Processing & Packing Lead Operator

Title: Processing & Packing Lead Operator

Department: Extrusion

Reports To: Refer to location organizational chart

SUMMARY: The Lead Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the extrusion plant equipment and systems and ensures that production, sanitation, and quality assurance requirements are met. This position provides operational oversight of all production and packing operations and works with the Technicians to meet production and performance goals of the plant. This position will sustain the Mission and Motto and Food Safety and Quality Statement of the Mennel Milling Company. 

PRIMARY WORK SHIFT: Works 12-hour pitman schedule and overtime as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without accommodation. 

• Follow all food and personal safety rules and regulations in respect to GMP’s, OSHA, HACCP, the Global Food Safety Initiative, the US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act as stated in the FS&Q Statement, and sanitation guidelines as set forth by the company as listed in Corporate Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) and attend all required training sessions. Maintain the department/facility in an everyday audit ready condition.
• Collaborates with the Extrusion Team Leader to plan production of the extrusion plant. Works directly with the plant Technicians to execute the daily production plan.
• Ensures all food safety, product quality, and sanitation programs are being followed on the floor. Ensures that all Mennel housekeeping standards are being met.
• Together with the other plant Technicians, performs all preventative maintenance and reactive maintenance activities as assigned.
• Knows how to effectively operate all plant equipment and control systems. Fills in for Technicians when necessary.
• Works with the Team Leader to ensure an adequate supply of all maintenance repair parts, packaging supplies, and cleaning materials.
• Leads clean-up and changeover activities on all equipment.
• Follows all applicable OSHA, NFPA, EPA and all other company, local, and federal regulations. (Uses the Mennel Corporate Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Program for guidance)
• Effectively communicates and collaborates with the Team Leader. Assists in the effective training of all Technicians.
• Strives for continuous improvement and works directly with all floor Technicians to achieve the established performance goals of the plant.
• Responsible for food safety in absence of the Production Supervisor
• Other duties may be assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leads the daily production activities of the Technicians and Operators

QUALIFICATIONS:   

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job. 

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must successfully pass a mechanical aptitude test.
• A minimum of three years of manufacturing experience in a fast-paced work environment is required. Food processing experience in highly preferred.
• Must possess and display leadership skills.
• Must effectively communicate with the Team Leader on a frequent basis.
• Must exhibit a high aptitude of troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. 
• Must have a solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices as applied in a food manufacturing setting.
• Ability to operate various computer software programs and pc-based control systems.
• Mechanically inclined, hands-on, and be willing to perform various maintenance and repair tasks. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos, procedures, and plans. Ability to write, complete checklists and other basic documentation and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information or data in one-on-one and small group situations to co-workers, supervisors, and managers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY:

Must use solid judgment when making decisions. Must have ability to quickly recognize and plan for changing work duties and events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to perform maintenance tasks, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, twist, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:    

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to conditions that are typical to a fast- paced manufacturing environment, including: moving equipment and machinery, dusty, hot/humid, and cold conditions; employee must be willing to work in all weather conditions, at heights, and in the presence of airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment usually requires the use of hearing protection. Work involves exposure to common wheat allergens.