Kaizen Technician Lead Operator 1st Shift

About the role

As a lead operator, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating and assisting with the activities of associates engaged in maintaining and operating all equipment within our manufacturing environment. Your responsibilities include training and guiding all associates, ensuring safety and quality standards, and actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Train and assist associates in performing preventative maintenance assignments.
• Perform machine setup and operate machinery in a safe manner.
• Ensure accurate recording and disposal of scrap daily.
• Complete rework at the end of each day.
• Lead, motivate and fill in for associates when necessary.
• Understand and operate individual process stations on all equipment.
• Clear all faults and restart machines promptly.
• Inform team leader or production manager of all quality issues promptly.
• Inspect and measure parts and products to verify conformance to specifications.
• Accurate completion of paperwork and data entry.
• Maintain 5S standards.
• Monitor absenteeism and maintain time and production records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve and maintain TPM goals.
• Analyze work problems, provide input, and assist associates in solving work problems.
• Support and participate in continuous improvement programs for Environmental Health and Safety ISO 1400 compliance.
• Train associates, maintain and verify performance levels.
• Update records and keep daily records of progress and scrap.
• Conduct cross‑training sessions for associates.
• Take responsibility for all associates in your area during emergencies.
• Lead and guide associates on specific manufacturing lines, including training, planning, directing work and resolving problems as they arise.
• Develop and maintain a positive attitude, promote teamwork, and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Awareness of potential work and environmental hazards.
• Compliance with PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements in accordance with SWI (standard work instructions).
• Regular use of hands, standing for extended periods up to entirety of shift, sitting and lifting to 80 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with two years of manufacturing experience (Heartland Automotive LLC experience preferred); experience will be accepted in lieu of education.
• Leadership and decision‑making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office suite.

Skills

• Language skills: ability to read, analyze information, draft reports, and work instructions; effective presentation and response to questions.
• Mathematical skills: ability to work with basic mathematical concepts.
• Reasoning ability: ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions.