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Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sugar Foods LLC

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 ...

Kent Corporation

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 ...

Kent Nutrition Group

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 ...

Kent Corporation

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 ...

Sugar Foods LLC

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$20 - $25/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 ...

Kent Nutrition Group

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 ...

Kent Corporation

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 ...

Kent Nutrition Group

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 ...

Kent Corporation

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 ...

Kent Nutrition Group

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 ...

Cambrex

Lead Operator

Charles City, IA

The Lead Operator will be expected to lead operating personnel for safe and efficient operation of the chemical manufacturing area. The Lead Operator will be responsible for assisting the Production ...

W3Global Inc.

Lead Operator

Mansfield, OH

$18 - $24/hr

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 ...

Bridges Staffing

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 ...

HRSD

Lead Operator

Onancock, VA · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Description Job Title Lead Operator Location Onancock, VA, US Organization Name Eastern Shore Work Schedule and Other Information Brief Description The Lead Operator supervises daily plant operations ...

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Lead Operator information

See salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Lead Operators?

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
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Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Lead Operator

SPECTRUM PLASTICS MASTER

Pleasant Prairie, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The lead operator position is a senior level manufacturing position at PPC Industries. This position is designed for a highly experienced and knowledgeable employee. A lead operator will generally be responsible for 6 / 7 extrusion lines. The lead operator is responsible for performing equipment setup and startup for extrusion lines, bag machines, winders, printers and inline converting equipment. A successful lead operator will be mindful for product quality with a focus on minimizing material waste (scrap). The lead operator is the key employee in the PPC process for ensuring product quality. The lead operator is a leadership position that provides guidance and training for mixers and packers as well as other lead operators.
Essential Job Functions
  • All safety regulations must be observed. Operators must also follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).
  • Identify and locate raw materials by reading and interpreting job orders.
  • Perform equipment setup and startups, bringing extrusion lines in and out of production including identifying appropriate resin blends and removal of non-required materials
  • Responsible for setting up inline printing including ink retrieval and ink return. Operators on shift when a job ends, are responsible to clean up and return the ink to the ink room appropriately.
  • Make adjustments to settings, including web guide settings, tension settings, width settings, bag machine and winder settings, Doctor machine setting, etc...
  • Responsible for the setup, startup and operation of the bag machines and winders.
  • Responsible for providing supervision and direction for packers assigned to their extrusion lines as well as the mixer / material handler for their shift.
  • Responsible for quality of product that is being manufactured.
  • Keep work area clean / organized. No product or raw materials should be on the floor.
  • Perform Quality Control checks as required by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
  • Documenting the run record for manufactured product.
  • Ability to train junior employees on equipment and process.
  • Willingness to support other Lead Operators in maintaining all extrusion lines.
  • Ensure that unused equipment is stored in the proper location

Non-essential Job Functions
  • Assist with preventative maintenance activity (screen changes / blade replacement / cleaning air rings / etc...).

  • Ability to lift 30 lbs. consistently and higher occasionally.
  • Ability to work on a rotating 12 hour shift schedule (day / night).
  • Experience as a packer.
  • Willingness to listen and learn through on the job training from Supervisors
  • Basic math skills to complete calculation and measurement of product.
  • Basic computer skills to input data / interface with Material Management Systems.

Other Skills/Abilities
  • Be able to perform length, gauge and weight measurements.
    • Use of hand tools, such as wrenches, scrapers, die gauges, screwdrivers, tape measures, etc.
  • Be able to visually inspect product for defects.

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