Position Summary
The Lead Operator is a senior production role responsible for leading day shift manufacturing activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while supporting the delivery of customer requirements and production plans. The day shift work Monday - Thursday, 06.30 - 18.30 and attract a 5% shift premium.
Acting as the technical lead within the manufacturing area, the Lead Operator provides hands-on support, coaching, and guidance to operators, drives continuous improvement initiatives, manages process escalations, and works collaboratively across departments to ensure operational excellence. The role requires a proactive individual who can balance daily production demands with forward planning to support future customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Production Operations
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing activities within the designated production area.
- Carry out manufacturing tasks and batch processing in line with approved procedures and work instructions.
- Monitor production schedules and support achievement of daily and weekly production targets.
- Ensure production output meets quality, safety, and delivery requirements.
- Support the investigation and resolution of production issues and process deviations.
- Accurately complete all required production documentation and system transactions.
Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and support implementation of corrective actions.
- Manage and resolve process escalations within the production area.
- Monitor key operational performance metrics and recommend improvement initiatives.
- Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities.
- Ensure standard operating procedures are followed and kept up to date.
Planning & Technical Leadership
- Identify potential capacity, material, equipment, or resource constraints and escalate where necessary.
- Work proactively to ensure manufacturing readiness for upcoming production requirements.
- Provide technical guidance to operators and support problem-solving activities on shift.
Systems & Stock Management
- Assume responsibility and ownership for designated company systems, including accurate use and maintenance of ERP systems.
- Ensure timely and accurate system transactions relating to production and inventory activities.
- Manage stock levels within the production area.
- Maintain inventory accuracy through robust stock control practices.
Team Leadership & Coaching
- Provide day-to-day support, direction, and guidance to production operators.
- Coach team members to develop competence, confidence, and performance.
- Deliver constructive feedback to improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
- Support the training and onboarding of new employees.
- Promote a positive team culture focused on safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Lead by example through adherence to company values and standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Production, Night Shift Manufacturing, Planning, Warehouse, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
- Assist in coordinating activities that improve workflow and overall manufacturing performance.
- Escalate issues appropriately and support timely resolution.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Assess work activities for risk and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
- Participate in audits, investigations, and improvement initiatives as required.
- Report safety concerns, quality issues, and equipment problems promptly.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
- Manufacturing or production environment experience.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to lead by example and influence others positively.
- Ability to follow instructions and provide clear direction to team members.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Competent user of IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using ERP or manufacturing systems.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively.
- Proactive approach with a strong focus on task completion and operational performance.
Desirable
- Forklift Truck Counterbalance and Reach licences.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Recognised manufacturing qualification, such as:
- Level 2 Certificate in Manufacturing Practices
- Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations
- Equivalent technical or production qualification
Personal Attributes
- Safety focused.
- Results oriented.
- Highly accountable.
- Collaborative and supportive.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to meet quality, productivity, and safety standards.
- Ability to stand, walk, lift, and carry materials in line with operational requirements.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Right First Time (RFT)
- On Time In Full (OTIF)
- Production Schedule Adherence
- Safety Performance
- Inventory Accuracy
- Quality Performance
- Process Improvement Implementation
