Operator

Central States, Inc.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K Match

Education assistance

Profit-Sharing bonus

Medical

Dental

Vision

Holiday pay

Vacation pay

Employee Assistance Program

Care Guides

Life insurance

Wellness Program

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Merit increases

SHINE program

Job summary

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking an Operator to support manufacturing operations at our Kentucky site. You will operate production equipment, move materials, and ensure parts meet quality and safety standards while maintaining a clean, organized workspace.

You will cross-train across multiple production areas, assist in safety and quality tasks, and participate in training new hires. This position emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and continual improvement as part of our ESOP

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year experience operating production equipment preferred.
• Completion of a technical or vocational training program in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment and handle materials to meet specifications.
• Set up equipment and perform routine inspections.
• Read engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; perform end-of-shift housekeeping.
• Cross-train across multiple production areas as needed.
• Train new hires on equipment and safety procedures.
• Support quality checks and document outcomes at each work center.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Vocational training in manufacturing

Lean manufacturing familiarity

Tools

Hoists

Cranes

Forklifts

Job description

Come be an Employee-Owner of one of the nation’s largest producers of metal roofing and siding! We sell, manufacture, build, and distribute metal building components and packages. Since 1988 we’ve grown to over 13 locations nationwide. We make raving fans of our customers with our “right, on time, every time” commitment.
So, who are we looking for?
People who “Own It” – Commitment to the customer, the company, and each other:
You are customer-focused with an eye for detail.
You are reliable.
People who “Can Do” – Our Attitude:
You are an innovative thinker pursuing continuous improvement.
You embrace teamwork.
You want to positively make an impact and open to change.
People who “Act in Love” – Treats others with humility, respect, kindness, honesty, patience, and self-control.
You enjoy giving back to your community. We take great pride in the communities we live in, so we give back with our time and talents. Each year you can take paid time off to support a cause close to your heart.
And what will you do?

Summary:
The “Operator” supports manufacturing operations by operating production equipment, handling materials, and ensuring products are produced according to specifications, quality requirements, and safety standards. This role performs equipment setup, routine inspections, material movement, and documentation while maintaining a clean and organized work area. The Operator cross-trains across multiple production areas to support operational flexibility and consistently delivers “Right. On Time. Every Time.” products and customer service to both internal and external customers.

Core Functions:

• Follow all plant safety procedures and wear required PPE; help maintain safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Set up and operate production equipment such as panel lines, purlin machines, slitter/recoil systems, standing seam lines, Alpha equipment, and seamer tables.
• Perform material handling tasks including loading coils, moving raw materials, catching/stacking finished goods, and operating hoists, cranes, and forklifts.
• Carry out role-specific duties (e.g., panel operating, purlin production, trim/wrap driving, hardware and accessories assembly, coil receiving, Alpha operations).
• Inspect products visually and dimensionally using tape measures, calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, job packets, and work instructions to ensure accurate production.
• Report equipment issues promptly and support basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including completing end-of-shift housekeeping.
• Train new hires on equipment, procedures, safety, and quality standards.
• Ensures that Quality Control is being performed at each work center based on the QC standard, RMA corrective actions, and internal/external customer feedback.
• Cross-train and assist in multiple production areas as business needs require.

Performs other duties and activities related to the department as necessary to support overall operations and responsibilities, even if not specifically listed above.

Key Measures of Success:

• Operates assigned machinery and handles materials safely and efficiently while meeting daily production and quality targets.
• Demonstrates flexibility by cross-training and successfully performing in multiple equipment areas or roles.
• Collaborates effectively with Employee Owners and supervisors to maintain workflow and resolve issues quickly.
• Produces accurate, defect-free parts that meet specifications and customer expectations.
• Identifies and communicates opportunities for process improvements that enhance safety, workflow, or equipment utilization.
• Understands cost control and what financially impacts the team.
• Accurately uses measuring tools and performs required mathematical calculations.
• Shows consistent progress in learning new equipment and operational skills.
• Consistently exhibits and displays the company’s values of “Own It. Can Do. Act in Love.”

Education & Experience:

• Current Flexibility Test taken
• Observation Test
• Transfer policy requirements

Preferred: (External)

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience operating production equipment, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using hoists, cranes, and forklifts.
• Completion of a technical or vocational training program in manufacturing, machining, or related field.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement processes.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment. This role will routinely utilize standard and/or specialized manufacturing equipment to perform core functions, and will interact with production areas, equipment, or machinery at operational sites. The work requires mainly active tasks, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of materials or tools weighing up to 55 pounds.

This role involves working in environments that may be loud, non-temperature-controlled, and exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Employees frequently interact with machinery, moving objects, and vehicles.

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required by site policy when in designated production or operational areas.

Key Physical Requirements:

• Regular activities: standing, walking, and performing tasks requiring fine motor skills (e.g., reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending)
• Occasional activities: sitting, climbing, crawling, and lifting items weighing up to 55 lbs.
• Environmental notes: exposure to noise, temperature variations, machinery, moving objects, and outdoor weather conditions

Reasonable accommodation is available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Travel

This position may require up to 5% travel, depending on business needs. Travel may include visits to company locations, client sites, training, or industry events. The amount of travel is subject to change and should not be considered a fixed or ongoing expectation.

Benefits Offered:

At Central States, we are an ESOP. That means each one of our employees is an owner of the company and receives an allocation of stock every year. This allows all our employees to share in the wealth and success of the company. We also offer:

• 401K Match
• Education assistance available – Up to $5,250 each year
• Profit-Sharing bonus
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Holiday pay
• Vacation pay
• Employee Assistance Program providing Confidential Emotional Support, Work and Lifestyle Support, Legal Guidance, Financial Resources and Digital Support
• Care Guides to help employees navigate the complex healthcare system
• Life insurance – 1.5x annual salary – 100% employer paid
• Wellness Program – earn up to $1,200 annually when enrolling in a medical plan!
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability – 100% employer paid
• Performance based merit increases
• SHINE program – Employee Financial Assistance and Dependent Scholarships!

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.