Lead, Production Operator

USPL NUTRITIONALS•North Brunswick Township, NJ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Lead Operator is responsible for meeting production volume and quality targets through the safe and efficient use of resources and materials in production processes. This role involves entering data into the production control system and maintaining high standards of safety, sanitation, housekeeping, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing all production activities of employees on the floor, and partnering with other departments to maintain schedules and implement necessary changes.

Requirements

Minimum of Five (5) years’ work experience in nutritional’s, supplements, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
Hands-on experience with Blending/Granulation, Tablet Compression and/or Film Coating, Encapsulation, or Pharmacy/Pre-Weigh Dispensing.
Demonstrates ability to work in a team and assist others.
Able to follow written instructions precisely and perform basic math calculations.
Understands and is knowledgeable of cGMP, OSHA standards etc.
Mechanically inclined to understand the inner workings of equipment.
Demonstrates the ability to read and write basic English.
Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.; occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Must stand and walk on production floor a minimum of 6 hours per shift.
Uses hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, lifting to waist height and/or above shoulder height, frequent bending from waist, or squatting, walking short distances.
Occasionally works from a rolling ladder or step stool.
Must be able to wear all PPE including lab coat, face mask, booties, gloves, safety glasses/goggles and respirators.

Nice To Haves

Planning, coordinating, and managing all production activities of those employees on the floor.
Coordinating and partnering with other departments to maintain schedules and effect necessary changes and revisions.
Works closely with maintenance establishing preventative maintenance practices.
Evaluates and solves production problems by reviewing the area of concern, developing potential solutions, technically evaluating, or testing the solutions, and preparing recommendations for management.
Learns and understands specific manufacturing operations sufficiently and is able to provide support in other areas as needed.
Assists with personnel decisions including hiring, terminations, attendance management, wage decisions, transfers, and promotions.
Interprets and explain the policies of the USPL Handbook so employees can understand the application of each policy as well as management’s purpose for each policy.
Identifies strengths and weaknesses of all associates on their team to ensure optimal performance; knows which employees they can assign additional tasks to, and which need closer scrutiny.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates all activities of shift personnel on the manufacturing/production floor.
Collaborates and coordinates with the shift Production Supervisor to plan production schedules and activities to meet production and delivery targets.
Ensures the production schedule is met by distributing workload according to changing priorities.
Communicates with the production supervisor/manager regarding the start and end of product runs, washouts, and anticipated downtime.
Verifies paperwork completion according to company standards, cGMPs, Lot Tracking, washouts, pre-shift, and post-shift procedures.
Ensures proper line clearances and set-up performances.
Troubleshoots, sets up, and runs processing equipment as required.
Works closely with maintenance to establish preventative maintenance practices.
Ensures proper operation of equipment by coordinating preventative maintenance, repairs, and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
Responsible for product quality and workmanship consistent with company manufacturing objectives, QMS, and profit goals.
Provides daily reporting of production metrics.
Performs required training and guidance, responds to operator questions, and trains operators on fundamental production steps.
Maintains a work environment that fosters teamwork and supports continuous process improvement.
Ensures production operations are properly controlled and regulatory compliance requirements are met.
Ensures the accuracy of batch documentation, Standard Operating Procedures, and critical documentation templates.
Ensures all equipment is in good condition and current calibration, training is current, and high standards of housekeeping are maintained.
Evaluates and solves production problems by reviewing the area of concern, developing potential solutions, technically evaluating or testing solutions, and preparing recommendations for management.
Prepares production reports and variance explanations, and accurately compiles and files them.
Inventories and orders production supplies as requested.
Performs operations such as cleaning and set-up of various pieces of equipment including Blending and Granulation equipment, Rapid Mixer Granulator, Vector Fluid Bed Dryer/Processor, Tray Drying Ovens, K-Tron powder feeder, Air Classifying Mill, Fitz mill/Multi mill, Compression and Encapsulation equipment, and Coating equipment.
Participates in investigations for deviations involving batch records.
Maintains proper gowning and hygiene to ensure product integrity as per cGMPs and company policies.
Follows batch records, SOPs, and cGMP guidelines to ensure product specifications and tolerances are met.
Ensures full compliance with Company policies, procedures, GMPs, Ethical Business Practice, and SOPs.
Ensures documentation such as operation logs and batch records are fully completed, signed, and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
Ensures that product meets applicable quality standards, including inspection during operation and performing required sampling and testing.
Fosters a collaborative environment where diverse backgrounds are respected and valued.
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with peers, team, and senior managers for effective communication.
Provides clear direction and expectations for direct reports and assures tasks and responsibilities are clear.
Sets goals and objectives in alignment with the organization for self and direct reports, creates action plans, sets milestones, and delivers progress reports and developmental plans for team members.
Develops employees to contribute to daily success and be capable in the supervisor's absence.
Maintains open lines of communication with employees, peers, and management.
Assumes responsibility for the efficient, timely, and accurate completion of Production functions.
Learns and understands specific manufacturing operations sufficiently to provide support in other areas as needed.
Evaluates employee performance and creates corrective action plans where appropriate.
Assists with personnel decisions including hiring, terminations, attendance management, wage decisions, transfers, and promotions.
Interprets and explains USPL Handbook policies to employees.
Applies all company policies fairly and consistently and develops trust and transparency with employees.
Identifies strengths and weaknesses of team associates to ensure optimal performance.
Ensures each employee works in a safe and responsible manner to create an injury-free and incident-free workplace.
Complies with all job-related safety and other training requirements.
Keeps management informed of area activities and significant problems.
Works extended hours and occasional weekend overtime.
Performs other duties as assigned.