Relief Operator

Location: USA - Forest City, NC

About the role

The Relief Operator is responsible for supporting the safe and efficient operation of the production line by providing operational coverage for the primary and secondary unwind, winder, resin system, extruder carriage, and other assigned positions as needed. This position ensures continuous production by assisting with equipment operation, material handling, changeovers, and housekeeping while maintaining compliance with all safety, quality, and production standards. The Relief Operator must be cross trained across multiple positions and be able to adapt quickly to changing production needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support for the primary and secondary unwind, winder, resin system, extruder carriage, and other assigned positions as needed.
• Safely operate and monitor the production line.
• Set up and adjust equipment to meet production schedules, product specifications, and quality requirements.
• Verify work orders, material identification, formulations, and product specifications before production begins.
• Monitor process parameters including temperatures, pressures, line speed, and product weight.
• Ensure proper feeding of materials through the process while maintaining alignment, tension, and product consistency.
• Inspect products throughout the process for defects, contamination, thickness variation, surface quality, and other quality concerns.
• Perform product changeovers, equipment startups, shutdowns, and routine cleaning activities.
• Complete required production documentation, quality records, inventory transactions, and downtime reporting accurately.
• Report equipment malfunctions through MaintMaster and accurately document downtime in ActiviTee, as required.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic operator maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S standards.
• Follow all company safety policies, SOPs, environmental requirements, and quality standards.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Material Handlers, and Supervisors to support efficient production and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing experience preferred; experience with calendaring, extrusion, rubber processing, or coated fabrics manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, specifications, SOPs, and process documents.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Ability to identify quality defects and make process adjustments as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency or ability to learn SAP, ActiviTee, MaintMaster, and other manufacturing systems.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Pre-employment physical, drug screen & background check required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and working around machinery.
• Ability to safely handle raw materials, fabrics, and finished materials.
• Ability to wear PPE for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying noise levels.
• Ability to respond quickly to production issues while maintaining a safe work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience operating calender lines, extruders, or similar processing equipment.
• Experience in urethane, coating, textile, or coated fabrics manufacturing.
• Experience with SAP, ActiviTee, MaintMaster, and manufacturing reporting systems.
• Current Forklift certification.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, and standard work practices.
• Experience troubleshooting process issues related to calendaring, extrusion, and material handling.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

Schedule

• 10-hour shifts
• Overtime required based on production needs
• Flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibrations. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Trelleborg is a non-smoking property. The use of tobacco is not allowed onsite including outside of the facility.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous benefits package: Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, 401k
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee assistance program
• A rewarding career with greater opportunity for impact