Sidewall Extruder Operator

THE COMPANY

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros.

Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

The Sidewall Operator is responsible for operating extrusion and calendaring equipment that produces tire components including sidewalls, treads, shoulder pads, sheet gum, belt edge, inner liner, and squeegee materials for commercial tire manufacturing. This role leads a team of two to five processing team members and ensures all components are produced safely, efficiently, and according to quality specifications.

• Operate and oversee assigned extrusion/calendaring equipment to meet production, quality, and customer requirements.
• Lead and direct a crew of 2 to 5 processing team members during daily operations.
• Read, interpret, and react to Machine Set-Up Specifications (MSS) and production requirements.
• Plan work activities to maximize equipment utilization while meeting production schedules.
• Monitor and respond quickly to equipment downtime, process upsets, and other abnormal conditions, notifying supervision as needed.
• Verify the availability of materials, supplies, and utilities required for production.
• Accurately document production activities through timekeeping and electronic production systems.
• Utilize online and offline quality systems to ensure products meet specifications and tolerance requirements.
• Read and interpret product specifications, procedures, and quality standards.
• Use hand tools, gauges, and measurement devices to monitor product quality.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) to ensure consistent production and quality performance.
• Follow all company, plant, environmental, and safety policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment through 5S principles.
• Safely operate Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIV), including forklifts, when certified and authorized.
• Ensure proper care and safe operation of material handling equipment.
• Apply problem-solving skills to address equipment and process issues.
• Participate in business team meetings focused on safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Support improvements in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and TEEP (Total Effective Equipment Performance).
• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures.
• Participate in shop-floor improvement workshops and continuous improvement initiatives using Continental Business System (CBS) methodologies.
• Ensure standards and CBS tools are consistently applied within the area of responsibility.
• Serve as a champion for site-wide initiatives such as 5S, TPM, and other continuous improvement programs.
• Support CBT coaching reviews and assist Level 1 teams in achieving performance targets and implementing employee-driven improvements.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, support personnel, internal customers, and suppliers.
• Read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions related to safety, quality, process…