Job Description/Responsibilities

The Plastics Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Plastics department by providing direction, support, and training to assigned team members while ensuring production goals are achieved safely, efficiently, and with the highest level of quality. This role serves as the shift leader for the department, driving accountability for safety, productivity, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Plastics Lead is expected to be a hands-on leader with strong technical knowledge of blow molding operations and plastics manufacturing processes. This position plays a critical role in troubleshooting equipment, minimizing downtime, reducing waste, and supporting the department's Zero Loss objectives.

Daily responsibilities include conducting startup meetings, leading Tier I Board discussions, ensuring production documentation is completed accurately, verifying the production area is properly staffed and supplied, coordinating shift priorities, monitoring machine performance, and providing on-the-job coaching and technical support to team members.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is passionate about developing employees while driving operational excellence.

Lead and support assigned Plastics team members throughout the shift to safely meet production, quality, and efficiency goals.
Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support for blow molding equipment and associated production processes.
Conduct daily startup meetings and facilitate Tier I Board discussions.
Ensure all required production, quality, safety, and downtime documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Verify assigned production areas are adequately staffed with materials, equipment, and resources before production begins.
Monitor machine performance and identify opportunities to reduce downtime, scrap, and overall production losses.
Utilize root cause analysis and problem-solving tools to support Zero Loss initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, Production, and Warehouse teams to resolve production issues quickly.
Train, coach, and mentor Plastics Technicians on safe work practices, standard operating procedures, and equipment operation.
Promote compliance with company policies, GMPs, food safety standards, and all safety requirements.
Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained throughout the department.
Support shift change communication and ensure smooth transitions between shifts.
Assist with performance coaching, employee development, and departmental cross-training.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Minimum 3 years of blow molding experience in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum 2 years of leadership, lead, or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environment.
Strong troubleshooting skills related to blow molding equipment and manufacturing processes.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and technical skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining production goals.
Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and non-traditional schedules as business needs require.
Basic computer skills and ability to complete production documentation accurately.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate degree, technical school certification, or completion of an industrial apprenticeship program.
Experience with Krones, SIPA, Sidel, Bekum, Uniloy, or similar blow molding equipment.
Experience in beverage, food manufacturing, plastics, packaging, or other high-speed manufacturing environments.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.
Experience leading production startup meetings and Tier I Daily Management systems.
Forklift certification or ability to become certified.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
Frequently bend, twist, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and occasionally climb ladders.
Ability to safely work around moving machinery and industrial equipment.
Ability to work in varying temperatures, noise levels, and manufacturing conditions.
Must be able to wear required PPE at all times.
Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and reliable attendance

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