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Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

OPERATOR III (LEAD OPERATOR)

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

OPERATOR III (LEAD OPERATOR) Location: Arlington, TX Shifts Available: * 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM * 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM SignOn Bonus: Up to $5,000 Operator III - Lead Operator We are seeking an experienced ...

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

Stockton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Act as the working team lead while performing regular duties of the Equipment Operators/Material Handlers, provide leadership to the crew. * Prioritize and perform multiple tasks with the ability to ...

OPERATOR III (LEAD OPERATOR)

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

OPERATOR III (LEAD OPERATOR) Location: Arlington, TX Shifts Available: * 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM * 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sign-On Bonus: Up to $5,000 Operator III - Lead Operator We are seeking an experienced ...

Lead Operator

Roanoke, TX · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

This position has multiple levels with advancement based on demonstrated Operator knowledge and ... Must lead by example by modeling fairness, consistency, and a high level of performance coupled ...

Lead Operator

Oakdale, MN · On-site

$24/hr

Revolution is hiring Lead Operators to support its Oakdale, MN location. This role is a hands-on position leading stretch-film production line(s). The successful candidate will be involved in the ...

Can perform all of the duties of a Lead Operator Trainee, Line Operator I and II. * Performs Material Handler duties when necessary. * Assists in the training of temporaries and new employees to have ...

Can perform all of the duties of a Lead Operator Trainee, Line Operator I and II. * Performs Material Handler duties when necessary. * Assists in the training of temporaries and new employees to have ...

Description We are currently seeking experienced Lead Production Operators to work in the Gulf of Mexico. You will serve as a key role with your knowledge and experience in operating a variety of ...

JOB FUNCTION/ PURPOSE The Lead Operator is responsible for training and overseeing the daily activities of Operators and solving complex operations problems and performing maintenance/operations ...

Lead Operator

Roanoke, TX · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

This position has multiple levels with advancement based on demonstrated Operator knowledge and ... Must lead by example by modeling fairness, consistency, and a high level of performance coupled ...

Knowledge of basic operating machinery * Practice world class safety practices, every day. * Participate in monthly safety talks with production departments or as required. * Participate in quality ...

Act as the working team lead while performing regular duties of the Equipment Operators/Material Handlers, provide leadership to the crew. * Prioritize and perform multiple tasks with the ability to ...

Education and Experience Required: * 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience * High School Diploma or GED * Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal ...

JOB FUNCTION/ PURPOSE The Lead Operator is responsible for training and overseeing the daily activities of Operators and solving complex operations problems and performing maintenance/operations ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Operator information

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$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.

Lead Operator

Novolex

Fairfield, OH • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 12 days ago


Novolex rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Company OverviewWhy Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

Job Description

Novolex, Where Packaging Innovation Meets Career Opportunity! We are looking for you!!!

Competitive pay rate:  $22.00 - $25.00 an hour - paid weekly (based on experience)

Lead Operator available shift 8:00AM-8:00PM - 2-2-3 Schedule

Job Overview:

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, leadership abilities, and a commitment to maintaining production efficiency and safety standards.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

  • Setting up and operating blown film machinery, including extruders, dies, air rings, cooling systems, and winders.
  • Monitoring and adjusting machine settings, such as temperatures, speeds, and pressures, to ensure optimal production performance and product quality.
  • Conduct regular quality checks and inspections of the plastic film, identifying, and resolving any issues or defects.
  • Collaborating with Inventory Resin Control to ensure the availability of raw materials and necessary supplies for continuous production.
  • Maintaining production records, machine settings, production outputs, and quality control data.
  • Troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing minor repairs, and coordinating with maintenance technicians for major repairs or servicing.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting a culture of safety within the team and across the manufacturing facility.
  • Enforce standard operating procedures and best practices to optimize production efficiency and minimize waste.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as quality control, maintenance, and shipping, to ensure smooth operations and timely product delivery.
  • Other essential duties as assigned.

Candidate Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent. Additional technical certifications or training in manufacturing are preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in plastics manufacturing, with a strong understanding of blown film processes, machinery, and troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency in setting up and operating including extruders, dies, air rings, cooling systems, and winders.
  • Strong technical and mechanical aptitude, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues.
  • Leadership skills, with the ability to train and supervise machine operators effectively.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet production schedules.
  • Knowledge of quality control procedures and the ability to conduct inspections and maintain product quality.
  • Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in an industrial manufacturing setting.
Company BenefitsWhat You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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