Lead Operator

Graphic Packaging International; Shelbyville (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health & Welfare Benefits

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International is seeking a Lead Operator to set up and maintain blanking equipment, perform startup/shutdown, troubleshoot tooling, and ensure quality production. The role emphasizes safety, 5S discipline, and teamwork across shifts in a fast-paced environment.

Starting at $24.76 per hour with a $1.15 night shift differential and comprehensive benefits, this position requires hands-on mechanical expertise and strong communication, with opportunities to train apprentices and

Qualifications

• 2 years of comparable lead production operator experience.
• Strong mechanical background; able to use hand and power tools safely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; detail oriented.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to perform physical functions: stand/walk up to 12 hours, lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties safely and orderly.
• Observe and participate in safety meetings and tours.
• Maintain safe operation of blanking equipment and report issues.
• Train other lead operators and apprentices when qualified.
• Complete daily production reports and keep organization with 5S.

Skills

Lead operator experience

Mechanical skills

Verbal & written communication

Basic computer skills

Physical ability

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

If you are a GPI employee, please click the Employee Login before applying.

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

Job Details

Lead Operator

$1,500 Retention Bonus for New Hires and Qualifying Rehires

Starting At $24.76

$1.15/Hour Shift Differential for Night Shift

Benefits Start on the 1st Of the Month Following Your Start Date

Job Summary

Set up and maintain equipment used in the production of blanks. Duties include start-up and shut down of equipment, troubleshooting, change-over of tooling, and housekeeping.

WORK DEVICES

Hand tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, T-handles, Allen wrenches, brooms, air hose, lock-out padlock, pry bar, and ball peen hammer, power tools such as impact wrenches, tape measure, written procedures.

Description Of Tasks

• Perform all duties in a safe and orderly manner.
• Be engaged, involved; Participate in safety meetings and safety tours.
• Ensure equipment meets safety standards, monitoring throughout the shift.
• Observe, mitigate, and/or report unsafe acts or conditions.
• Maintain continuous, safe operation of blanking equipment, producing quality product at efficient production levels.
• Complete shut-down and start-up procedures.
• Produce products consistent with established food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Set up, adjust, and repair equipment utilizing written standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and trouble cause correction (TCC’s) instructions.
• Maintain 5S in work area. Maintain a clean machine to avoid malfunctions and hazards.
• Perform prescribed quality checks. Trouble-shoot quality concerns.
• Notify supervisor and/or group leader of problems that arise beyond a Lead Operator’s typical scope, i.e., poor product quality, excessive spoilage, mechanical and materials issues.
• Complete daily paperwork and computer production reports.
• Once qualified, instruct and train others, including other lead operators and apprentices, may include training on off shifts if necessary.
• Manage workload as necessary to ensure production requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor, group leader, peers, other employees, and oncoming shift.
• Actively participate and maintain Graphic Packaging Systems initiatives.
• Perform blanker operator and/or blanker packer duties, as required; relieve for breaks and lunches; Assist in other areas, as needed.
• Fulfill overtime requirements, and to work on alternate shifts to facilitate training and to cover the opposite shift.

Special Qualifications

• 2 years of comparable lead production operator experience in an industrial setting.
• Strong mechanical background and skill level to perform technical tasks including being skilled with and able to use hand and power tools properly and safely (reference “Work Devices” section), experienced with mechanical components and equipment, and experienced with troubleshooting skills.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills. Must be detail- oriented. Must be able to work well with all levels of personnel, individually or in a team environment; Must be able to interface and communicate with others to assist with repairs and troubleshooting. Must be self-motivated; work well on own with minimal supervision and/or take direction from others to accomplish goals.
• Basic computer experience.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without accommodation. This includes standing and/or walking for extended periods of time, up to 12-hours; Lifting up to 50 lbs. to a height of 3 feet; Pushing blank carts weighing up to 1,500 lbs. (2-person job); Visual acuity and depth perception; Working in various temperatures & humidity levels.

Safe Quality Food Responsibilities

Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.

Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe foods or noncompliance to SQF related procedures.

Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.

Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).

Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.

GPI’s Benefit Program

• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) w/employer matching
• Health & Welfare Benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Various Voluntary benefits
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off + paid company holidays each year

Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email [e-mail].

Requisition: 16227