Leading Operator

Bayer AG; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Fortnightly RDOs

Inclusive culture

Health benefits and discounts

Career progression

Onsite parking

Recognition and growth

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a Leading Operator in Australia’s Queensland region to act as a Subject Matter Expert and trusted support to production leaders. You’ll drive safety, quality and production targets while mentoring teams and coordinating key activities across changes, checks and troubleshooting.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration and building workforce capability, with a focus on maintaining equipment reliability and operational excellence across multiple

Qualifications

• Background in packaging, chemical production, or FMCG preferred.
• Completed Year 11 or equivalent with strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Cert IV in Competitive Manufacturing Excellence is a plus.
• Current Forklift Licence (LF) and safety certifications preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing environments and adherence to procedures.
• Strong decision making under pressure and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as the SME and/or second-in-charge, supporting production leaders to achieve safety, quality and production targets.
• Mentor, coach and develop team members, fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team environment.
• Lead and coordinate critical production activities including changeovers, clean-downs, quality checks and troubleshooting.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance safety, efficiency, reliability and productivity.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Engineering and other support teams to ensure equipment reliability, material availability and operational performance.
• Develop intermediate maintenance capability to diagnose and resolve basic equipment issues before escalating to specialist teams.
• Read and interpret plant diagrams, systems and procedures, and lead system isolation activities as required.
• Lead risk assessments and ensure compliance with Bayer's safety, quality and sustainability standards.
• Promote safe work practices, correct PPE use and timely escalation of safety concerns.
• Train and support operators across multiple production areas, building workforce capability, flexibility and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Team leadership

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Year 11 or equivalent

Tools

Forklift Licence (LF)

Reading diagrams

Job description

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Leading Operator

About the role

As a Leading Operator, you will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and trusted support to operational leaders. You will play a key role in achieving production targets, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our commitment to safety, quality and sustainability remains strong.

Role Responsibilities

• Act as the SME and/or second-in-charge, supporting production leaders to achieve safety, quality and production targets.
• Mentor, coach and develop team members, fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team environment.
• Lead and coordinate critical production activities including changeovers, clean-downs, quality checks and troubleshooting.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance safety, efficiency, reliability and productivity.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Engineering and other support teams to ensure equipment reliability, material availability and operational performance.
• Develop intermediate maintenance capability to diagnose and resolve basic equipment issues before escalating to specialist teams.
• Read and interpret plant diagrams, systems and procedures, and lead system isolation activities as required.
• Lead risk assessments and ensure compliance with Bayer's safety, quality and sustainability standards.
• Promote safe work practices, correct PPE use and timely escalation of safety concerns.
• Train and support operators across multiple production areas, building workforce capability, flexibility and knowledge sharing.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Background in packaging, chemical production, or FMCG preferred.
• Completed Year 11 or equivalent, with strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Cert IV in Competitive Manufacturing Excellence is a plus.
• Current Forklift Licence (LF)Confined Space, Working at Heights, EWP and/or Gas Testing certifications preferred.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, processing or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality requirements and operational procedures.
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Experience training, mentoring or supporting others in a team environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
• Experience with risk assessments, permit-to-work systems, isolations or other safety-critical processes.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, procedures and production systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Willingness and capability to develop expertise across multiple production areas and assume leadership responsibilities.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay: Industry-leading wages with overtime opportunities.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy fortnightly RDOs and additional benefits.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse team.
• Employee Benefits: Access health programs and exclusive discounts.
• Recognition & Growth: Celebrate your contributions with us.
• Convenience: Free onsite parking and hassle-free commuting.
• Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement await you.

Be part of something bigger

At Bayer, we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity, and sheer dedication, always learning from the unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities, and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Be you @ Bayer

We are committed to creating a culture where people can be their best, in an environment that values inclusion, diversity and flexibility. At Bayer everyone belongs, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

We encourage First Nations people to apply. We also welcome applicants with diverse educational backgrounds, professional knowledge, personality types, thinking styles and life experiences. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to please let us know.

Location:

Australia : Queensland : Pinkenba || Australia : Queensland : Brisbane