Lead Machine Operator

About the role

R.S. Hughes Company, Inc. recognizes excellence in its products and employees, holding itself to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Since 1959, Saunders has served customers with personalized care, providing die‑cutting, laminating, slitting, packaging, assembly, and other manufacturing solutions. Through a partnership with R.S. Hughes, the company offers expanded custom‑cut material options and competitive industry rates. We value hard work and common sense, rewarding those who exemplify these traits.

The Second Shift Lead / Machine Operator combines hands‑on press operation with on‑floor accountability for second shift production. The role provides real‑time coordination, training, and quality/safety oversight as second shift headcount and operational complexity grow. It bridges the gap between individual operators and first‑shift supervision while remaining an active operator on the floor, ensuring consistent production standards, faster onboarding of new operators, and clear shift‑to‑shift continuity. This is a non‑exempt position based at Saunders Houston (Cypress, TX), reporting to the Production Supervisor. Second shift operators report to this position for day‑to‑day shift coordination and escalation.

Responsibilities

• Operate Mark Andy Rotary presses to run scheduled production alongside lead duties.
• Serve as the on‑floor point of contact for second shift and the first escalation point for operator or equipment issues.
• Train and onboard new operators, providing hands‑on training or support as second shift headcount grows.
• Monitor in‑process quality and safety compliance in real time, and hold or escalate issues per SOP.
• Manage changeovers, prioritize the production schedule, and coordinate with first shift for handoff continuity.
• Provide an end‑of‑shift summary to Production/Operations covering output, issues, and staffing.

Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for the duration of the shift. Ability to lift and move production materials as required by the role. Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to standard production equipment and materials.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency operating Mark Andy Rotary presses, or equivalent core production equipment for the shift.
• Prior experience training or mentoring other operators, with a track record of getting new hires to independent, quality‑compliant production.
• Demonstrated judgment and initiative in identifying and communicating production, quality, or equipment issues proactively.
• Working familiarity with current shift operations and SOPs.
• Prior informal or formal leadership experience on the production floor preferred.
• Experience coordinating shift‑to‑shift handoffs or production scheduling preferred.

Benefits

• Paid Time off
• Major medical, dental, vision
• Company paid short‑term and long‑term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Various supplemental benefit plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)

Pay

Target Base Compensation range for this non‑exempt role is up to $25.00/hr. DOE.

Schedule

This is a Full‑Time position working the second shift.