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Manufacturing Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smart LLC

Manufacturing Lead

Fontana, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

TerrAscend

Manufacturing Lead

Boonton, NJ

$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 ...

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 ...

TerrAscend

Manufacturing Lead

Boonton, NJ

$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 ...

ALUMA-FORM

Manufacturing Lead

Memphis, TN

Responsible for training of operators for products and processes within the local team ... Ability to lead by example, gain respect from team and communicate with clarity whilst ...

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 ...

Alkegen

Lead Operator

Buffalo, NY

$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 ...

Howmet Aerospace

Manufacturing Lead

Whitehall, MI · On-site

Reviews production and operating reports and resolves operations, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays. * Promotes EHS and continuous ...

Simos

Lead Manufacturing Operator Paint

Greencastle, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Description Looking for a new opportunity to jumpstart your career? We're immediately hiring Lead Operators to support Heartland Automotive's manufacturing operations. This position supervises and ...

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Manufacturing Lead Operator information

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How much do manufacturing lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

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 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.

More about Manufacturing Lead Operator jobs
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,380 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Manufacturing Lead

Smart LLC

Fontana, CA

$23.50 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description

**This is a temp to hire position: 3 month temp with agency and permanent right after as long as you are meeting expectations with a possibility of permanent placement from the start**


We are seeking a high-performance, Bilingual Production Lead to drive our household and automotive chemical manufacturing lines. This is a "player-coach" role for a leader who can command the floor, troubleshoot integrated lines, and manage the full scope of production from raw components to finished goods. We value your 5+ years of direct industry experience and leadership ability over a college degree.


Key Responsibilities

1. Full Line Technical Oversight: Lead and optimize integrated high-speed production lines, including:

  • Automated Filling & Capping: Precise volume control and torque monitoring.
  • Labeling & Coding: Ensuring alignment and batch code legibility.
  • Secondary Packaging: Expert operation of shrink wrap and heat tunnels.
  • End-of-Line Packout: Management of automated taping machines, case packing, and palletization.

2. Inventory & Component Management:

  • Monitor on-line stock levels of raw components (bottles, caps, labels, film, corrugated).
  • Perform daily reconciliation of usage vs. output to maintain inventory accuracy.
  • Interface with Inventory Control and Logistics to coordinate material pulls and transfers.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality teams to resolve non-conformance issues and maintain GMP/Cal-OSHA compliance.

4.Floor Command & Analytics:

  • Direct a team of 10+ operators in both English and Spanish.
  • Use strong mathematical skills to calculate and report KPIs (e.g., UPH, downtime %, and yield loss).

4. Safety: Enforce strict adherence to PPE and safety standards for household and automotive chemicals.


Location: Fontana, CA

Pay Rate: $23.50 - $29.00 per hour + OT

Reports To: Production Manager

Direct Reports: Around 30 employees

Benefits(once you become a perm. Chemical Guys employee): Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with company match, PTO, sick time, paid holidays and employee discount.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Experience: 5+ years in liquid manufacturing (Chemicals/CPG preferred).
  • Language: Fully Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a huge plus.
  • Math Skills: Proficient in production math and analytical reporting.
  • Technical: Proven troubleshooting skills with filling, heat tunnel, and packout equipment.
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED; no college degree required.
  • Certifications: Forklift Certification is a significant plus (Sit-down/Stand-up).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Stamina: Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled warehouse environment for extended periods.
  • Endurance: Capacity to perform 12-hour shifts, including standing and walking the production floor for the duration of the shift.
  • Heavy Lifting: Must be able to regularly lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) as required for line replenishment or equipment adjustment.
  • Manual Dexterity: Frequent bending, reaching, and use of hands to troubleshoot machinery and handle chemical components.

Schedule & Overtime Expectations

  • High Overtime Availability: This role offers significant overtime opportunities. Candidates must be available for extended schedules during peak seasons, including up to 12-hour shifts, 6 days a week.

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