Operator, Oven Lead - 3rd Shift

Myers Industries Inc.; Middlebury (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Lead to oversee production in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role is pivotal in ensuring that all aspects of production run smoothly, from meeting quality targets to fostering a positive safety culture. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in production, excellent leadership abilities, and the capacity to communicate effectively with team members. Join a forward-thinking company where your contributions will directly impact operations and employee satisfaction. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are passionate about driving productivity, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of production experience, preferably in a lead role.
• Forklift certification required; strong communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production activities ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Coordinate training and productivity targets for the shift.
• Promote a positive safety culture and manage employee relations.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Mathematical Skills

Forklift Operation

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Forklift

LEAN Tools

Job description

Posted Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Elkhart Plastics, a Myers Industries company (NYSE: MYE), is one of the largest custom rotational molding companies in the United States. With more than 500 employees and 33 years in business, we have the experience and knowledge to make any unique part using the rotomolding process. Elkhart Plastics headquarters are in South Bend, IN, and we have additional facilities in Middlebury, IN; Littleton, CO; Ridgefield, WA; and Atlantic, IA, use the most advanced rotational molding equipment in the industry. We create custom plastics in virtually every application imaginable and an almost endless variety of shapes and thicknesses. From storage tanks to boat seating and agricultural applications to intermediate bulk containers and plastic pallets, Elkhart Plastics is trusted by companies throughout the country to provide a rotationally molded solution, custom designed to meet their needs.

Job Overview

The Lead is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production related to their designated work area for the shift including goals/targets, quality, training, and data recording, ensuring that all rotational molding production activities are carried out in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Owns and drives productivity, quality and schedule attainment for the shift
• Coordinates daily production schedule to develop rotation based on scheduling needs while ensuring training needs are met
• Responds to production-related issues, orders and production demands, meeting or exceeding production targets
• Learns processing of rotational molding equipment, observes machines and equipment in operation for malfunctions, and able to start and stop all machinery
• Performs production duties and fills-in as required to relieve employees for breaks, absenteeism, and vacations
• Conducts training of new employees and retraining as required
• Leads 5S activities through the shift, requires clean-up of work areas on a daily basis
• Learns and understands LEAN tools and their use and is a champion in leading the usage of these tools and behaviors for the shift
• Continually monitors and assesses personnel and coaches them on ergonomics, behavior, participation, cross-training, etc
• Promotes a positive safety culture by ensuring all safety policies and procedures are being followed and sustaining a safe work environment
• Completes accident reports immediately after an accident occurs, notifying Safety Coordinator, Production Manager/Supervisor, Plant Manager, and HR
• Actively takes the role of leadership in the area of responsibility and reinforces the company’s policies
• Assists in administering an effective employee relations program which ensures employee needs are met while helping to provide overall support with production operations
• Ensures all non-conforming reports are filled out, coordinated and closed properly
• Reviews employee training data and coordinates with supervisors to ensure all training needs are met
• Adheres to attendance policy
• Assists with projects as assigned by manager/supervisor

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required
• 2 – 4 years of production experience, preferably most recent in a lead role
• Minimum of one year forklift experience preferred
• Knowledgeable with and/or able to learn key areas of responsibility
• Must be able to operate, understand, and transfer knowledge of all machinery and equipment
• Must be able to communicate workplace hazards and handle different situations that will arise, including emergency situations
• Forklift certification from Elkhart Plastics/Myers Industries required
• Strong reading and mathematical skills required
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and leadership skills required

Working Conditions

Able to work in hot humid environment for extended periods of time. This job is in a typical manufacturing environment, to include:

• Ovens, torches, and rotating tools
• Forklifts and other moving machinery
• Loud work environment

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Required to frequently sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Walking and standing on concrete surfaces the majority of the time (8-12 hours) as this position requires a continuous presence on the manufacturing floor
• Required to be able to operate and use all necessary safety equipment
• Must be able to tolerate repetitive motions for extended periods of time
• Must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures

Myers Industries, Inc. is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.