Lead Extruder Operator

United Petfood•Decatur, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Production Operator – Extrusion is a working lead responsible for coordinating daily extrusion operations and providing technical direction to production employees at United Petfood’s Decatur, Arkansas facility. The role combines hands-on operation, setup, adjustment, troubleshooting, and cleaning of extrusion equipment with team coordination, employee training, production scheduling support, and performance monitoring. The employee works closely with the Production Shift Supervisor to coordinate assignments, communicate production priorities, monitor equipment and product performance, and address operational issues. The position is a primary point of contact for operators during the shift and supports compliance with safety, quality, food safety, and efficiency requirements. Formal personnel management and disciplinary decisions remain with designated management. The role involves working in an active pet food manufacturing environment, with exposure to noise, dust, odors, moving machinery, varying temperatures, hot processing equipment, and elevated work areas. It requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and repetitive equipment-related activities, as well as the ability to lift or move materials or components weighing up to 50 pounds when required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of experience operating extrusion equipment in a manufacturing environment.
At least one year of experience in a manufacturing lead role, or equivalent demonstrated experience coordinating production activities and providing technical guidance.
Advanced knowledge of extrusion equipment setup, operation, troubleshooting, and process adjustments.
Ability to independently operate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools and measuring devices.
Ability to interpret production schedules, SOPs, equipment instructions, and product specifications.
Experience performing production quality checks and maintaining accurate operating records.
Ability to coordinate work assignments and communicate operational priorities effectively.
Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and provide technical guidance to employees.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic production systems.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with Production, Maintenance, FSQA, and other departments.
Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, and weekends as operational needs require.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, and perform repetitive equipment-related activities.
Ability to lift and move materials or equipment components weighing up to 50 pounds as required, with appropriate assistance or mechanical lifting equipment when necessary.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of extrusion operations experience, preferably in dry pet food, animal feed, food, or similar manufacturing.
Previous experience as a Production Lead, Lead Operator, or in an equivalent position.
Experience training and onboarding manufacturing employees.
Experience coordinating production schedules, employee assignments, and shift activities.
Experience performing die changes, complex equipment setups, and product changeovers.
Knowledge of extrusion processing parameters, including moisture, temperature, product density, and dimensional specifications.
Experience using micrometers and other precision measuring devices.
Familiarity with automated production systems, industrial controls, and process monitoring equipment.
Experience participating in root cause analysis, process improvement, and equipment reliability initiatives.
Familiarity with GMPs, food safety systems, and manufacturing quality requirements.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily extrusion operations and support assigned production schedules.
Provide work direction, technical guidance, and operational support to production operators.
Assist the Production Shift Supervisor with employee assignments and task priorities.
Monitor production progress and communicate priorities to support scheduled targets.
Lead or assist with shift startup meetings and production huddles.
Coordinate communication among production operators, the Production Shift Supervisor, Maintenance, and FSQA.
Monitor adherence to operating procedures, GMPs, and safety requirements; address routine concerns and escalate unresolved issues.
Coordinate coverage and assignments during breaks, changeovers, and production interruptions.
Communicate equipment status, production progress, staffing concerns, and outstanding issues during shift pass-downs.
Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down extrusion equipment according to procedures and production schedules.
Perform complex equipment setups, adjustments, calibrations, authorized die changes, and product changeovers.
Review production schedules, formulations, processing instructions, and equipment requirements before production.
Verify equipment readiness and material availability before startup.
Coordinate equipment startup, shutdown, cleaning, and changeovers; disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble equipment as required.
Monitor extrusion performance and product characteristics, including appearance, size, shape, temperature, and moisture.
Perform or coordinate in-process product checks and sampling, and ensure required checks and records are completed accurately.
Identify process deviations and make authorized adjustments to maintain product consistency and quality.
Communicate quality concerns and deviations to Production leadership and FSQA; follow procedures for holds, rework, and nonconforming materials.
Maintain product identification, traceability, and production documentation.
Troubleshoot extrusion equipment and associated production systems; perform authorized minor adjustments, equipment care, and basic maintenance.
Coordinate with Maintenance on breakdowns, repairs, preventive maintenance, and post-maintenance equipment verification.
Assist with onboarding, training, coaching, and cross-training production employees.
Monitor production performance, equipment efficiency, and progress toward targets; identify delays and improvement opportunities.
Participate in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and equipment reliability initiatives.
Complete and review production records, equipment logs, process monitoring documentation, and shift pass-down information.
Reinforce safe work practices, PPE use, machine guarding, Lockout/Tagout, sanitation, GMP, and food safety requirements.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, injuries, and food safety concerns.
Perform other related duties as assigned.