Operations Lead

Potters Industries; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 73,531,000 - 99,479,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401K

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Potters Industries seeks an Operations Lead to oversee the direct melt furnace and related processes, ensuring safe and efficient plant operation and monitoring environmental conditions. The role emphasizes safety, environmental compliance, and quality improvements, with responsibility for daily checks, audits, and coordination with maintenance and management.

The position demands hands-on experience with furnace operations, forklift certification, and collaboration in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• 3–5 years forklift operations experience preferred.
• Certification preferred for forklift operation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ongoing operation of the direct melt furnace and related processes.
• Ensure safe and efficient plant operation; monitor environmental conditions.
• Perform environmental checks and maintain records.
• Coordinate with Management/Maintenance for scheduled maintenance and repairs.
• Attend production meetings and identify safety, environmental, and cost-saving improvements.
• Oversee material inventories and production reporting; ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Forklift operation

Plant safety systems

Confined Space entry

Hot Work permitting

Lockout/Tagout

Industrial instrumentation

PLCs

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

The Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the ongoing operation of the direct melt furnace and related processes, including batching and atomization/bead forming. This position ensures the safe and efficient functioning of the plant, while monitoring environmental and operational conditions.

• Hourly Rate:$30.19 per hour
• Position Type: Full-Time Permanent
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401K
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Shift Information:

• Starting Shift (for training): 8-hour day shift (Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
• Permanent Shift:12 Hour shift 5p-5a
• Has significant responsibility for the safe operation of the plant, monitoring and responding to unsafe conditions.
• Routinely monitors environmental conditions in the plant, taking appropriate corrective actions when needed.
• Ensures compliance with environmental permits and Good Neighbor principles, including monitoring baghouse emissions and other potential fugitive sources of dust.
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly environmental checks and recordkeeping as required.
• Conducts gas safety checks on the furnace and cullet dryer.
• Performs furnace audits at least once a month and records results, notifying management of any concerns.
• Assists or performs furnace and firebox repairs, particularly when the Process Improvement Technician is unavailable.
• Ensures the furnace operates efficiently, assisting with minor furnace system repairs.
• Attends production meetings to provide input on safety, environmental concerns, quality improvements, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Works to ensure the plant operates within established safety, environmental, process, quality, and efficiency standards.
• Actively participates in problem-solving meetings, presenting solutions to identified deficiencies.
• Coordinates with Management/Maintenance to ensure scheduled maintenance is completed on time.
• Ensures that team members comply with health, safety, and housekeeping standards.
• Oversees department material inventories and coordinates with the raw material coordinator.
• Understands production reporting requirements and is knowledgeable about raw material and process flows.
• Performs routine visual and audible inspections of equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Troubleshoots basic problems with material processing flows as they occur.
• Certified in forklift operation, performs shift checks on the forklift, and refuels as required.
• Certified in front-end loader operation, performing shift checks and refueling as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of forklift operations, certification preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Experience with plant safety systems, including Confined Space entry, Hot Work permitting, and Lockout/Tagout of industrial equipment.
• Basic skills in interfacing with industrial instrumentation and PLCs.
• Basic computer skills for reporting and documentation.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong work ethic and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Training Certification/Registrations:

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing Plant Environment
• Glass manufacturing environment with high ambient temperatures

Potters Industries is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veterans' status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.