Lead Machine Operator - 3rd shift

KIK Consumer Products•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Level 3 Lead Machine Operator, you will oversee filling operations during your shift, including line manning and scheduling, and take ownership of day-to-day line execution. You will respond quickly to production disruptions, perform first-line troubleshooting, and partner closely with maintenance to keep equipment running, while upholding strong safety, quality, and GMP standards and keeping accurate production records. The role also supports setup, changeovers, cleaning, and batching processes for the line. This is an opportunity for an experienced operator who is ready to take the next step in leadership while remaining hands-on with production equipment, with direct influence on safety, quality, reliability, and line performance.

Requirements

High school degree or GED equivalent required
Strong hands-on manufacturing and machine-operation experience
Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Ability to recognize unsafe conditions and take the proper corrective action
Ability to prioritize issues and make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment
Strong communication, teamwork, reliability, and attention to quality
Ability to provide day-to-day direction to operators and support safe execution of the production plan
Ability to work in fast-paced and always changing environment
Ability to follow detailed instructions
Ability to work safely
Must be able to work in a chemical environment (bleach, ammonia)

Nice To Haves

Experience with fillers, case packers, cappers, case sealers, palletizers, or labelers
Previous experience as a lead operator or in a similar manufacturing leadership role (2 years leading and/or supervising in a manufacturing warehouse environment is highly preferred)
Experience training or mentoring operators and supporting continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Serve as the Level 3 lead operator overseeing filling operations during the shift, including line manning and scheduling.
Take ownership of day-to-day line execution and respond quickly to production disruptions.
Provide day-to-day direction to operators and help keep the shift organized and production moving safely and efficiently.
Operate, monitor, and adjust filling equipment to meet production targets and quality specifications.
Identify mechanical needs, perform first-line troubleshooting within the operator’s scope, and escalate maintenance issues appropriately.
Ensure proper setup, changeovers, and cleaning of the line.
Verify product weights, fill levels, and packaging integrity to meet quality standards.
Maintain strong safety and quality standards, including compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements; recognize unsafe conditions and take the proper corrective action.
Collaborate with maintenance and line team on repairs and improvements.
Train and mentor operators on equipment operation and best practices.
Maintain accurate production records; complete and review production documentation, logs, and reports.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Monitor line and team documents on all Quality-related items (Hourly updates on production boards, Component verification to ensure correct product is produced, Bottle and label visual inspection for accurate packaging of product, verifying date code labeling, etc.
Communicate clearly with operators, supervisors, management, maintenance, and other supporting teams regarding machine problems and quality requirements.
Support all changeover requirements of commodity products (changing caps, line clearance, assisting mechanics with changeovers).
Operating a continuous blending / batching process for products for the line.
Carefully follow detailed procedures to complete the batching process.
Perform mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, and division.
Safely handle various chemicals used in the batching process.
Make tank switches and understand & execute the valve change process.
Complete appropriate paperwork as required.
Perform quality checks such as titration, filter testing, water hardness testing, and product testing.
Follow guidelines for wastewater treatment.