Lead – Press Operator – LCU

KIK Consumer Products•Westlake, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Press Operator oversees daily operation of high-speed tablet press equipment and associated production activities for tablet production lines, ensuring operational efficiency to support production objectives. This position operates within a chemical manufacturing environment and requires strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), hazardous material handling requirements, and company health, safety, and environmental policies.

Requirements

High school diploma and/or one year of previous operator experience
Ability to safely wear respiratory protective equipment for extended periods while performing assigned job duties.
Ability to effectively communicate and comprehend verbal instructions while wearing respiratory protection and operating or monitoring manufacturing equipment.
Must be capable of wearing and utilizing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Or negative press respirator.
Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and respond to call-outs as required to support continuous manufacturing operations.
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, established procedures, work rules, and company standards.
Must successfully pass all pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, functional capacity assessment, and drug screening.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds frequently
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and perform repetitive motions
Ability to work in varying temperatures, humidity levels, and manufacturing environments
Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods

Responsibilities

Lead the daily operation of high-speed tablet press equipment and associated production systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations.
Coordinate production activities and provide guidance, training, and support to operators to achieve production, quality, and safety objectives.
Review and interpret production schedules, batch records, and work orders to ensure production requirements, specifications, and deadlines are met.
Monitor equipment performance and product quality, making process adjustments as needed to maintain operational efficiency and product compliance.
Perform equipment setup, changeovers, troubleshooting, and minor maintenance activities to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
Ensure accurate completion of production documentation, batch records, quality records, equipment logs, and operational reports.
Conduct routine equipment inspections and operational rounds, documenting process parameters and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to resolve equipment issues, quality concerns, and process deviations.
Collect and evaluate process samples to ensure compliance with quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
Ensure all product changeovers, cleaning activities, and line clearances are completed in accordance with established procedures.
Prepare equipment for maintenance activities by performing decontamination, lockout/tagout, and equipment isolation procedures as required.
Maintain housekeeping standards and ensure proper handling, storage, recycling, and reintroduction of materials into the manufacturing process.
Promote and enforce compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety regulations, and company policies.
Participate in safety programs, training initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement activities to enhance operational performance and workplace safety.
Respond appropriately to equipment malfunctions, process upsets, power outages, spills, and emergency situations, including the use of emergency response equipment when required.
Serve as a subject matter expert for tablet press operations and support operational excellence through coaching, problem-solving, and process improvement initiatives.
Support a high-volume manufacturing operation through flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, overtime, and on-call responsibilities as needed.
Performs other duties and assignments as directed by supervisor