Lead Operator

The lead operator position is a senior level manufacturing position at PPC Industries. This position is designed for a highly experienced and knowledgeable employee. A lead operator will generally be responsible for 6 / 7 extrusion lines. The lead operator is responsible for performing equipment setup and startup for extrusion lines, bag machines, winders, printers and inline converting equipment. A successful lead operator will be mindful for product quality with a focus on minimizing material waste (scrap). The lead operator is the key employee in the PPC process for ensuring product quality. The lead operator is a leadership position that provides guidance and training for mixers and packers as well as other lead operators.

Essential Job Functions

• All safety regulations must be observed. Operators must also follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).
• Identify and locate raw materials by reading and interpreting job orders.
• Perform equipment setup and startups, bringing extrusion lines in and out of production including identifying appropriate resin blends and removal of non-required materials
• Responsible for setting up inline printing including ink retrieval and ink return. Operators on shift when a job ends, are responsible to clean up and return the ink to the ink room appropriately.
• Make adjustments to settings, including web guide settings, tension settings, width settings, bag machine and winder settings, Doctor machine setting, etc…
• Responsible for the setup, startup and operation of the bag machines and winders.
• Responsible for providing supervision and direction for packers assigned to their extrusion lines as well as the mixer / material handler for their shift.
• Responsible for quality of product that is being manufactured.
• Keep work area clean / organized. No product or raw materials should be on the floor.
• Perform Quality Control checks as required by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Documenting the run record for manufactured product.
• Ability to train junior employees on equipment and process.
• Willingness to support other Lead Operators in maintaining all extrusion lines.
• Ensure that unused equipment is stored in the proper location

Non-essential Job Functions

• Assist with preventative maintenance activity (screen changes / blade replacement / cleaning air rings / etc…).

• Ability to work on a rotating 12 hour shift schedule (day / night).
• Experience as a packer.
• Willingness to listen and learn through on the job training from Supervisors
• Basic math skills to complete calculation and measurement of product.
• Basic computer skills to input data / interface with Material Management Systems.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Be able to perform length, gauge and weight measurements.
  • Use of hand tools, such as wrenches, scrapers, die gauges, screwdrivers, tape measures, etc.
• Be able to visually inspect product for defects.