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Manufacturing Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kent Corporation

LEAD OPERATOR

Hagerstown, MD

$20 - $25/hr

The Lead Operator is directly responsible for all production activities during the shift and is ... Experience in feed or other manufacturing environments is preferred. * Knowledge of OSHA safety ...

Boar's Head Brand

Manufacturing Lead

New Castle, IN

As Lead Person -tasked with running a specific area of production in an efficient and safe manner ... Needs to understand the daily schedule and communicate the information to operators. Have an ...

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 ... Experience in feed or other manufacturing environments is preferred. * Knowledge of OSHA safety ...

Boar's Head Brand

Manufacturing Lead

New Castle, IN · On-site

As Lead Person -tasked with running a specific area of production in an efficient and safe manner ... Needs to understand the daily schedule and communicate the information to operators. Have an ...

TerrAscend

Manufacturing Lead

Boonton, NJ · On-site

$24.70/hr

We are one of the largest and fastest growing multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operators ... The Manufacturing Lead will be responsible for leading the Manufacturing team during their assigned ...

Kent Nutrition Group

LEAD OPERATOR

Richford, VT

$25 - $30/hr

The Lead Operator is directly responsible for all production activities during the shift and is ... Experience in feed or other manufacturing environments is preferred. * Knowledge of OSHA safety ...

Impact ES-Grants Pass

Manufacturing Lead

Grants Pass, OR · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Review appropriate Assembly Instructions (A/I) pages with operator when assigning work, checking ... Train area employees on correct procedure of manufacturing product. * Responsible for overall ...

TerrAscend

Manufacturing Lead

Boonton, NJ

We are one of the largest and fastest growing multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operators ... The Manufacturing Lead will be responsible for leading the Manufacturing team during their assigned ...

Marmon

Manufacturing Lead Supervisor

East Granby, CT

$60K - $82K/yr

The Manufacturing Lead Supervisor is responsible for directing daily manufacturing operations to ... Train and cross-train operators based on production schedule needs. * Participate in cross ...

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 ... Experience in feed or other manufacturing environments is preferred. * Knowledge of OSHA safety ...

Smart LLC

Manufacturing Lead

Fontana, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $29/hr

... Lead to drive our household and automotive chemical manufacturing lines. This is a "player-coach ... Direct a team of 10+ operators in both English and Spanish. * Use strong mathematical skills to ...

TerrAscend

Manufacturing Lead

Boonton, NJ · On-site

$24.70/hr

We are one of the largest and fastest growing multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operators ... The Manufacturing Lead will be responsible for leading the Manufacturing team during their assigned ...

Impact ES-Grants Pass

Manufacturing Lead

Grants Pass, OR · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Review appropriate Assembly Instructions (A/I) pages with operator when assigning work, checking ... Train area employees on correct procedure of manufacturing product. * Responsible for overall ...

Alkegen

Lead Operator

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$31.45/hr

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most ... The Lead Operator supports the manufacturing lines to setup, operate and control a variety of ...

Chemical Guys

Manufacturing Lead

Fontana, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $29/hr

... Lead to drive our household and automotive chemical manufacturing lines. This is a "player-coach ... Direct a team of 10+ operators in both English and Spanish. * Use strong mathematical skills to ...

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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.
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What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Lead Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Lead Operator jobs are:
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.
LEAD OPERATOR

LEAD OPERATOR

Kent Corporation

Hagerstown, MD

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Looking to join a six-time US Best Managed Company?! KENT Nutrition, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE family of companies has an exciting opportunity to join their team as a Lead Operator at our Hagerstown, MD plant! 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 to safely maximize high quality production. This is an hourly opportunity with an approximate schedule of 1:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

  • The compensation range for this role is $20.00-25.00 an hour in addition to KENT standard benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k). Final compensation is subject to variation based on the candidate's skills, job responsibilities, location and other pertinent factors.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Report any factors that may influence the quality and safety of the finished feed and ingredients to the plant management.
  • Participate with the HACCP Feed & Food Safety Team.
  • Supervise and assist in training all production personnel.
  • Coordinate planning production activities with plant management.
  • Recommend changes to the plant or personnel to increase quality, efficiency and safety.
  • Fill in for Operator positions as needed.
  • Responsible for planning, organizing, motivating and directing shift production employees.
  • Responsible for the overall appearance and upkeep of the facility.
  • Assist the Plant Manager in all areas of plant operations as needed.

 EDUCATION:

  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Must be competent to proficient with software such as Word, Excel, Outlook and can become proficient with multiple site-specific software programs.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in feed or other manufacturing environments is preferred.
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.
  • Understanding of cGMP’s.
  • Knowledge of HACCP Feed & Food Safety Plan.
  • Knowledge of FSMA.
  • Previous supervisor experience is beneficial.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 55 lbs. from floor to working height as job requires.
  • Ability to operate a forklift.
  • Ability to work in dust and adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
  • Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check.

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