Manager, Machine Operations

Job Summary

The Manager, Machine Operatations, is responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and performance of assigned production equipment. This 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 also leads continuous improvement initiatives and is accountable to achieve 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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 preventative 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 contributes 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.
• Management oversight for two direct reports.
• Other duties as assigned by management

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Physical and Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move and/or position oneself, communicate, operate and/or prepare, place, position objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 50 lb. Able to stand for 90% of the time. Comfortable with heights, occasionally ascends/descends a ladder to service the lights, filters, trellis netting and ceiling fans up to 25ft. Comfortable working atop and traversing scaffolding, when required. Comfortable with changing environment temperatures and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, dander, and other nature elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here 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

Working Environment

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. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.