Lead Production Operator

AAK AB (publ) • Newark, NJ

70d • $83,100 - $86,424

About The Position

The Lead Operator is involved with the successful daily operation of the facility on a 7-day a week rotating shift basis. This requires attention to detail, good record keeping and the safe and efficient operation of equipment. This position will serve as a primary aide to the Shift Leader to ensure optimal performance of the on-shift production team. This role is not responsible for the principal operation of a singular production workstation but will instead work to support all of the production and loadout operators on their shift, acting as their first escalation POC. Additional forms of support provided by this position include but are not limited to training and upskilling, equipment and process troubleshooting, facilitation of CI/TPM initiatives, etc. If necessary, this position will also backfill absences of both production operators and shift leaders.

Requirements

• > 3 years of experience as AAK Production or Loadout Operator preferred
• > 4 AAK production operator skill qualifications preferred
• EOY behavior review score >4 as production or loadout operator preferred
• Minimal or no disciplinary track record as an AAK employee within the last 2 years
• Demonstrated ability to effectively train and coach others
• Strong problem solving and math skills
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work and thrive in a dynamic manufacturing with evolving priorities and constraints
• Demonstrated ability to work as team player
• Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate collaboration and harmony with both internal and external stakeholders (co-workers and non-AAK affiliated personnel)
• Computer literate (Windows Office, email)
• Ability to work a rotating, DuPont schedule (Alternation between Day and Night Shift); 12-hour working shifts

Responsibilities

• Support production team members to ensure all production and sanitation quotas are met consistently while ensuring compliance to all safety and quality requirements
• Lead others in and perform cleaning, inspection, lubrication and basic repair activities on production equipment
• Perform housekeeping support to refinery and roads and grounds
• Lead and assist in troubleshooting efforts of faulty equipment and processes; this position will be the first escalation POC for all operators on the production team
• Create, audit and update procedures to be used by site personnel
• Communicate and train production team operators on updated procedures, and new or modified processes
• Ensure accurate lost time allocation on all production units every shift; coach and support production team operators to provide this autonomously
• Lead TPM and continuous improvement initiatives; (CILT activities, F-card creation and tracking, 5S audits and improvements, root cause analysis, etc.) taking full responsibility for the deliverables of the team
• Responsible for on-shift team's execution of routine CILT procedures
• Backfill absences of both production team operators and shift leaders; ensuring all daily job responsibilities are met
• Assist other refinery operators in tasks requiring additional manpower
• Assist maintenance employees with their tasks as able and as requested
• Use the forklift and other company tools and equipment in proper and safe method
• Communicate effectively with the shift supervisor on issues and problems that may occur
• Use the computerized work order system and put in work orders for the shift supervisor to evaluate
• Participate in company activities such as; Safety Committee, Audit committees, employee task forces, etc. Contribute to the effort in controlling costs and minimizing wastage in pursuit of your daily work

Benefits

• Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs offer potential for you to progress your future career
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire
• Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500
• We match 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of the next 3%
• Free Life and Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more
• Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities
• Recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees