Lead Production Operator - Paper Center of Excellence - Dart Container : Job Details

Lead Production Operator - Paper Center of Excellence

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Date: Sep 8, 2025

Location: Leola, PA, US

Company: Dart Container

Grow with us and get $4,000 in bonuses after your first year!

Are you ready to make a real impact on the production floor every single day? We're seeking a skilled, hands-on Lead Production Operator to join our high-performing team. With a focus on operational excellence, safety, and efficiency, you'll play a key role in leading floor operations and keeping production running at peak performance!

Leola, PA, will soon be home to Dart's new paper plate manufacturing Center of Excellence! This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the rising demand for paper-based packaging with advanced technology, high capacity, and a commitment to sustainability.

As a Lead Production Operator, you'll apply advanced machine operation skills across multiple lines and processes, coordinate shift activities, and drive productivity on the floor. From training team members to troubleshooting equipment, your leadership will be essential to delivering results that matter.

What You'll Do – Key Results

• Drive safety, quality, and efficiency by meeting or exceeding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Lead machine operations across production lines and departments

• Monitor floor operations, audit processes, and escalate issues when needed

• Coordinate with supervisors to align staffing, resources, and schedules

• Perform and lead advanced equipment troubleshooting and root cause analysis

• Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives

• Train and coach operators, ensuring full understanding of procedures and standards

• Complete accurate production reporting and documentation

• Foster clear communication across shifts to maintain smooth transitions

What You Bring – Competencies

• Leadership that inspires performance, accountability, and teamwork

• A proactive mindset focused on results and continuous improvement

• Strong mechanical problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Effective collaboration and communication across departments

• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Experience and Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Minimum 2 years (external) or 1 year (internal) of machine operating experience in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated leadership or team lead experience

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex equipment

• Strong math skills and blueprint reading capabilities

• Working knowledge of production software (SAP preferred)

• Proficiency in English for communication, safety, and training

Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree

• Experience in a lead or training role

• Familiarity with specialized equipment (e.g., thermoforming, extrusion, injection molding)

• Experience with preventive maintenance practices

• Prior powered industrial truck (PIT) experience

Work Schedule & Travel:

• Initial schedule will be Monday–Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM.

• Will transition to 24/7 operations later this year; flexibility required.

• Travel is required (up to 50%) for the first several months/throughout 2025-2026. Travel will be for onboarding, training, ongoing operational excellence and other purposes. Travel will, for the most part, take place Monday – Friday, but some weekend travel may be required.

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years. We're a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we're proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.

Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) ###-#### Ext 3370 or email us at [email protected]. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) ###-#### Ext 3390 or email us at [email protected] for assistance.

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