Automation Line Operator Lead - Week Night

Utz Quality Foods, LLC; Hanover (York County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Utz Quality Foods, at its Kindig Lane facility, seeks an Automation Line Operator Lead for a full-time shift (Mon-Thu, 5:30 PM–5:30 AM) with overtime as needed. You will lead the line, monitor performance, and support the operation and basic maintenance of robotic palletizers and conveyors to keep production safe and efficient.

You’ll supervise Automation Operators, Jackpot Lane Operators and Forklift Handlers, coordinate with P3/P4 and RDC leaders, and drive continuous improvement by addressing

Qualifications

• Experience leading manufacturing line operations.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols and LOTO.
• Ability to monitor equipment performance via HMIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily line operations and supervise assigned operators.
• Monitor performance metrics such as box count and pallet output.
• Maintain safety and housekeeping to 5S standards.
• Assist with basic maintenance of palletizers and conveyors.
• Communicate shift issues to leaders and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Line supervision

Safety adherence

Troubleshooting

Tools

Robotic palletizers

Conveyor systems

HMI operation

Job description

Job Description

Ready to take your manufacturing career to the next level with cutting-edge automation? Join the team at Utz Quality Foods as an Automation Line Operator Lead at our Kindig Lane facility. This is a full-time role working Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 5:30 AM, with overtime as needed to support production demand. You'll be a part of a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment where your technical skills and attention to detail help power the future of snack food production.

As an Automation Line Operator Lead, you’ll serve as the primary point of contact on the line—leading day-to-day operations, monitoring performance, and supporting the operation and basic maintenance of robotic palletizers and conveyor systems that stack and move product cases. You’ll help keep production running safely and efficiently, support and guide team members, and partner with leadership to address issues and drive continuous improvement, all while working with a strong team and having opportunities to grow.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safe operation of the Automation area by verifying that all Lock Out Tag Out procedures and safety protocols are observed by personnel
• Supervise and deploy Automation Operators, Jackpot Lane Operators, and Forklift Material Handlers during shift
• Serve as the primary point of contact during assigned shifts to facilitate communication between leaders of P3, P4, and the RDC Operation in order to effectively address issues related to Automation operations
• Responsible for key metrics identified
• Responsible for ensuring completion and movement of RAF’s pallets to RDC at end of shift
• Monitor system indicators (box count, pallet output, sensor flags, etc.) to track performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Oversee daily equipment inspections and cleaning procedures at the beginning of and conclusion of each shift
• Accountable for ensuring compliance with the 5’s standards within the designated area.
• Assist with recommending changes to case dimensions, fill/count levels, and pallet configurations that would improve the reliability of the palletizing operation
• Routinely communicate opportunities to improve safety, quality, and service levels from the equipment and processes
• Responsible for completion of all operator care tasks and accurate documentation
• Use Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to start, stop, reset, and troubleshoot equipment
• Ensure correct case orientation and stacking patterns based on SKU/customer requirements
• Monitor system indicators (box count, pallet output, sensor flags, etc.) to track performance
• Clear jams and alarms safely and quickly; restart the system when needed