Lead Operator

PPC INDUSTRIES INC; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

PPC Industries is seeking a Lead Operator in Wisconsin to manage extrusion lines, bag machines, winders, printers and inline converting equipment. The role emphasizes quality, waste reduction and hands-on training for junior staff and mixers/packers.

The ideal candidate will ensure GMP/GDP compliance, follow SOPs, and maintain a clean, efficient work area while coordinating setup, startup and operation across 12-hour shifts.

Qualifications

• Senior-level manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with extrusion lines, bag machines, winders, printers.
• Knowledge of GMPs and GDPs and GMP/GDP compliance.
• Ability to train junior employees and supervise packers.

Responsibilities

• Set up and startup extrusion lines and related equipment.
• Perform quality checks and document run records.
• Train and supervise mixers and packers.
• Maintain clean and organized work area.
• Operate bag machines and winders; adjust settings.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

Training

Problem solving

Safety compliance

GMP/GDP knowledge

Reading job orders

Basic math

Basic computer skills

Process optimization

Tools

Material Management Systems

Inline printing systems

Job description

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 FunctionsAll 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 materialsResponsible 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 locationNon-essential Job FunctionsAssist with preventative maintenance activity (screen changes / blade replacement / cleaning air rings / etc…).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 SupervisorsBasic math skills to complete calculation and measurement of product.Basic computer skills to input data / interface with Material Management Systems.Other Skills/AbilitiesBe 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.