Lead Machine Operator

Machine Operator 3 

We Create Products and Brands That People Trust to Clean, Sanitize, and Protect Their Homes and Pools

When you join KIK Consumer Products, you’re joining a team that cares about the work we do and also about each other. We bring exceptional brands and products to consumers that help them protect the health and wellness of their families and the cleanliness of their homes and pools. We are committed to building a culture of performance driven by accountability, collaboration, and agility that enables timely fact-based decision-making and exceptional execution with unwavering ethics. As one of North America’s largest independent manufacturers of consumer products, KIK helps a large portfolio of brands and retailers bring their products to life.

Your Role at KIK

We are seeking a Machine Operator Level 3 Lead Operator on First Shift, where you will oversee the filling and packaging operations for your shift. You will lead a team of operators running high‑speed equipment such as fillers, labelers, drop packers, case erectors, palletizers, bottle unscramblers, and case sealers while directing line manning and scheduling to meet production goals. In this working‑lead role, you will monitor line performance, address mechanical and process upsets, and coordinate closely with Maintenance, Warehouse, and Quality to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency targets are achieved. 

What You’ll Do

• Oversee filling and packaging operations for assigned lines by directing manning, coordinating schedules, and ensuring all equipment is running safely and efficiently.​
• Operate and monitor production equipment (fillers, labelers, drop packers, case erectors, palletizers, bottle unscramblers, case sealers), reacting quickly to jams, quality issues, or other disruptions.​
• Maintain vigilance for any upsets in the filling operation, identify mechanical or process needs, and work with Maintenance to address equipment issues.​
• Train, guide, and motivate operators; provide on‑the‑job coaching on machine operation, basic troubleshooting, quality checks, and safety practices.​
• Maintain accurate time, production, and downtime records; review data with supervisors to drive improvement and meet production plans.​
• Ensure quality standards are met by verifying codes, fills, packaging integrity, and appearance, and by partnering with Quality to resolve non‑conformances.​
• Communicate clearly with downline associates, supervisors, managers, Maintenance, and Warehouse to coordinate material flow, changeovers, and issue resolution.​
• Promote and enforce a “Safety First” culture by following and supporting all safety and GMP programs, immediately addressing or escalating unsafe conditions.​

What You’ll Bring

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5 or more years of experience in a high‑speed, automated filling/packaging environment 
• Previous experience as a Lead/Line Operator with strong process and equipment knowledge preferred
• Advanced knowledge of production line equipment (fillers, labelers, drop packers, case erectors, palletizers, bottle unscramblers, case sealers) and strong understanding of production processes, quality control, machine operation, troubleshooting, and downtime tracking
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop team members while driving productivity and maintaining a quality‑focused, results‑driven mindset
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to stay “one step ahead” in a fast‑paced environment and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong commitment to safety and the ability to recognize and correct unsafe conditions

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours) and to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 60 lbs as needed
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and walking while working on and around production equipment
• Comfortable working in a factory environment with varying temperatures, strong odors/fumes, hig