Lead Operator

Spectrum Plastics Group; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

PPC Industries in Pleasant Prairie, WI is seeking a Lead Operator for its extrusion operations. This senior manufacturing role oversees multiple extrusion lines, sets up equipment, and ensures high product quality while minimizing waste.

The successful candidate will train and supervise packers and mixers on shift, follow GMPs and GDPs, and document run records. A background in packaging/printing equipment is desirable and a strong eye for quality is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 30 lbs. consistently and higher occasionally.
• Ability to work on a rotating 12 hour shift schedule (day / night).
• Experience as a packer.
• Willingness to listen and learn through on the job training from Supervisors.
• Basic math skills to complete calculation and measurement of product.
• Basic computer skills to input data / interface with Material Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Observe GMPs and GDPs and follow safety regulations.
• Identify and locate raw materials by reading job orders.
• Set up and start extrusion lines, adjust resin blends and remove unnecessary material.
• Set up inline printing, retrieve and return ink, and clean up after job completion.
• Train and supervise packers and mixers per shift.
• Ensure product quality and proper housekeeping.
• Document run records for manufactured product.

Skills

Ability to lift 30 lbs

12-hour shift experience

Experience as a packer

On-the-job training willingness

Basic math skills

Basic computer skills

Reading job orders

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: PPC - Pleasant Prairie - Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

Position Type: Full Time

The lead operator position is a senior level manufacturing position at PPC Industries. This position is designed for a highly experienced and knowledgeable employee. A lead operator will generally be responsible for 6 / 7 extrusion lines. The lead operator is responsible for performing equipment setup and startup for extrusion lines, bag machines, winders, printers and inline converting equipment. A successful lead operator will be mindful for product quality with a focus on minimizing material waste (scrap). The lead operator is the key employee in the PPC process for ensuring product quality. The lead operator is a leadership position that provides guidance and training for mixers and packers as well as other lead operators.

Essential Job Functions

• All safety regulations must be observed. Operators must also follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).
• Identify and locate raw materials by reading and interpreting job orders.
• Perform equipment setup and startups, bringing extrusion lines in and out of production including identifying appropriate resin blends and removal of non‑required materials.
• Responsible for setting up inline printing including ink retrieval and ink return. Operators on shift when a job ends, are responsible to clean up and return the ink to the ink room appropriately.
• Make adjustments to settings, including web guide settings, tension settings, width settings, bag machine and winder settings, Doctor machine setting, etc…
• Responsible for the setup, startup and operation of the bag machines and winders.
• Responsible for providing supervision and direction for packers assigned to their extrusion lines as well as the mixer / material handler for their shift.
• Responsible for quality of product that is being manufactured.
• Keep work area clean / organized. No product or raw materials should be on the floor.
• Perform Quality Control checks as required by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Documenting the run record for manufactured product.
• Ability to train junior employees on equipment and process.
• Willingness to support other Lead Operators in maintaining all extrusion lines.
• Ensure that unused equipment is stored in the proper location.

Non-essential Job Functions

• Assist with preventative maintenance activity (screen changes / blade replacement / cleaning air rings / etc…).

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 30 lbs. consistently and higher occasionally.
• Ability to work on a rotating 12 hour shift schedule (day / night).
• Experience as a packer.
• Willingness to listen and learn through on the job training from Supervisors.
• Basic math skills to complete calculation and measurement of product.
• Basic computer skills to input data / interface with Material Management Systems.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Be able to perform length, gauge and weight measurements.
• Use of hand tools, such as wrenches, scrapers, die gauges, screwdrivers, tape measures, etc.
• Be able to visually inspect product for defects.