Lead Production Operator

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Making Better Happen. Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet. From our success in Scandinavia, we ve grown into the world s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people worldwide. We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant.

And it s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet. Join nearly 4,000 like-minded colleagues globally and build a better future with us.

Build a better future as a Lead Production Operator in Newark, NJ. Compensation Range: $83,100 - $86,424. Possible Bonus: 5%.

The Lead Operator is involved with the successful daily operation of the facility on a 7-day-a-week rotating shift basis. This role supports the Shift Leader to ensure optimal performance of the on-shift production team. It is not a principal operator of a single workstation; instead it supports all production and loadout operators on the shift, acting as the first escalation point of contact.

Additional responsibilities include training and upskilling, equipment and process troubleshooting, and facilitating continuous improvement initiatives. If necessary, this position will backfill absences of production operators and shift leaders.

• Support production team members to ensure production and sanitation quotas are met while complying with safety and quality requirements
• Lead and perform cleaning, inspection, lubrication and basic repair of production equipment
• Perform housekeeping support to refinery and roads and grounds
• Lead and assist in troubleshooting faulty equipment and processes; act as first escalation POC for operators
• Create, audit and update procedures used by site personnel; train operators on updated procedures and new or modified processes
• Ensure accurate lost time allocation on all production units every shift; coach operators to manage this autonomously
• Lead TPM and continuous improvement initiatives (CILT, F-card creation and tracking, 5S audits, root cause analysis, etc.)
• Hold on-shift team accountable for execution of routine CILT procedures
• Backfill absences of production operators and shift leaders; ensure daily responsibilities are met
• Assist other refinery operators and maintenance tasks as needed; operate forklifts and related equipment safely
• Communicate effectively with the shift supervisor about issues and problems; use the computerized work order system for shift tasks
• Participate in safety committees, audits, task forces, and cost-minimization initiatives

• Lead safety efforts by personal example and support full department compliance with safety rules
• Aim for zero accidents and encourage near-miss reporting; support zero contractor accidents during major construction or maintenance
• Identify high-risk safety/productivity issues and help remediate them

• Adhere to SOPs and work procedures; prior experience as an AAK Production or Loadout Operator preferred
• 3+ years of relevant production experience; 4 AAK production operator qualifications preferred
• Strong problem-solving, math, mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment with evolving priorities
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Computer literate (Windows Office, email)
• Ability to work a rotating DuPont schedule with 12-hour shifts

• Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) from date of hire
• Health Savings Account with annual contribution of $1,000–$1,500
• Matching 401(k): 100% of the first 3% you contribute; 50% of the next 3%
• Free life and disability insurance;
  Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and…