Extruder Operator Lead

Westlake Chemical; Belle Brook Estates (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & benefits

Growth opportunities

Safety-focused environment

Team-oriented culture

Stable manufacturing operation

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking a Group Lead for our Plastics Extrusion operation in Bristol, TN. The role focuses on coordinating daily production activities, training employees, and supporting quality and safety initiatives. The Group Lead may act on behalf of the supervisor as needed.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment issues, monitoring line performance, and ensuring safe, efficient workflows. A high school diploma or GED and manufacturing experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent required.
• Manufacturing experience and/or technical training preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or extrusion experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily production activities and assist with equipment setups.
• Train and develop employees on equipment, processes, and safety requirements.
• Monitor line performance, production rates, and product quality.
• Support troubleshooting efforts and help operators resolve production issues.
• Act on behalf of the supervisor when necessary.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures reading

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Manufacturing experience and/or technical training

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Job Posting: Group Lead - Plastics Extrusion

Location: Bristol, TN
Department: Manufacturing / Plastics Extrusion
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking a Group Lead to provide front-line leadership within our Plastics Extrusion operation. This position is responsible for coordinating daily production activities, training employees, supporting quality and safety initiatives, troubleshooting equipment and process issues, and assisting with workflow organization. The Group Lead serves as a resource to operators and may act on behalf of the supervisor as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Environmental Leadership

• Promote and support a safe work environment through active participation in HSE programs and initiatives.
• Lead by example in following all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct safety observations, toolbox talks, and shift safety meetings.
• Identify and correct workplace hazards and encourage employee involvement in safety improvement efforts.
• Assist with incident response, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Support Westlake programs including Life Critical Rules, Safe Start, and STAR (Stop, Think, Ask, Report).
• Ensure employees complete required safety training and follow safe work practices.

Production & Operations

• Assist with profile changes, equipment setups, color changes, machine adjustments, and minor repairs.
• Support troubleshooting efforts and help operators resolve production issues.
• Monitor product quality, line performance, production rates, and process efficiency.
• Coordinate workflow to help achieve department production goals.
• Complete required production documentation and reports.
• Ensure work areas are organized and maintained according to housekeeping standards.
• Act on behalf of the supervisor when necessary.

Training & Team Leadership

• Train and develop employees on equipment, processes, and safety requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to team members during daily operations.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and effective communication.
• Assist in addressing employee concerns and production-related issues.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with employees and leadership.

Quality Assurance

• Monitor production processes to ensure products meet established quality standards.
• Assist with inspections, quality checks, and corrective actions as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing experience and/or technical training preferred.

Skills & Experience

• Previous manufacturing or extrusion experience preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret safety procedures, operating instructions, and production documentation.
• Basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and graph interpretation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to train and motivate employees while maintaining a positive team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Why Join Westlake Royal Building Products?

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Safety-focused work environment
• Team-oriented culture
• Stable manufacturing operation with industry-leading products

Westlake Royal Building Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.