Lead Operator

Lead Operator

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

A Lead Operator is responsible for performing and maintaining the daily activities associated with a production line. This includes housekeeping, safety, quality, maintaining production efficiencies, repair and maintenance and minimizing downtime. This position requires the flexibility to work 40+ hours per week and weekends as required. Ability to work varying shifts is also required due to equipment changeovers. A Lead Operator reports directly to the shift Production Supervisor.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Direct daily work activities of production personnel
• Practice proper PPE compliance and maintain a safe working record and environment
• Completion of shift production and reporting paperwork
• Immediately communicate unsafe conditions, acts or injuries to Production Supervisor
• Meet ADS and AASHTO quality specifications for all products produced
• Assist with Preventive Maintenance program as required
• Troubleshoot process and mechanical problems and perform repairs and adjustments to meet production needs as required
• Practice proper forklift operation and preventive maintenance
• Maintain ability to operate various production lines and processes effectively; earn certifications
• Maintain facility housekeeping
• Adhere to ADS product sampling schedule
• Maintain and build job skills through company training programs
• Perform tooling changeovers in an efficient manner as required
• Meet or exceed standard production efficiencies on all production lines
• Understand and practice ADS CORE VALUES

Job Skills:

This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:

• Leadership, professionalism, organizational and communication skills
• Mechanical troubleshooting and repair abilities
• Ability to operate heavy machinery, i.e. forklifts, in a safe manner
• Basic computer skills
• Reading and Writing skills
• Analytical thinking and problem solving skills
• Self-motivated

Educational Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Experience:

• 2-3 years experience as ADS Line Operator or previous manufacturing operation or extrusion experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to repeatedly lift 75 pounds to a height of 6 feet
• Ability to stand and be mobile for a minimum of 8-12 continuous hours
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time in temperature extremes
• Ability to use hands, arms and legs to physically handle and transport finished goods
• Position requires full range of body motion including twisting, bending, reaching, squatting and ability to mount/dismount industrial equipment and vehicles

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

* 100% paid by ADS.

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and…