Lead Chemical Operator - 2nd Shift

Quaker Houghton•Detroit, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the guidance of the Production Supervisor or Site Manager, the Lead Operator plays a key role in overseeing daily manufacturing operations at the site. This position directs production personnel in executing daily tasks and assignments, making informed decisions related to production scheduling and prioritization. The Lead Operator serves as a backup to the Production Supervisor. This role ensures consistent product and process quality, adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards, and compliance with all manufacturing procedures.

Requirements

Experience in industrial process fluids, lubricants, and coatings.
Experience in manufacturing operations.
Knowledge of production scheduling and prioritization.
Understanding of environmental, health, and safety standards.
Proficiency in operating production equipment.
Experience with process control systems (PLCs, mass flow meters, pumps, scales).
Ability to maintain accurate batch documentation and calculate yields.
Experience with inventory management and JDE transactions.
Experience loading and unloading trucks, tankers, and railcars.
Experience with shipping responsibilities (receiving POs, processing shipments, preparing UPS/FedEx shipments).
Forklift operation certification or experience.
Hazard response training.
Experience participating in safety committees.

Nice To Haves

Serves as a backup to the Production Supervisor.
Subject matter expert (SME) across all manufacturing areas.
Ability to recommend and implement process improvements.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and supervise daily production activities, ensuring alignment with production schedules and priorities.
Provide hands-on training to team members in production processes and the safe handling of materials.
Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all plant safety policies.
Recommend and implement process improvements based on operational experience, historical data, and testing outcomes.
Monitor employee performance, providing feedback, recognition, and recommendations for corrective actions as needed.
Act as a liaison between plant personnel and management; participate in management meetings and contribute to operational planning.
Operate production equipment in accordance with training and standard operating procedures to ensure safety and product quality.
Prepare mixing vessels, pumps, and hoses for unloading; inspect containers for cleanliness and integrity before filling.
Operate process control systems including PLCs, mass flow meters, pumps, and scales.
Accurately fill, label, palletize, and wrap containers per batch tickets, pick tickets, or export order sheets; complete work orders in JDE.
Maintain thorough and accurate batch documentation; calculate yields and take appropriate corrective actions.
Manage inventory staging and storage for production and shipping; assist with inventory tracking, counts, and JDE transactions.
Load and unload trucks, tankers, and railcars using appropriate material handling equipment.
Oversee shipping responsibilities, including receiving POs, processing shipments in JDE, coordinating with the OTC group, and preparing UPS/FedEx shipments.
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) across all manufacturing areas.
Lead or participate in special projects and safety initiatives; maintain certifications and complete hazard response training.
Ensure a clean, organized, and compliant work environment; respond promptly to spills or leaks with proper containment and cleanup procedures.
Operate forklifts and other motorized vehicles safely and proficiently.
Hold team members accountable for safety and quality standards; actively participate in the site safety committee.
Support investigations and resolutions of customer complaints.
Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities may vary by location.