Lead Operator-1st Shift

Bayer•Myerstown, PA

13h•$33 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

At Bayer, we are driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and strive for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is a reality. We are looking for a Lead Operator (First Shift) who will focus on setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting manufacturing production. This role involves operating machines, setting up and adjusting factors such as temperature, pressure, flow, and material reactions, and manually controlling or operating equipment via a control system. The Lead Operator will run up and shut down production facilities, including product changeover activities, clean and decontaminate equipment, maintain workplace housekeeping, drive forklifts, fill and take over tank wagons, conduct routine analytics, and take samples. This role also coordinates equipment maintenance and repairs with the technical team and documents and communicates work results during shift handovers. The position supports an assigned area within production by performing operator duties, assisting in training new peer operators, prepping and coordinating materials for successful shift changeovers, supporting schedule attainment demands and labor adjustments, resolving daily equipment roadblocks, contributing to production optimization, and working cross-departmentally on projects. Approximately 75% of tasks are directly related to shop floor operations, and 25% are administrative tasks in support of shop floor operations. Additionally, the Lead Operator supports Continuous Improvement for Manufacturing according to cGMP, local laws, and company policies, promoting a Continuous Improvement culture to achieve production volumes, operational efficiencies, and competitive costs while complying with safety and quality standards. This role will also fulfill key leadership and support duties, provide day-to-day backup support for technical and non-technical production personnel, and cover some supervisory duties, acting as a lead employee for technical and non-technical personnel.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Willingness to work overtime as required, based on production demands.
Willingness to flex time on off shifts when needed.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree in Technical trade, Business, Communications or Science field.
3 years hands-on operating experience.
5 years of experience in a government regulated, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or standard operating procedures (SOP) environment.
Proficient knowledge of PSS, PSS Advancement, Integrated Work System, World Class Manufacturing, Toyota Production System or similar work system.
At least 6 months experience using motorized & non-motorized material handling equipment.
At least 1 year experience using automated inventory system.
Mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability in changeover execution, preventative maintenance, mechanical/equipment troubleshooting and problem-solving skills through job experience or education.
Advanced SAP, MES and Microsoft Software (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, as well as with teams.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot manufacturing production equipment.
Manually control or operate equipment via a control system, adjusting factors such as temperature, pressure, flow, and material reactions.
Run up and shut down production facilities, including product changeover activities.
Clean and decontaminate equipment and maintain workplace housekeeping.
Drive forklifts and fill/take over tank wagons.
Conduct routine analytics and take samples.
Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs with the technical team.
Document and communicate work results during shift handovers.
Assist in training new peer operators as a Subject Matter Expert (SME).
Prep and coordinate materials for successful shift changeovers.
Support schedule attainment demands and labor adjustments.
Resolve daily equipment roadblocks affecting product output.
Contribute to production optimization in the assigned area.
Work cross-departmentally on projects.
Implement improvements identified by management and support groups, including lean improvements.
Support products and/or new system enhancements.
Act as a principle leader for continuous improvement project teams.
Lead and/or facilitate Kaizen Events to drive a Continuous Improvement culture.
Collaborate with operators and support personnel on diverse projects, including training, building projects, HSE initiatives, continuous improvements, and documentation.
Identify department training needs and provide training or reinforcement of best practices.
Create and present material for new and established best practices.
Provide technical and functional support for the development and implementation of Standard Work.
Support production operations, planning, and material control areas in improvement projects.
Collect, organize, and analyze data to support department and site metrics.
Assist area supervision with needed assignments and act as backup supervisor/production assistant.
Act as supervisor in the absence of department supervision.
Support IQ/OQ/PQ, cleaning validations, and other projects.
Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrate strong computer skills and the ability to track and analyze data, presenting findings to drive action.
Willingness to work alternate hours/overtime as needed to support all three production shifts.
Demonstrate commitment to Bayer values.
Facilitate and complete A3 / Root Cause Analysis with the team to create sustainable resolutions.
Facilitate, direct, and lead Level 1.5 daily, creating action items, delegating, and seeing them through to completion.
Perform other duties as trained and assigned, such as Associate Technician or Pharmaceutical Operator duties.