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.
