Extruder Operator Lead

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Bristol (TN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Growth opportunities

Safety-focused environment

Team-oriented culture

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking a Group Lead to provide front-line leadership within our Plastics Extrusion operation. You will coordinate daily production activities, train employees, support quality and safety initiatives, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and assist with workflow organization.

The Group Lead serves as a resource to operators and may act on behalf of the supervisor as needed.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required; manufacturing/technical training preferred.
• Extrusion experience is advantageous; hands-on troubleshooting skills expected.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities; safety-conscious mindset.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety through participation in HSE programs and toolbox talks.
• Support production with equipment setup, color changes, and minor repairs.
• Coach and develop employees; foster teamwork and accountability.
• Monitor product quality, line performance, and documentation.
• Act on behalf of supervisor when needed; ensure housekeeping standards.

Skills

Manufacturing/Extrusion experience

Troubleshooting

Reading procedures & instructions

Math skills

Verbal & written communication

Training & motivating team

Organization & attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Manufacturing experience / technical training

Job description

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 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.

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