Lead Chemical Operator

About the role

The Lead Operator oversees daily manufacturing operations under the guidance of the Production Supervisor or Site Manager. This role involves directing production personnel, making informed decisions about production scheduling and prioritization, and serving as a backup to the Production Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Cook up and supervise daily production activities, aligning with production schedules and priorities.
• Provide hands-on training to team members in production processes and the safe handling of materials.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all plant safety policies.
• Recommend and implement process improvements based on operational experience, historical data, and testing outcomes.
• Maintain thorough and accurate batch documentation; calculate yields and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Manage inventory staging and storage for production and shipping; assist with inventory tracking, counts, and JDE transactions.
• Operate production equipment in accordance with training and standard operating procedures to ensure safety and product quality.
• Prepare mixing vessels, pumps, and hoses for unloading; inspect containers for cleanliness and integrity before filling.
• Operate process control systems including PLCs, mass flow meters, pumps, and scales.
• Accurately fill, label, palletize, and wrap containers per batch tickets, pick tickets, or export order sheets; complete work orders in JDE.
• Load and unload trucks, tankers, and railcars using appropriate material handling equipment.
• Oversee shipping responsibilities, including receiving POs, processing shipments in JDE, coordinating with the OTC group, and preparing UPS/FedEx shipments.
• Lead or participate in special projects and safety initiatives; maintain certifications and complete hazard response training.
• Ensure a clean, organized, and compliant work environment; respond promptly to spills or leaks with proper containment and cleanup procedures.
• Operate forklifts and other motorized vehicles safely and proficiently.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) across all manufacturing areas.
• Support investigations and resolutions of customer complaints.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must meet all Chemical Operator II or greater competencies and qualifications, with proficiency blending areas varying by location.
• 3-5 years of relevant satisfactory plant performance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Proficiency in blending required.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead co-workers.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational goals and objectives.
• High level of initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to write clearly with proficiency in computer applications.
• Solid decision-making ability.
• Consistent achievement of defined controllable “right first time” goals.

Skills

• Ability to lead co-workers.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational goals and objectives.
• High level of initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to write clearly with proficiency in computer applications.
• Solid decision-making ability.
• Consistent achievement of defined controllable “right first time” goals.

Benefits

• $1,500 Sign on Bonus
• Company Provided Uniforms
• Competitive bi-weekly pay
• Generous annual paid time off
• 401(k) employer match
• Health care, dental and vision benefits
• Up to a $1,000 bonus by referring a friend to join the company
• Safety is a top priority at Quaker Houghton. All operators receive extensive on-the-job training during the first 3 months of employment.