Lead Operator (Full-time) - Day Shift

Nestlé Health Science; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé Health Science is seeking a Lead Operator for the 1st shift in San Antonio, TX. You will lead daily operations in the Kitchen Department, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency while guiding a team through production tasks.

You will train colleagues, monitor process parameters, perform quality checks, and maintain GMP/SOP compliance to deliver consistent, high-quality products.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or factory setting.
• Comfortable using computers, tablets, and digital tools.
• Able to read, write, and understand English.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for shifts.
• Flexible to work overtime based on business needs.

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) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organized with detail

Basic math skills

Team oriented

Quality assurance awareness

Safety awareness

Reading and comprehension

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Maintenance tools

Packaging and processing machinery

Mechanical and electrical systems

Industrial equipment familiarity

Job description

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) and Standard 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 50 lbs 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.