Lead Operator

Ingredion is hiring a Lead Operator in South Sioux City, NE. Successful candidates will be trained to operate our state-of-the-art plant-based protein facility, and then provide leadership and direction to an assigned operations shift. This position requires highly adaptable people who take pride in doing an excellent job. Candidates are required to be computer literate, able to develop & apply mechanical/problem solving skills, read and write in English, and work in a team environment with little supervision.

Responsibilities:

• Provides authentic/empathic leadership to team members.
• Being a leader in safety, a safe worker who demonstrates concern for personal safety and safety of others.
• Demonstrating a willingness to participate in plant safety initiatives.
• A working knowledge and ability to follow site safety rules and specific safety practices.
• Commitment to support and participate in our strong Safety culture of zero injuries and illnesses.
• Ensuring that company, customer, and regulatory procedures for safety, quality, production and costs are carried out effectively and efficiently across their respective shift.
• Fully understand the process and know how to operate every production job.
• Also responsible for the pea grinding (when Material Handler is not on shift), loading and unloading of trucks and railcars (when Material Handler is not on shift), vacation/absence relief, utility operations, QA / QC interaction, Management point of contact (POC), HSE permit issuer (e.g. LOTO, confined space, hot work, etc.), CIP prep and execution lead, and next shift prep (set them up for success)
• General cleaning of areas of responsibility
• Performing lab sampling, collection and testing.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions using good judgement.
• Implementing and facilitating self-directed work teams responsible for producing the highest quality products.
• Ensuring that the teams work cooperatively between individuals, shifts, and departments.
• Demonstrated skills in data analysis and its application to solving general manufacturing problems, as well as a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and process control usage.
• Ensuring and facilitating the development and implementation of documented SOPs, to reduce product variation and increase inter-shift and inter-departmental operating consensus.
• Recordkeeping and monitoring of production equipment and process history.
• Operating motor vehicles, material handling equipment to safely move and lift materials, product and equipment.
• With minimal supervision to unsupervised conditions, performing duties assigned throughout the plant.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent, post-secondary education is preferred.
• Ability to work on a 12-hour shift schedule in a continuous operation facility.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be capable of self-direction.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer and math skills.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Ability and willingness to train in other job classifications.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Basic knowledge of hand tools and possesses a mechanical aptitude.
• Previous manufacturing experience and material handling experience are preferred.
• Flexibility and ability to deal well with ambiguity as job focus and assignments may change daily and by the hour.
• Regular and prompt attendance.
• Ability to operate equipment or diagnose / detect issues of machinery that may be located at different heights; may require work on ladders, on top of rail cars/trucks, scaffolding or other work at heights or in may work in confined spaces.
• Full range of physical motion to operate manual and electrical power tools and various test equipment.
• Ability to move throughout the facility, including climbing stairs in all buildings, and to work at various heights.
• Ability to stand for long periods, walk, and climb stairs in hot and/or wet environments (all the while wearing appropriate safety gear.)
• Ability to use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. This person is occasionally required to sit. This person must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Ingredion is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.