysis, and execution of corrective/preventive actions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making in both routine and emergency medical situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Self-motivated and organized, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with external partners and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program; legally licensed and qualified to practice as an LPN in the state of Michigan.
• Minimum of 3 years of medical/surgical nursing experience.
• Occupational Health Nursing experience preferred, COHN certification desired.
• Certified to teach First Aid and CPR, or willingness to become certified.

Organizational Fit:

• Reports directly to the Health & Safety Manager.
• Oversees health services coverage across all three shifts.
• Serves as subject matter expert for employee health and wellness.

Success Factors:

• Proficient in managing complex, time-sensitive projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrates initiative, critical thinking, and proactive problem-solving.
• Communicates effectively across all organizational levels.
• Maintains strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Works effectively as part of a team within a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret medical terminology, regulatory standards, and policy documents.
• Ability to write detailed reports and communicate effectively with employees, leadership, and external providers.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and reach, regular use of hands for clinical tasks and equipment operation.
• As a HazMat Team member, must be able to wear respiratory protection (e.g., SCBA) and/or a chemical-resistant suit.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds regularly; may be required to lift more during emergencies.
• Must possess visual abilities including close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a medical/clinical capacity within a food manufacturing environment—not a hospital setting.
• Occasional exposure to airborne particles and noise levels above 85 dB.
• Requires adaptability to both office and production floor conditions.

SQF Requirements:

• Take appropriate actions to ensure the integrity and sustained certification of the SQF system.
• Identify and report food safety and quality concerns; support corrective actions as needed.
• Follow and enforce procedures outlined in the Food Safety and Food Quality Plans, as well as requirements of all third-party audits.
• Coverage during absences will be determined by plant management.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.