Machine Operator Lead

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assign and delegate daily tasks to machine operators, coordinate break schedules, and provide hands‑on training for new and existing machine operators.
• Safety and Compliance:
  Enforce all company safety policies and procedures, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper lockout/tagout procedures, etc.
• Monitor machine performance and production output to ensure daily goals and deadlines are met. Use Redzone to track production data and report on key performance metrics.
• Address mechanical and technical issues with machinery and work with maintenance or engineering teams to resolve major equipment malfunctions. Perform minor adjustments and preventative maintenance as needed.
• Conduct quality checks on finished products and perform in‑process inspections to ensure all items meet required specifications and standards.
• Participate in and promote continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean Manufacturing or 6S organization, to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide status updates to leadership and supervisors on production performance, quality issues, and team concerns. Complete all necessary production logs and paperwork.
• Responsible for setup between the time frame established to ensure the equipment is properly set up for the production schedule.
• Train other drinks machine operators on how to perform setup and troubleshoot line malfunctions.
• Production efficiency, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), overall downtime between failure on the equipment and the time that is back operational.
• Assist with all process improvement projects and production/quality standards, Company KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to include, but are not limited to safety, quality, cost and housekeeping.
• Comply with all equipment, safety and OSHA rules and regulations.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and consumable parts for equipment.
• Coordinate the services of outside vendors when necessary to support drinks filling department.
• Identify existing and potential operational problems and efficiencies.
• Maintain and organize the documents and procedures related to calibration, preventative maintenance and usage of logbook.
• Follow the Company documents (BOM) when the setup is performed and during the shift, best GMP practices and safety regulations.
• Perform quality checks to ensure drinks department meets company and customer quality standards e.g. (weights, seals, code, etc.).

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Must have technical knowledge and mechanical aptitude to perform complex start‑up, debugging and repairs of packaging machinery.
• Ability to read and understand technical instructions and reference materials to interpret and apply Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions; perform practical application of mathematical calculations to solve specific mechanical problems.
• Communicate effectively in English and Spanish to interface with multiple internal customers and equipment vendors, contractors and others to meet project requirements.
• Must have a working knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, etc.
• Reading, writing and speaking English clearly and concisely.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, including previous experience in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proficient in operating complex or computer‑controlled (Liquid Fillers) machinery. Experience with material handling equipment, such as forklifts, may also be required.
• Knowledge: A strong understanding of safety protocols (including OSHA), quality standards…