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Lead Chemical Operator

 Full Time
 Operations & Supply Chain
 Waterloo

Must assure product and process quality at all times.  Responsible for compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements, and manufacturing procedures. Ability to perform all duties in qualified areas of a Sr. Chemical Operator when assigned. Responsible for following manufacturing instructions to perform production and shipping related duties to ensure on-time production and shipment of product while adhering to high standards of quality, safety and customer service.

Lead Accountabilities:

  • Coordinates daily supervision with the Production Supervisor, directing manufacturing personnel in daily tasks and assignments engaging in daily decision making related to production scheduling and priority.  Acts as back-up for Production Supervisor.
  • Provides training to colleagues in Production process and in the safe handling of materials.  Ensures that all work is done in a safe manner and that appropriate personal protective equipment is being utilized.
  • Recommends process changes based on experience, historical data and thorough testing.
  • Monitors and evaluates employee performance and recommends employee recognition and discipline actions.
  • Analyzes and resolves work problems, or assist workers in solving work problems and acts as a liaison between plant personnel and management, participates in management meetings
  • Capable of establishing or adjusting work procedures to meet production schedules.
  • Operates production equipment in a manner consistent with training and work instructions to ensure safety and the highest level of product quality.
  • Prepares mixing vessels, necessary pumps and hoses for unloading.  Inspects all containers prior to filling for cleanliness and integrity.
  • Operates process control systems including PLC’s, mass flow meters, pumps and scales.
  • Fills containers as prescribed in the associated batch ticket, pick ticket, and or export order sheet and prepares containers for shipment including labelling, palletizing and wrapping and completes work orders in JDE.
  • Maintains neat, thorough and correct completion of all batch related documentation. Calculates batch yields and responds appropriately.
  • Store and stage inventory in assigned areas for batch preparation, further processing and/or shipping.
  • Assist in tracking material inventory and performing inventory counts, make inventory transfers in JDE.
  • Loads and unloads box trucks and flat-beds, tanker trucks and rail cars, either manually or using proper material handling equipment. Load containerized and bulk raw materials to production vessels.
  • Complete shipping responsibilities including; receive PO’s in JDE, ship items in JDE, communicate late shipments to OTC group, Prepare UPS and FedEx shipments and call trucks for shipment.
  • SME in all areas of manufacturing. May act as a team lead in absence of a Lead Operator or Supervisor.
  • Maintains certifications and completes special training for hazard response and safety.
  • Participates, leads and completes special projects.
  • Maintains a clean and organized work area and strictly adheres to all plant safety policies.  Provides immediate containment, reporting and clean-up/recovery of spilled material or leaks.
  • Operates all types of Forklifts and other related motorized vehicles in a safe and proficient manner.
  • Holds team members accountable for safety and quality procedures.  Routinely participate in site safety committee.
  • Assists in the investigation and resolution of customer complaints.
  • Others duties as assigned; Responsibilities may vary by work location

WORK ENVIRONMENT / EHS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Will work in a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.  The associate is exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock and trip and slip hazards.  The noise level in the manufacturing environment is loud.

Ability to lift bags and other containers up to 50 pounds in a safe manner as directed. Ability to move drums up to 500 pounds with mechanical equipment in a safe manner as directed. May be required to stand for long periods and walk great distances daily.  May be required to work in small spaces and high locations.

Key Education or Certification Required:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Required Minimum Number of Years of Relevant Experience:

  • Must meet all Sr Chemical Operator competencies and qualifications. Proficiency blending areas required to qualify as a Lead Chemical Operator will vary by location.
  • 3-5 years of relevant satisfactory plant performance.
  • Previously completed site specific Lead Operator training.
  • Must have considerable knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
  • Proficiency in all blending areas required.

Required Skills and Competencies:

  • Ability to lead and direct co-workers.
  • Demonstrated commitment to organizational goals and objectives
  • High level of initiative and responsibility.
  • Above average writing skills, computer proficiency
  • Solid decision making ability.
  • Consistent achievement of defined controllable “right first time” goals.