Lead Operator

Nestlé Health Science; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Nestlé Health Science is seeking a Production Team Lead in Savannah, GA to champion Lean improvement and daily operations on the production line. This hourly role leads change initiatives, mentors peers, and ensures safety, quality, and efficiency across shifts.

You will train teams on 5S, standard work, and visual controls while coordinating with maintenance and engineering to optimize centerlining and changeovers.

Qualifications

• Degree: high school degree or equivalent.
• Experience: 5+ years in frontline manufacturing.
• Excellent verbal communication and ability to present to management.
• Leadership: informal leadership and ability to motivate colleagues.
• Problem-solving: proactive with root-cause analysis.
• Initiative: self-starter with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability and collaboration in cross-functional teams.
• Blending and Processing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Lead improvement projects using Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Train colleagues in applying Lean tools including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Controls.
• Centerlining and Cleaning-Inspection-Lubrication (CIL) procedures: verify settings, report deviations, assist with changes.
• Collaborate with management to communicate challenges and propose solutions.
• Maintain and sustain implemented improvements over time.

Skills

Lean tools

5S

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Initiative

Adaptability

Collaboration

Blending

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.

Job Title: Production Team Lead

Role Summary

Manufacturing Excellence Hourly Change Agent Job Description

The Manufacturing Excellence Hourly Change Agent supports the company’s continuous improvement culture by actively identifying, leading, and implementing small-scale improvement projects within their daily responsibilities. This position requires a proactive, engaged, and motivated individual who works with their peers and leadership to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve safety and quality.

This position reports to the Manufacturing Excellence Manager.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Schedule: 5:30am-2:30pm; Monday-Friday with ability to flex when required (training, workshop, etc…) Opportunities for overtime.
• Starting hourly pay of $24.00 based on knowledge and demonstrated skills
• Comprehensive Nestlé benefits after 30 days of employment- https://www.healthworksatnestle.com/

Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement: Observe day-to-day operations, use practical experience and data to pinpoint areas for improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Lead improvement projects: Facilitate and participate in short, focused improvement activities and workshops, using Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Implement Lean techniques: Train and assist colleagues in applying fundamental Lean tools, including:
  • 5S: Sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain a clean and organized work environment.
  • Standard Work: Ensure processes are consistent by documenting and following best practices.
  • Visual Controls: Use visual signals to manage inventory, quality, settings and workflow.

Centerlining (CL) and Cleaning-Inspection-Lubrication (CIL)

Some examples:

• Verify equipment settings: Routinely check and confirm that machine parameters—such as speed, temperature, pressure, or guide rail alignment—are set according to documented standards (the "centerline").
• Report deviations: Immediately communicate any deviations from the established centerline settings to the production team and maintenance.
• Assist with changeovers: Work with maintenance and engineering teams to define and improve centerlining procedures for new products and equipment.
• Improve centerlining processes: Help update and maintain visual centerlining standards and procedures at the workstation, ensuring they are clear and easy to follow.
• Collect and analyze data: Use simple data collection methods to measure performance, quantify potential improvements, and track project results.
• Promote a culture of improvement: Champion new ways of working and effectively communicate the "why" behind changes to fellow team members to foster buy-in and reduce resistance.
• Train and coach colleagues: Provide peer-to-peer training and coaching on new processes or improvement techniques to ensure successful adoption.
• Collaborate with management: Act as a bridge between the frontline team and supervisors to communicate challenges, propose solutions, and provide feedback on improvement initiatives.
• Maintain standards: Help sustain implemented improvements by regularly auditing the work area and ensuring new standards are maintained over time.

Other duties as assigned by Manager/Supervisor:

including but not limited to, running a line or leading a shift if needed.

Qualifications And Skills

• Degree: high school degree or equivalent
• Experience: Proven track record of strong performance in a frontline or hourly role within the operational environment, preferably a minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing.
• Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex ideas to peers and present information clearly to management.
• Leadership: Demonstrated informal leadership skills and the ability to influence and motivate colleagues without formal authority. Excellent attendance records.
• Problem-solving: A proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify root causes and contribute to developing effective solutions.
• Initiative: Self-starter who can take ownership of improvement projects with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability: Possesses the flexibility and confidence to embrace and adapt to change within the workplace.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills that enable effective teamwork and collaboration across different functions.
• Blending and Processing experience preferred.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Timely execution and quality of the delivery of the tasks and duties assigned.
• Number of improvement suggestions submitted and implemented.
• Participation rates in improvement projects.
• Quantifiable metrics of project success, such as reductions in waste, improvements in cycle time, or enhancements in safety scores.
• Feedback from peers and supervisors on effectiveness as a change agent.

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Bonus Eligibility: Yes

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

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