Lead Production Operator

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries—transforming them into essential ingredients that feed animals, fertilize crops, fuel planes, and nourish people. We operate a global family of brands and businesses spanning more than 260 facilities in over 15 countries, making entire industries less wasteful and more sustainable.

About the role

The Lead Production Operator oversees the timely and efficient flow of raw materials into high-quality finished products and ensures equipment is maintained and in good repair.

Responsibilities

• Maintain efficient and timely flow of all raw materials received and finished products shipped.
• Oversee equipment used to process raw and finished materials to ensure it is kept in good working order.
• Manage breakdowns and coordinate with Maintenance to ensure repairs are made promptly.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in all areas of responsibility.
• Achieve individual and department targets, goals, and objectives.
• Observe all Company safety rules and regulations, recognize safety as a top priority, and participate in regularly scheduled safety meetings.
• Assist in investigating accidents and make recommendations to the Plant Safety Committee.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 1–2 years of prior experience in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of prior work experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical school certificate or Associate Degree.
• Labor relations background and experience with leadership and training.
• Good understanding of production maintenance and repair protocols.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Working Conditions

The role involves exposure to the following physical environments and demands:

• Constant exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environments (e.g., high noise levels, strong odors, heat, and cold).
• Occasional exposure to biohazardous conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals requiring safety attention.
• Occasional exposure to electrical hazards and risk of electrical shock.
• Constant handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment.
• Occasional travel to offsite locations.

Physical Demands

• Constantly remain in a stationary position (sit).
• Constantly move about inside or outside the work location (walk).
• Constantly use hands to finger, handle, or feel (e.g., operate computers and office machinery).
• Constantly stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl (e.g., maintain computers in the lab).
• Constantly climb or balance (e.g., ascend or descend ladders).
• Constantly talk, hear, taste, smell, and adjust focus to communicate and detect hazardous conditions.
• Frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Vision Demands

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).
• Depth perception.
• Ability to adjust focus.