Manager, Machine Operations

Job Summary

The Manager, Machine Operations, is responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and performance of assigned production equipment. The role ensures equipment runs at optimal levels by owning all aspects of machine functionality, including start‑up, troubleshooting, minor repairs, and process adjustments. The Manager leads continuous improvement initiatives and is accountable for achieving key performance indicators (KPIs), particularly focused on equipment uptime and production throughput.

Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating across departments and ensuring accurate reporting and escalation of any issues. The Manager, Machine Operator, manages two other direct reports.

• Operate assigned machinery and ensure safe, efficient, and consistent performance.
• Monitor, maintain, and improve equipment performance to meet or exceed production KPIs, especially uptime and output efficiency.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and assist with more complex repairs or mechanical troubleshooting.
• Act as the primary owner of machine operations; identify issues and implement corrective actions with minimal supervision.
• Record and track machine performance, downtime, and maintenance logs accurately.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to enhance equipment reliability and optimize workflow.
• Train and mentor other machine operators on best practices, operational standards, and safety procedures.
• Proactively contribute to process improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, increasing throughput, and maintaining high‑quality output.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and operational standards and procedures.
• Apply proper Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) protocols during maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
• Provide management oversight for two direct reports.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating and maintaining industrial or manufacturing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven track record in achieving equipment efficiency and uptime metrics.
• Working knowledge of production workflows, preventive maintenance systems, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) experience and understanding required.
• Ability to read technical manuals, schematics, and work instructions.
• Effective communication and team collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, overtime, or weekends as needed.
• Experience with the Cantos machine.
• Prior management experience preferred.

• Ownership mentality.
• Technical troubleshooting.
• Process improvement.
• Strong communication.
• Attention to detail.
• Time and task management.
• Safety‑first mindset.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently remains in a stationary position, moves and/or positions oneself, communicates, operates and/or prepares, places, positions objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 50 lb. The employee must stand for 90% of the time. The employee is comfortable with heights, occasionally ascends/descends a ladder to service the lights, filters, trellis netting and ceiling fans up to 25 ft, and comfortable working atop and traversing scaffolding when required.

The employee is comfortable with changing environmental temperatures and humidity and is exposed to pollen, dust, dander, and other nature elements. Specific vision abilities required include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an individual, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Work is performed in a warehouse environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.