Assembly Operator Lead 1st shift

Pentair Management Company; White Bear Township (MN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

401(k) match

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Caregiver leave

Prescription coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Pentair is hiring an Assembly Operator Lead for 1st shift at White Bear Lake, MN. You will oversee production flow, coach staff, and ensure GMP and cleanroom compliance while coordinating with multiple departments to maintain quality and safety.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, adherence to 5S standards, and proactive problem solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years as a production lead with GMP emphasis.
• Knowledge of Lean, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
• Cleanroom manufacturing experience preferred.
• GMP, contamination control, PPE and gowning knowledge.
• Ability to train, coach, and enforce safety and quality.
• English written and spoken proficiency; computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead start-up meetings, assign daily work, and provide updates.
• Support Production Supervisor; report performance and safety concerns.
• Maintain hour-by-hour charts and update boards.
• Escalate equipment failures, quality issues, and shortages.
• Drive continuous improvement via Lean methods and RCCM.
• Enforce GMP, safety, and cleanroom standards and policies.
• Operate equipment in the shift area and backfill positions as needed.
• Coordinate onboarding/training for quality, safety, and cleanliness.
• Audit workstations, 5S, and cleanroom compliance.
• Ensure proper gowning, PPE, and contamination-control protocols.
• Monitor cleanroom restrictions and prohibited items.
• Support audits and corrective actions with Quality and EH&S.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve processes and training.
• Model safety, quality, and accountability; perform other duties.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Lean manufacturing

5S

Kaizen

Continuous improvement

English proficiency

Coaching & training

Problem-solving

Communication

Adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description:

Assembly Operator Lead 1st shift

At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions.

We have an opportunity for an Assembly Operator Lead to join our White Bear Lake, MN location. You will be responsible for ensuring the production flow in assigned work areas and processes. Performs initial troubleshooting identification and resolution. Responsible for coaching, on-the-job training, equipment escalation, materials coordination, line communication, work assignments, 5S audits, and safety inspections. This position works closely with Production Management, Engineering, Human Resources, Purchasing, Quality, Machine Shop, R&D, Engineering, and the Warehouse Departments.

You will:

• Conduct start-up meetings which include leading stretches, conducting safety talks, issuing daily work assignments, and providing SQDCC updates during Gemba reviews.
• Provide support to the Production Supervisor and report performance, attendance, quality, and safety concerns as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate hour-by-hour charts and update MDI boards daily.
• Properly escalate equipment failures, quality concerns, and material shortages to appropriate personnel.
• Drive a continuous improvement culture through employee engagement and participation in Lean initiatives.
• Enforce company policies, department procedures, safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and cleanroom standards.
• Operate a variety of equipment applicable within the assigned work area and backfill critical positions to maintain production flow.
• Coordinate employee onboarding and training to ensure all quality, safety, customer, and cleanroom requirements are met.
• Conduct routine audits of workstations, production practices, 5S standards, and cleanroom compliance.
• Ensure employees follow cleanroom gowning, hygiene, PPE, and contamination-control requirements, including proper use of hairnets, beard covers, gloves, smocks, shoe covers, safety glasses, and other required protective equipment.
• Monitor compliance with cleanroom restrictions, including prohibited items such as makeup, fragrances, artificial nails, nail polish, jewelry, unauthorized personal items, food, beverages, and non-compliant clothing.
• Support Quality and EH&S during audits, investigations, and corrective actions related to safety, quality, and contamination-control concerns.
• Work with key stakeholders (VSM, Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality, EH&S, etc.) to improve processes, documentation, and training through Lean methodologies and RCCM processes.
• Serve as a role model by consistently demonstrating safety, quality, cleanroom compliance, professionalism, and accountability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience as a production lead with an emphasis on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Knowledge of assigned production processes, Lean manufacturing principles, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Previous cleanroom manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cleanroom operations, contamination control practices, gowning requirements, GMP standards, and PPE compliance.
• Ability to train, coach, and hold employees accountable to safety, quality, and cleanroom expectations.
• Ability to write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate expectations clearly and achieve results through coaching, monitoring performance, and enforcing company policies and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs, manage multiple priorities, and maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ongoing commitment to continuous improvement of processes, documentation, training programs, quality systems, and cleanroom standards.

Position hours/shift:

• 1st Shift: M-Th 5:00am-3:30pm, Some mandatory overtime on Fridays

Compensation:

The hourly pay for this role is: $27.00/hr. Opportunity for a rate increase after you are proficient in certain skills and have fulfilled training. Actual pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

As part of our comprehensive benefits packages, Pentair provides the following benefits plans and programs to eligible employees:

• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Up to 5% 401K match starting day one of employment
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Caregiver leave
• Prescription drug insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.