Lead Operator

Darling Ingredients Inc.; East Hampshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Operator to manage the operation of computer-controlled process equipment in a dynamic production environment. This role involves overseeing the entire process from raw materials to finished goods, ensuring efficiency and quality throughout. The ideal candidate will have experience in a production setting, particularly in wet pet facilities, and possess strong mechanical aptitude. Join a team that prioritizes safety and quality, and be part of a company that values your contributions and offers opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in a production environment, preferably in wet pet facilities.
• Knowledge of mechanical processes and chemical manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the wet pet process from raw materials to finished goods.
• Monitor machinery and perform preventative maintenance on all equipment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Equipment troubleshooting

Basic math skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The Lead Operator is responsible for the operation of the computer controlled process equipment, cooker, machinery, and evaluation of any process problems in addition to performing product quality testing.

Schedule: 1pm-9pm M-F.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Oversees wet pet process from raw material bin to finished goods storage.
• Maintain steady flow of material to equipment.
• Maintain grinders at peak operating levels.
• Monitor analytics to maintain rate per hour according to requirements.
• Control flow of material to mixers and to finished goods storage.
• Monitor control panel and various gauges to accomplish process.
• Perform periodic preventative maintenance on all equipment in process.
• Monitor machinery; bring all problems to attention of manager.
• Assures equipment and work area is clean after each shift.
• Maintains safety as top priority in accordance with all company safety rules and regulations.
• Use approved chemicals to disinfect surfaces.
• Disassemble, sanitize, and reassemble food processing equipment.
• Dispose of waste along the assembly line.
• Use bailer to break down cardboard.
• Transfer rendering material from production facility to rendering truck.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of 1 year prior work experience, preferably in a wet pet facility or production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of mechanical processes preferred.
• Chemical manufacturing experience a plus.
• Good mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting; skilled in general mechanics and safe operation of equipment.
• Basic math skills; ability to compute decimals and percentages.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal with minor problems involving equipment or various situations.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, and crouch.
• Frequently must push, pull, move or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly required reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

Job functions will be carried out in a production facility which requires tolerance for wet and/or slippery floors, and high heat and/or cold temperatures.