Lead Operator (Full-time) - Day Shift

Nestlé S.A.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé Health Science is seeking a Lead Operator to oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring quality and safe production across brands. You will lead by example, mentor teammates, and drive process improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires prior machine operator experience, English literacy, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–3:00 PM, with potential overtime based on business needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Prior machine operator experience required.
• 2+ years in manufacturing or factory setting preferred.
• Comfort using computers, tablets, and other digital tools.
• Able to read, write, and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations and manage the department in the absence of a supervisor or manager.
• Assign tasks and support team members to meet production goals.
• Operate, set up, clean, and adjust machinery independently and with a team.
• Monitor and control process parameters to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Perform quality checks and in-process inspections.
• Complete data entry using paper forms, computers, or tablets.
• Train and mentor colleagues on procedures, safety, and equipment.
• Identify and elevate issues to supervisors when needed.
• Support overflow tasks and assist across departments.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Adhere to GMPs and SOPs.

Skills

Organized

Attention to detail

Team oriented

Quality assurance

Powders/chemicals familiarity

Maintenance tools knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Maintenance tools

Packaging machinery

Processing machinery

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

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.

Must have basic proficiency of English language to comply with verbal and written directions, signs, policies and procedures.

SHIFT/SCHEDULE:

This role operates on the 1st shift, with a schedule of Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Lead Operator, you’ll take charge of daily operations and help guide the team behind some of the world’s most loved brands — delivering quality, care, and consistency in every product we make. You’ll lead by example, support your team, and take ownership of complex tasks to keep production running safely and smoothly. Your work helps us do what we do best: care deeply, deliver consistently, and grow together.

This position will support our Kitchen Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily operations and manage the department in the absence of a supervisor or manager
• Assign tasks and support team members to meet production goals
• Operate, set up, clean, and adjust machinery independently and with a team
• Monitor and control process parameters to ensure accuracy and traceability
• Perform quality checks and in-process inspections
• Complete data entry using paper forms, computers, or tablets
• Train and mentor colleagues on procedures, safety, and equipment
• Identify and elevate issues to supervisors when needed
• Support overflow tasks and assist across departments
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)andStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• Prior machine operator experience required
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or factory setting preferred
• Comfortable using computers, tablets, and other digital tools
• Able to read, write, and understand English
• Able to lift up to 50lbs and stand, bend, climb, and move throughout your shift
• Flexible to work overtime based on business needs

SKILLS:

• Organized with strong attention to detail
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Team oriented and committed to fostering a positive work environment
• Knowledge of quality assurance protocols
• Comfortable working around powders, chemicals, and food allergens
• Familiarity with tools and equipment including maintenance tools, packaging and processing machinery, mechanical and electrical systems, and pressurized equipment

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.