Lead Operator 1st Shift

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

What You Will Do

The Lead Operator (First Shift) focuses on setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting manufacturing production. Operates machines or equipment, setting up and adjusting factors such as temperature, pressure, flow, and material reactions. Manually controls the unit or operates it via a control system. Runs up and shuts down production facilities, including product changeover activities. Cleans and decontaminates equipment. Maintains housekeeping of the workplace. Drives forklifts. Fills and takes over tank wagons. Conducts routine analytics and takes samples. Coordinates equipment maintenance and repairs with the technical team. Documents and communicates work results during shift handovers.

Packaging Focused Area

Under direction from Production management, the Lead Operator position supports an assigned area within production by performing operator duties, assisting in training new peer operators, supporting operators by prepping and coordinating materials for successful shift changeovers, supporting schedule attainment demands and labor adjustments, resolving daily equipment roadblocks that affect product output, contributing to production optimization in assigned area, and working cross-departmentally on projects.  Approximately 75% of tasks are directly related to shop floor operations within assigned area; 25% administrative tasks in support of shop floor operations.

Manufacturing Focused Area

Under direction from production management, Lead Operator position supports Continuous Improvement for Manufacturing according to cGMP, local laws, and company policies. Promotes development of a Continuous Improvement culture essential to achieving production volumes, operational efficiencies, competitive costs and in compliance with safety and quality standards.  Continuous Improvement activities will support the site’s scorecard, fulfill safety expectations, and satisfy internal/external customers’ needs. In addition, will fulfill  key leadership and support duties, and provide day to day backup support on the technical and non-technical production personnel to assist management in ensuring accuracy of workflow and attainment of departmental goals.  Covers some supervisory duties for supervisors / production assistants and is a lead employee for technical and non-technical personnel. 

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Packaging Focus

• Assist in training peers with daily operator tasks as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and understand training needs and gaps to recommend future trainings within the department.
• Understand and apply daily Operating Systems (DOS), PDCA and revamped Problem Solving, and KPIs to facilitate coordination of line teams connected to department deliverables.
• Monitor, track and trend major losses and drive continuous improvement actions and / or process optimization (PSS, 5-S, Lean, Six Sigma, Gemba Walks, safety, etc.).
• Coordinate and perform changeover activities and redistribute personnel within a focused production area for successful changeover.
• Coordinate response to and troubleshoot daily operator issues, IT systems (SAP/MES) and equipment problems/roadblocks with support groups (MEU, Sr Techs, etc.) and the operator team to resolve.  Work with supervision if additional support is needed to take corrective action.
• Execute inventory adjustments and cycle counts as needed.
• Assist with creation, editing, and management of formal standard documents or digital media.
• Participate as operator SME and/or department representative in supporting department projects and goals.
• Facilitate and complete A3 / Root Cause Analysis with line team and create sustainable resolutions. 
• Review completed packaging orders/BMR’s for accuracy including SAP transactions.
• Provide feedback to supervisors and the Training Team concerning the maturity (development opportunities) of shop-floor teams in connection with PSS Advancement Phases.
• Perform other duties as trained and assigned, such as Associate Technician duties.

Manufacturing Focus

• Implement improvements as identified by department management team, production employees, and support groups as well as identify and implement lean improvements.  Support products and/or new system enhancements.
• Principle leader for continuous improvement project teams.
• Lead and/or facilitate Kaizen Events, driving Continuous Improvement culture by involving employees in problem solving, decision making, and the implementation of identified continuous improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with operators and support personnel on diverse projects within the department including but not limited to training, building projects, HSE initiatives, continuous improvements, Qual card documents, Cleaning Record documents, and 5S initiatives.
• Identify department training needs.
• Provide training and/or reinforcement of best practices.  Create and present material necessary to introduce new best practices and reinforce established best practices for cross functional areas within the department.
• Provides technical and functional support for development and implementation of Standard Work throughout the department.
• Support production operations, production planning and material control areas in improvement projects relating to total cycle time, material flow, performance tracking and others as identified; collect, organize, and analyze data to support department and site metrics.
• Assist area supervision on any needed assignments/backup supervisor/production assistant as needed on day to day needs.  Acting supervisor in absence of department supervision.
• Support IQ/OQ/PQ, cleaning validations, and other projects and other duties assigned.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong computer skills and the ability to track and analyze data.  Present findings to drive action.
• Willingness to work alternate hours / overtime as needed to provide support for all three production shifts.
• Demonstrate commitment to Bayer values.
• Assist in training peers with daily operator tasks as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and understand training needs and gaps to recommend future trainings within the department.
• Facilitate and complete A3 / Root Cause Analysis with team to create sustainable resolutions.
• Facilitate, direct, and lead Level 1.5 daily.  Create action items, delegate, and see through to completion.
• Perform other duties as trained and assigned, such as Pharmaceutical Operator duties.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be willing to work overtime as required, based on production demands.
• Must be willing to flex time on off shifts when needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Technical trade, Business, Communications or Science field.
• 3 years hand-on operating experience and 5 years of  experience in a government regulated, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or standard operating procedures (SOP) environment.
• Proficient knowledge of PSS, PSS Advancement, Integrated Work System, World Class Manufacturing, Toyota Production System or similar work system.
• At least 6 months experience using motorized & non-motorized material handling equipment; and at least 1 year experience using automated inventory system 
• Mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability in changeover execution, preventative maintenance, mechanical/equipment troubleshooting and problem-solving skills through job experience or education.
• Advanced SAP, MES and Microsoft Software (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as with teams.

This posting will expire on May 9th, 2026.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $33.38-$50.08 per hour. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.