Lead Operator

The lead operator position is a senior level manufacturing position at PPC Industries. This position is designed for a highly experienced and knowledgeable employee. A lead operator will generally be responsible for 6 / 7 extrusion lines. The lead operator is responsible for performing equipment setup and startup for extrusion lines, bag machines, winders, printers and inline converting equipment. A successful lead operator will be mindful for product quality with a focus on minimizing material waste (scrap). The lead operator is the key employee in the PPC process for ensuring product quality. The lead operator is a leadership position that provides guidance and training for mixers and packers as well as other lead operators.

Essential Job Functions

- All safety regulations must be observed. Operators must also follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

- Identify and locate raw materials by reading and interpreting job orders.

- Perform equipment setup and startups, bringing extrusion lines in and out of production including identifying appropriate resin blends and removal of non-required materials

- Responsible for setting up inline printing including ink retrieval and ink return. Operators on shift when a job ends, are responsible to clean up and return the ink to the ink room appropriately.

- Make adjustments to settings, including web guide settings, tension settings, width settings, bag machine and winder settings, Doctor machine setting, etc…

- Responsible for the setup, startup and operation of the bag machines and winders.

- Responsible for providing supervision and direction for packers assigned to their extrusion lines as well as the mixer / material handler for their shift.

- Responsible for quality of product that is being manufactured.

- Keep work area clean / organized. No product or raw materials should be on the floor.

- Perform Quality Control checks as required by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

- Documenting the run record for manufactured product.

- Ability to train junior employees on equipment and process.

- Willingness to support other Lead Operators in maintaining all extrusion lines.

- Ensure that unused equipment is stored in the proper location

Non-essential Job Functions

- Assist with preventative maintenance activity (screen changes / blade replacement / cleaning air rings / etc…).