Lead Operator

Openwork; Pearland (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Openwork is hiring a Production Line Supervisor / Lead Operator to oversee daily packaging and containerizing operations in a Southeast Houston area plant. You will lead a hands-on team on the plant floor, coordinate workflow, and drive KPI performance to keep production on schedule.

The role requires 3+ years in manufacturing or chemical processing, 1+ year of supervisory experience, and a valid forklift certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ years supervisory or team lead experience.
• 3+ years in manufacturing, chemical processing, or industrial packaging.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Valid Forklift Certification required (or ability to obtain).
• High School Diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily packaging and containerizing operations by assigning tasks, training employees, and maintaining schedule adherence.
• Drive operational execution and make independent decisions on the floor.
• Track KPIs, identify gaps, and take proactive steps to meet shift targets.
• Conduct quality inspections, verify labeling accuracy, and maintain records.
• Enforce safety policies and LOTO protocols in a chemical plant environment.
• Operate equipment or assist with bottlenecks as needed.

Skills

Supervisory Experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

KPI Tracking

Problem-Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift Certification

Safety Compliance

Job description

Job Title: Production Line Supervisor / Lead Operator

Job Type: Direct-Hire

Pay Rate: $25.00 - $30.00 / hour (DOE)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Occasional overtime on weekends required based on production demands)

Location: Southeast Houston (Near Hobby Airport)

About the Role

Openwork is sourcing on behalf of our client, a chemical processing and packaging manufacturer. We are seeking a hands-on Production Line Supervisor / Lead Operator to lead our daily packaging and containerizing team. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating workflow, driving KPI performance, enforcing safety protocols, and making independent operational decisions to keep production running on schedule.

You will work directly on the plant floor alongside line operators while serving as the primary lead for shift execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Workflow: Lead daily packaging and containerizing operations by assigning tasks, training employees, and maintaining schedule adherence.
• Independent Decision-Making: Drive operational execution and make confident, independent decisions on the floor without escalating routine issues.
• KPI Tracking & Performance: Understand production metrics (KPIs), track operational gaps, and take proactive steps to meet shift target goals.
• Quality & Documentation: Conduct quality inspections throughout packaging, verify labeling accuracy, and maintain accurate production and shift records.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce company safety policies, proper PPE usage, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols in a chemical plant environment.
• Hands-On Support: Jump in to operate equipment, assist with line bottlenecks, or operate forklifts as needed to maintain shift output.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Supervisory Experience: Minimum 1+ years of demonstrated experience in a supervisory or team lead role (required).
• Manufacturing Background: 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, assembly line, chemical processing, or industrial packaging (required).
• Language Skills: Bilingual in English and Spanish is strongly preferred (to communicate effectively with a predominantly Spanish-speaking team).
• Certifications: Valid Forklift Certification required (or ability to complete plant certification upon hire).
• Skills & Aptitude: Strong time management, problem-solving skills, basic technical aptitude, and comfortable working in a fast-paced chemical manufacturing plant setting.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

EEO