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Lead Production Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator

Compton, CA · On-site

$19.91/hr

We are hiring Production Operators to support our food manufacturing operations. This role involves ... Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset. Ownership: Take responsibility for results. Nimble:

Production Operator Lead

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

... with production personnel and supervisors and the completion of required paperwork. ESSENTIAL ... other operators for lunch breaks. • Keep work area clean at all times. • Other duties as ...

Production Operator Lead

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

... with production personnel and supervisors and the completion of required paperwork. ESSENTIAL ... other operators for lunch breaks. • Keep work area clean at all times. • Other duties as ...

Production Operator Lead

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

... with production personnel and supervisors and the completion of required paperwork. ESSENTIAL ... other operators for lunch breaks. • Keep work area clean at all times. • Other duties as ...

Production Operator

Newark, CA · On-site

$19.65/hr

1. Production and assembly work: Performs assigned assembly or production tasks according to work ... Report all Safety Incidents and work-related accidents to immediate Supervisor or Lead, must at all ...

Production Operator

Delano, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Delano, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Production Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

Production Operator This position is responsible for daily operations of the production floor ... Lead Like an Owner * Makes safety the number one priority * Keeps alert for safety issues and ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Production Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do lead production operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead production operator in California is $22.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead production operator?

A Lead Production Operator oversees and coordinates the daily activities of production line workers in a manufacturing or processing facility. This role involves setting up equipment, monitoring production processes, ensuring quality standards are met, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. The Lead Production Operator also trains and mentors team members, maintains safety protocols, and often serves as the point of contact between management and the production team. Strong leadership, technical skills, and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.

What is the difference between Lead Production Operator vs Production Technician?

AspectLead Production OperatorProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in manufacturing; sometimes certifications in safety or equipment operationHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, production line, often supervisoryManufacturing or industrial setting, focused on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, food production, chemical plantsUsed across similar industries, often working alongside Lead Operators

The Lead Production Operator typically oversees production processes, supervises team members, and ensures safety and efficiency, requiring leadership skills. Production Technicians focus on maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in manufacturing environments, but the Lead Production Operator has more supervisory responsibilities, while the Production Technician emphasizes technical expertise.

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

To thrive as a Lead Production Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with production management systems, quality control tools, and basic maintenance procedures is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help motivate teams and resolve issues efficiently. These abilities ensure smooth production flow, high-quality output, and a safe, productive work environment.

What are some common challenges lead production operators face when overseeing a production line?

Lead Production Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating team members with varying experience levels, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions under time pressure, and maintaining production targets while ensuring safety and quality standards. Balancing administrative responsibilities, like shift reports and inventory tracking, alongside hands-on supervision can also be demanding. Effective communication and quick problem-solving are key to successfully managing these challenges and maintaining a smooth workflow.

What are the responsibilities of a lead production operator?

A lead production operator oversees daily manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. They coordinate team activities, monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, and enforce safety protocols, often using production management software. Strong communication skills and knowledge of manufacturing processes are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Production Operator jobs in California? For Lead Production Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Production Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Production Operator jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Lead Production Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,125 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Production Operator

Foster Farms

Compton, CA • On-site

$19.91/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 436 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description Pay Rate $19.91 per hour + $.50 shift premium 2nd shift At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers. We are hiring Production Operators to support our food manufacturing operations. This role involves transporting ingredients, operating equipment, and maintaining production flow in a fast-paced environment Job Functions: Load and maintain filling in production equipment Handle and stage tortillas for production Monitor production lines, perform quality checks, and make minor repairs or adjustments as required Assemble and set up production equipment Transport materials between staging and production areas Clean equipment and complete required documentation Follow food safety (HACCP), GMP, and quality standards Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Must be able to use, or learn to use, the equipment and tools used to perform the job Must be able to perform all job functions safely Must be able to follow instructions Must be able to understand and follow all written SSOP's (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures) Must be able to understand MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time Must be able to lift up to 65 pounds Previous experience in manufacturing environment preferred Foster Farms is always looking for talented individuals to join the Foster Farms Team. We offer the experience of a large organization; however, we operate like a family business. More than half of our openings are filled with internal promotion, and we encourage Team Members to gain a variety of experiences across different functional groups. Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset. Ownership: Take responsibility for results. Nimble: Operate with speed and agility. Why Join Foster Farms? This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.

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