Lead Operator - Manufacturing Team Coach & Problem Solver

Watlow; Missouri; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Watlow is hiring a Lead Operator at its Hannibal, MO manufacturing facility. You will guide the work center, coach the team on continuous improvement, and collaborate with Team Leader, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain to keep production running safely and on schedule.

Responsibilities include building product to design, updating daily production plans, leading Gemba walks, and ensuring 6S and proper training records, while reinforcing Watlow Leader Behaviors to develop the team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to exercise judgment and implement solutions in area of responsibility.
• Technical troubleshooting across process, equipment, and product.
• Proven ability to contribute to problem solving with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to train others and transfer knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Watlow Business System and WW Leader Behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Build product to design using work instructions and standards and audit standard work.
• Initiate and update daily production plan to meet takt and MO delivery requirements.
• Coach and mentor cell team members on training and development.
• Lead Gemba walks and follow up on actions related to Cell Improvement and PSCs.
• Follow the Andon process and SOP for Lead Operator role.
• Verify 6S daily and maintain a safe, healthy work environment.
• Communicate with Team Leader on issues and concerns.
• Ensure training records for the Work Cell are complete and retained.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure inventory accuracy.

Skills

Judgment & decision making

Technical troubleshooting

Problem solving

Training others

Interpersonal & communication

Watlow Business System

WW Leader Behaviors

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two-year degree / technical certificate or 3–5 years of related experience

Tools

Watlow Business System

Job description

Watlow is hiring a Lead Operator at its Hannibal, MO manufacturing facility. You will guide the work center, coach the team on continuous improvement, and collaborate with Team Leader, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain to keep production running safely and on schedule.

Responsibilities include building product to design, updating daily production plans, leading Gemba walks, and ensuring 6S and proper training records, while reinforcing Watlow Leader Behaviors to develop the team.