Extruder Operator Lead

Westlake Chemical; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products in Columbus, OH, is hiring an Extruder Operator Lead for full-time work on multiple shifts. The role supervises about 25 operators, coordinates line setup/teardown, and ensures adherence to production schedules and quality standards.

Strong leadership and extrusion experience are required. Responsibilities include training new operators, coordinating changeovers, and promoting 5S and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, extrusion focus.
• Ability to coordinate and direct daily shift assignments for ~25 people.
• Strong safety awareness and housekeeping practices.
• Proficient in basic computer and production documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee extrusion lines during assigned shift and coordinate setup/teardown.
• Lead line changeovers, die changes, and equipment staging with teams.
• Ensure quality standards via SOPs and quality checks with VSI/customer specs.
• Provide on-the-job training and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote 5S, scrap reduction, and safe work practices on the shop floor.

Skills

Extrusion production

Line setup/operation

Safety culture

Leadership/supervision

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.Starting Pay: $31.25/hourSUMMARYWestlake Royal Building Products, a vinyl siding manufacturer in Columbus OH, has a full-time opening for an Extruder Operator Lead. This position is responsible for assisting with the coordination and direction of daily job assignments of approximately 25 people, and overseeing production during assigned their shift, focusing on assigned cell first. Must be available to work on any shift.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintain a clean and safe work environment, instilling the idea that safety and housekeeping are hand-in-hand, creating and maintaining a positive safety-first cultureHelp foster a culture of ownership on the shop floor, creating opportunities for learning and understanding to all employeesProvide technical leadership to personnel which includes line setup/operationAbility to understand and follow production scheduleResponsible for set-ups and teardowns of siding and siding accessory lines. Includes installation of dies, changing of dies, and operating line per Standard Operating ProceduresCheck setup and quality of product being run on the extrusion linesCoordinate line changeovers to include teams and equipment stagingAssist the Extrusion Operator, Maintenance Tech with all changeoversPartner with quality/innovations departments to ensure all quality standards; practices, testing and metrics are administered and adhered to as required by VSI and the customer’s expectationsOperate extrusion line or other production processes when requiredPromote continuous improvement initiatives to include: 5S, scrap reduction initiatives, and quality/innovationsAdminister on the job training to new employees and provide continuous training as needed. Participate and act as a lead for the new Extruder Operator trainingRequired to coordinate in other areas (lamination, blending or material control) as directed by Production SupervisorDocument required quality checklist; operators, packers and service support; complete production paperwork, submitting it in a timely mannerVisually inspects products for quality and installation variance and defectsRepresenting the production department in all meetingsEnsure 5S standards as outlined on boards and 5S shine checklistsComplete other tasks as assignedESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum of 5 years’ experience related to manufacturing operations, specifically extrusion productionGood work knowledge of the entire production processGood computer skillsKnowledge of manufacturing processes and qualityLead supervisory experience a plusPHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to do the following:Employees must be able to be on foot for 12 hours. This position will routinely require the employee to walk between 15,000 and 20,000 steps during a shiftEmployees must be able to, on occasion, lift upwards of 50lbsThe employee is occasionally required to sit, stop, kneel or crawlThe employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls and must be able to reach with hands and armsSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision (must be able to see and distinguish colors), peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focusEmployees must demonstrate a high level of mental acuity in dealing with issues that arise on the shop floorEmployees must demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligenceWORK ENVIROMENT:This position works in a fast-paced manufacturing facility. Noise level commensurate with large machinery. Ear and eye protection must be worn at all times and steel toed shoes and long pants are required. Temperatures, although maintained, can be affected by outside weather conditions.Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US markets. The pay range is based on relevant market data in our lowest and highest geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, experience, and skillset. Westlake is a total compensation company. Depending on the position offered, sign on payments, and other forms of compensation may be offered as part of a total compensation package (also to include a full range of medical and other benefits).Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.