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Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

As a Lead Operator, you will be responsible for overseeing the production process and ensuring that all products meet our high-quality standards. You will work closely with the production team to ...

LEAD OPERATOR

Richford, VT · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The Lead Operator is directly responsible for all production activities during the shift and is responsible for all shift production employees. The Lead Operator works closely with plant management ...

LEAD OPERATOR

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Lead Operator is directly responsible for all production activities during the shift and is responsible for all shift production employees. The Lead Operator works closely with plant management ...

LEAD OPERATOR

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Lead Operator is directly responsible for all production activities during the shift and is responsible for all shift production employees. The Lead Operator works closely with plant management ...

LEAD OPERATOR

Richford, VT · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The Lead Operator is directly responsible for all production activities during the shift and is responsible for all shift production employees. The Lead Operator works closely with plant management ...

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for overseeing the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency ...

Lead Operator - Jumbo Printer Slotter Job Type: Full-time | In-person Compensation: Competitive Pay + Benefits Overview: One of our clients is seeking an experienced Lead Operator for a 2 Color Jumbo ...

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for overseeing the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency ...

Lead Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Our client needs Lead Operators who can fine-grade with a bulldozer curb, sidewalks, roads, ponds, and also lay storm drain with an excavator. Attention earth-moving, fine-grade, heavy equipment ...

Lead Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lead Operator The Lead Operator oversees semiautomatic equipment and processes used to produce and package chemical substances in an industrial or consumer products environment. This role works in a ...

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for overseeing the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency ...

CNC Lead Operator Willoughby Facility | Partnering with Mancan Chardon Office Are you an experienced CNC professional looking to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Mancan is seeking a ...

Lead Operator

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for overseeing the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Operator information

See salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead operator?

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

What is a lead operator?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

How does a lead operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.
More about Lead Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Operator jobs? Cities with the most Lead Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Operator jobs? The most popular types of Lead Operator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Operator jobs? The top employers for Lead Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


ImageFIRST rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 59 rated cleaning companies


Job description

Overview

Founded in 1967, ImageFIRST is the largest and only national linen rental and laundry service specializing in the healthcare market. Acquired by private equity firm Calera Capital in 2018, ImageFIRST serves medical facilities nationwide providing linen, patient gowns, scrubs, and more while managing their clients' linen inventory for cost management. As leaders in infection prevention, they currently own and operate the most HLAC-accredited facilities in the industry. With one of the highest customer retention rates in the industry - 97% - ImageFIRST is dedicated to improving patient satisfaction and making staff happy with our white glove service!

Check out our company page: https://www.imagefirst.com/company/

Responsibilities & Qualifications

The Lead Operator's primary responsibility is to act as a liaison to plant leadership in coordinating resources on the production floor. The Lead Operator will ensure that all tasks necessary to complete the load out of product for delivery in their specific department have been completed daily. To be successful, the Lead Operator will monitor the production and productivity of their department throughout the day, communicate needs with other Lead Operator associates and/or leadership, and monitor the safety and cleanliness of the department daily.

The Lead Operator will be responsible for other tasks, including but not limited to: 

  • Set the floor at the beginning of the shift and continue to stage resources as needed for daily load-outs
  • Break down items: scan, process/sort, tag and label product
  • Load and unload laundry
  • Inspect product to see that it meets standards for finishing, stains, and repairs
  • Help track productivity in their respective department
  • Participate in daily production update meetings with production management
  • Monitor clean return levels per route per day and report to supervisor any recommendations on reductions
  • Assisting with identifying and training a backfill of Lead Operators for any time-off needs
  • Knowledge of the proper usage of all production equipment in the plant
  • Analyze and monitor shelf levels for back stock of load-outs
  • Report needs in a timely manner to supervisor
  • Help ensure load-outs are completed 100% daily
  • Communicate shortages to supervisor
  • Other duties may be assigned depending on area of plant

 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • General computer knowledge required
  • Basic math required: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication
  • Well-respected by peers and local leadership
  • Coachable and flexible to process changes
  • Maintain regular, dependable attendance and high-level performance
  • Flexibility in scheduling based on volume. Must be available to work overtime during high volume periods if needed
  • Physical ability to continuously stand, stoop, bend, reach, push, and stack merchandise
  • Lifting requirements up to 30 pounds
  • Ability to learn new skills and take on additional job responsibilities as needed

 WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment. Work involves frequent lifting of materials up to 30 pounds and maintain an active presence on the production floor. Machinery and tool operation require the use of safety equipment/PPE. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted.

Company Values & Benefits

Required Competencies:

  • Be Respectful: Value all we come in contact with
  • Be Remarkable: Create a positive moment with every interaction
  • Be Safe: Keep ourselves and those around us safe
  • Be Honest: Be guided by truthfulness in all we do  

Benefits:

  • Weekly pay
  • Medical, Dental, Vision 
  • Pet, Legal, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance 
  • 401k (match)
  • Paid Time Off Package
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Referral Program
  • Great company culture
  • Collaborative team environment 

EOE / Drug-Free Workplace 

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We are fueled by the talent, passion, and diversity of our associates.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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