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Manufacturing Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kintara

Manufacturing Lead

Adrian, MI · On-site

$75K - $115K/hr

You will lead a team of technicians and operators while developing scalable manufacturing processes that support consistent quality, throughput, and operational execution. The ideal person enjoys ...

New

Kintara

Manufacturing Lead

Adrian, MI · On-site

$75K - $115K/hr

You will lead a team of technicians and operators while developing scalable manufacturing processes that support consistent quality, throughput, and operational execution. The ideal person enjoys ...

New

Sugar Foods LLC

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Operator to join our team in the Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing industry. As a Lead Operator, you will be responsible for overseeing the production process and ...

Sugar Foods LLC

Lead Operator

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Operator to join our team in the Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing industry. As a Lead Operator, you will be responsible for overseeing the production process and ...

Radius Packaging

Manufacturing Lead

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Manufacturing Lead - Day Shift (3-4 day/12 hour shift rotation through year end - Transitioning to ... Train and mentor Line Operators, Machine Technicians, and temporary staff. * Coordinate breaks and ...

Radius Packaging

Manufacturing Lead

New Berlin, WI · On-site

Manufacturing Lead - Day Shift (3-4 day/12 hour shift rotation through year end - Transitioning to ... Train and mentor Line Operators, Machine Technicians, and temporary staff. * Coordinate breaks and ...

W3Global Inc.

Lead Operator

Mansfield, OH

$18 - $24/hr

One of our clients is seeking an experienced Lead Operator for a 2 Color Jumbo Printer Slotter in a corrugated packaging manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for leading machine ...

Cambrex

Lead Operator

Charles City, IA

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that ... The Lead Operator will be expected to lead operating personnel for safe and efficient operation of ...

Radius Packaging

Manufacturing Lead

New Berlin, WI · On-site

Manufacturing Lead - Day Shift (4/4 day/12 hour shift) Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly About the ... Train and mentor Line Operators, Machine Technicians, and temporary staff. * Coordinate breaks and ...

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Manufacturing Lead Operator information

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$10

$24

$38

How much do manufacturing lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing lead operator in the United States is $24.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Lead Operator vs Manufacturing Supervisor?

AspectManufacturing Lead OperatorManufacturing Supervisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in manufacturing processesHigh school diploma; often additional supervisory or management certifications
Work EnvironmentHands-on production floor, operating machinery, monitoring processesOversees production teams, manages workflow, ensures safety and quality
Employer UsageUsed in manufacturing plants to lead daily operations at the floor levelUsed to manage teams and coordinate production activities

The Manufacturing Lead Operator focuses on direct production tasks and machinery operation, while the Manufacturing Supervisor oversees team management and overall workflow. Both roles require similar technical skills, but the supervisor has broader responsibilities for team leadership and process improvement.

How does a Manufacturing Lead Operator typically coordinate with team members and other departments to ensure smooth production flow?

A Manufacturing Lead Operator plays a pivotal role in coordinating between frontline production staff and other departments such as quality control, maintenance, and logistics. They are responsible for organizing daily work schedules, communicating production targets, and quickly addressing any issues that might disrupt the workflow. Effective collaboration often involves holding regular briefings, updating team members on process changes, and liaising with supervisors or engineers to resolve technical challenges. This collaborative approach helps ensure production goals are met efficiently while maintaining safety and quality standards.

What is a Manufacturing Lead Operator?

A Manufacturing Lead Operator is a professional responsible for overseeing the production process on the manufacturing floor. They coordinate the activities of machine operators and other workers, ensure production schedules are met, and maintain safety and quality standards. This role often involves troubleshooting equipment issues, training staff, and ensuring that all operations comply with company policies and industry regulations. The Manufacturing Lead Operator acts as a bridge between the production team and management, helping to optimize workflow and productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Lead Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Lead Operator, you need a solid understanding of production processes, quality control, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant manufacturing experience. Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), safety protocols, and certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively oversee teams and maintain workflow efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production in a manufacturing environment.
More about Manufacturing Lead Operator jobs
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Manufacturing Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Lead Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,380 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Manufacturing Lead Operator - Direct Hire!

Manufacturing Lead Operator - Direct Hire!

Simos

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
SMX is hiring for a Manufacturing Lead Operator position for our premier client, Heartland Automotive, in Lafayette! This position will supervise and coordinate all activities related to maintaining and operating equipment. Associates should have strong leadership and decision-making capacities and ideally 2 years of manufacturing experience. $80 Attendance Bonus weekly for perfect attendance (bonus is per eligibility requirements). Apply today and get your new career started!
Perks & Benefits
  • Casual Dress Code
  • Modern, high tech Environment
  • Other on the spot perks
  • Paid Training
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Direct Deposit or Cash Card pay options
  • Medical / Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • $18.00 / Hour
  • Bonus is per eligibility requirements.

Employment Type & Shifts
  • Full Time
  • Direct Hire

  • 1st Shift
  • 2nd Shift
  • 3rd Shift

Job Responsibilities
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
  • Ability to perform equipment maintenance
  • Knowledge of basic mathematical concepts
  • Strong leadership and decision-making processes
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience:
  • 2 years experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Microsoft Office

Associate Requirements
  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Background Check
  • Able to Lift 50 pounds
  • Drug Test
  • Stand for Shift Duration
  • Must be at least 18 years old

Apply