LEAD PRODUCTION OPERATOR

ZipRecruiter; Arizona City (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ZipRecruiter is seeking a Lead Production Operator to manage daily operations on the manufacturing floor. This hands-on role requires overseeing production lines, ensuring safety and efficiency, leading a team, and upholding quality standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in manufacturing with strong leadership and technical skills, contributing to continuous improvement efforts and driving performance on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership experience is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily production activities to achieve targets.
• Lead onboarding and training for staff on production procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and optimize production.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Proficiency

Communication

Problem-Solving

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training in manufacturing or industrial technology

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

SUMMARY:
The Lead Production Operator plays a key role in the daily operations of the manufacturing floor by overseeing the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of production lines. This hands-on position combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that production goals are met without compromising quality, safety, or compliance. The Lead Production Operator also serves as a liaison between production staff and management, helping to drive performance, troubleshoot issues, and support continuous improvement efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise and coordinate daily production activities across assigned shifts or work areas to ensure production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently achieved.

• Provide clear direction and leadership to production operators, fostering a team-oriented environment that promotes accountability, efficiency, and mutual support.

• Verify that all required raw materials, packaging components, and tools are available and properly staged before the start of each production run.

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment as needed; escalate complex mechanical issues to maintenance in a timely manner to minimize downtime.

• Perform routine inspections of work-in-progress and finished products to verify conformance to quality specifications; document and address any non-conformities.

• Remove, inspect, label, and book all completed skids; determine the appropriate next steps—whether to approve for inventory or mark for rework/scrap—based on quality standards.

• Accurately complete and maintain production logs, batch records, and other documentation in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Lead by example in upholding all workplace safety standards, ensuring team adherence to PPE usage, proper equipment handling, and emergency procedures.

• Conduct onboarding and ongoing training for new and existing employees on production procedures, machine operation, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Collaborate closely with quality assurance, maintenance, warehouse, and production planning teams to resolve process bottlenecks, coordinate product changeovers, and optimize production flow.

• Participate in regular shift meetings and provide performance feedback, operational updates, and improvement suggestions to supervisors and other stakeholders.

• Support the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles, 5S practices, and other continuous improvement initiatives.

• Assist with conducting root cause analysis for quality issues, equipment malfunctions, or process deviations, and help implement corrective/preventive actions.

• Flexibly respond to shifting priorities, special projects, and urgent production needs as directed by supervisors or plant leadership.

• Responsibilities may vary slightly based on product line, equipment type, and facility layout.

COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to motivate, coach, and develop team members to achieve production goals and maintain high morale.

• Quality and Detail : Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of product quality and consistency.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in operating, troubleshooting, and performing basic maintenance on production equipment and systems.

• Operational Efficiency: Skilled in organizing resources, prioritizing tasks, and driving workflow to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.

• Communication and Problem-Solving: Effective verbal and written communication skills; capable of identifying and resolving issues quickly and collaboratively.

• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment and responding flexibly to evolving production needs and challenges.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or coursework in manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field is a plus.

• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.

• Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory role is strongly .

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

• Experience with ERP or production tracking systems is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop for extended periods.

• Regular use of hands and arms to handle materials, tools, or machinery.

• Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds as needed.

• Occasional climbing, squatting, and kneeling required for equipment access or maintenance tasks.

• Must be able to work in a physically demanding, fast-paced environment that may include loud noise, temperature variations, and exposure to manufacturing materials.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.