Batching Operator Lead at Vibrant Ingredients – Indianapolis, Indiana

JOB SUMMARY: The primary function of Production Lead Operator is to provide leadership and direction to other operators and excellence in manufacturing within their assigned department together with providing support to the Production Supervisor. The Production Lead is also charged with working in an operator position as a working lead when needed and in order to ensure that the product is produced on schedule and within scheduled hours. The lead ensures that production is running according to a daily and weekly plan.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 1 to 3 years of Department and Work Center-related production experience within the food and beverage manufacturing and / or packing environment
• Working knowledge, skills and ability to understand FDA, Food and Plant Safety, product, process and quality-related requirements and to help ensure adherence to all HACCP protocols, GMPs and SOPs
• Relevant knowledge of equipment, process and production capabilities
• Ability to provide training to operators and work with repair and maintenance mechanics and technicians
• At least one year of related experience required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, and make decisions with general guidance and supervision
• Experience using ERP / MES / MRP / Shop Manufacturing Systems a plus
• Flexibility to work various shifts as production demands require, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends

SKILLS, TRAITS, & COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to follow directions and work well in a team
• Ability to interpret and translate engineering designs and documentation
• Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn production equipment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of and the ability to abide by applicable OSHA and environmental regulations
• Able to communicate well and establish rapport with operators within Department
• Ability and willingness to be Forklift Certified

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• On-schedule production output of products by line and department
• Achieve planned Quality performance metrics
• Achieve scheduled / planned production schedule within the department
• Achieve planned direct and indirect labor hours objectives within the department
• Achieve improvements in efficiency, effectiveness and productivity within the department
• Successful completion of training and development objectives and deadlines
• Reduction of product loss, rework, scrap and waste together with improvements in yield within the department
• Build high-quality relationships within and between production departments
• Operates production machinery in accordance with prints and specifications
• Maintains production logs and records
• Assist supervisor to ensure the department complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control (HACCP) and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• Works safely and ensures the department complies with all safety rules
• Carry out microbial analysis according to batch records using good sterile technique
• Ongoing utilization and monitoring of equipment and process control systems to ensure parameters are within specified operating ranges
• Performs minor mechanical and instrumentation troubleshooting; takes appropriate corrective action as needed.
• Complete daily batch records and enter necessary data into databases
• Contacts supervisor for guidance in the event of unplanned deviations; follows guidance and direction accordingly
• Complete basic lab procedures ensuring accuracy and validity of results. Assist with general laboratory procedures including but not limited to preparation of solvents, buffers, resins, reagent solutions, media prep; measuring and dispensing of solid and liquid chemicals and raw materials
• Cleaning and sterilization of equipment, instruments, materials and processing areas
• Executes on various projects developed by R&D
• Performs housekeeping tasks as assigned per GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Other duties as assigned or required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Repetitive lifting 50 to 60 pounds
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Prolonged standing and walking
• Repetitive bending, twisting and kneeling
• Visual acuity to read instructions, operate machines, and inspect product
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments
• Ability to tolerate prolonged heat