Injection Operator Lead

Niagara Bottling•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Injection Operator Lead performs a variety of tasks requiring knowledge of injection processes and is responsible for day-to-day operations associated with PET and HDPE injection equipment and auxiliary equipment. The role supports the preparation, setup, startup, and operation of injection equipment; minor adjustments may be made as directed, but mechanical work requires prior approval. The Lead supports safe, quality-focused production by conducting shift walkthroughs, completing production and quality documentation, identifying and reporting defects or unsafe conditions, and maintaining housekeeping standards. The position also coaches and trains team members, communicates across shifts, works with minimal supervision in multiple production areas, and collaborates with maintenance on minor equipment issues. This position works 12-hour day or night shifts on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function. Duties and responsibilities may change with or without prior notice.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 4 years of experience in the position; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Experience operating multiple manufacturing machines.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts, days or nights, on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule.
Knowledge of injection processes and PET and HDPE injection equipment and auxiliary equipment.
Ability to perform minor adjustments to injection equipment as directed.
Ability to recognize unsafe conditions and follow safety rules, including safe lifting and machine-operation practices.
Ability to perform visual and mechanical quality checks and accurately complete production and quality documentation.
Ability to work across multiple production areas with minimal supervision and troubleshoot minor production equipment issues.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

Nice To Haves

At least 6 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience working in the position; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience managing people or projects; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Associate's degree.

Responsibilities

Communicate with the previous shift about injection-line challenges and opportunities to prepare for the shift.
Conduct shift walkthroughs to verify safety, housekeeping, and quality compliance.
Support Production Supervisors with end-of-shift production reports.
Coach, mentor, and train injection team members.
Prepare, set up, start, and operate injection equipment.
Perform minor adjustments to injection equipment as directed; obtain prior approval before performing mechanical work.
Complete and update injection preform and/or cap daily logs, destruction logs, quality forms, inspection sheets, and other required records accurately.
Recognize unsafe conditions and actions, follow plant safety rules and safe lifting and machine-operation practices, and use required personal protective equipment.
Perform visual and mechanical quality checks and promptly recognize and report quality defects.
Maintain housekeeping in production areas, break rooms, and restrooms.
Identify Vpet, Rpet, and HDPE resins and determine which parts are safe for grinding and reintroduction to the resin system.
Work in multiple production areas with minimal supervision and perform relief duties when required.
Troubleshoot minor production equipment issues and collaborate with the maintenance team as necessary.
Use computer systems such as Shotscope, Electric80, and Ignition.
Understand line flow and the manufacturing process to maximize throughput.
Communicate issues clearly and concisely.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Benefits

Paid time off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical coverage, including virtual care options.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling sessions for team members and household family members.
Family-building benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation, plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements.
Income protection, including life and AD&D, short- and long-term disability, critical illness, and accident plans.
Special discount programs, including pet plans, prepaid legal services, identity theft services, car rental, and airport parking.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.