Lead Packer

Lead Packer

Pregis is seeking a motivated Lead Packer to join our manufacturing team in Elgin, IL. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in manufacturing, production, packaging, printing, direct mail, or converting environments who enjoy leading others, ensuring quality, and driving production performance.

As a Lead Packer, you will oversee packaging operations across multiple production lines, support team members, maintain quality standards, and help ensure customer orders are produced accurately and delivered on time.

At Pregis, we invest in our employees through hands-on training, skill development, and advancement opportunities. Many of our team members have grown into leadership, quality, operations, and technical roles throughout the organization.

What You'll Do

Team Leadership & Production Support

• Lead and support Packers across multiple production lines
• Provide direction, coaching, and day-to-day guidance to team members
• Help maintain efficient production flow and achieve department goals
• Coordinate employee rotations and breaks
• Assist with staffing and overtime planning alongside department leadership
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure products meet customer specifications and company quality standards
• Monitor packaging processes for defects, inaccuracies, or non-conformances
• Initiate hold procedures when quality concerns are identified
• Partner closely with Quality Inspectors and Operations teams to resolve issues
• Conduct quality audits and verify inspections are being performed properly
• Train and support Packers on quality procedures and best practices

Production & Inventory Control

• Verify correct packaging materials and components are used for each job
• Maintain accuracy within SAP inventory systems
• Ensure finished goods and production documentation are completed correctly
• Communicate critical production information during shift handoffs
• Support smooth operation of multiple production lines

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Follow all safety procedures and company policies
• Perform regular 6S and workplace organization audits
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and workflow
• Support a strong safety-first culture throughout the facility

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in manufacturing, packaging, printing, converting, direct mail, fulfillment, or production operations
• Leadership, team lead, or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to coach and direct employees in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality
• Experience working with quality standards, inspections, and SOPs
• Basic computer skills and documentation experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and production lines simultaneously
• Spanish bilingual skills are a plus

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Packaging operations
• Direct mail production
• Manufacturing leadership
• Production team lead roles
• Quality assurance processes
• Converting operations
• Printing operations
• Inventory control systems
• SAP experience
• Employee training and coaching
• Production scheduling
• Continuous improvement initiatives

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, and squatting
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 45 pounds
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Occasional computer and keyboard use

Work Environment

• Manufacturing production facility
• Exposure to moving machinery and equipment
• Indoor work environment
• Temperatures may exceed 90°F
• Humidity levels may exceed 80%
• Noise levels may exceed 85 dB
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• 3-5 years of manufacturing, packaging, printing, direct mail, converting, or related production experience preferred
• Lead, supervisory, or team leadership experience preferred
• Experience working with quality systems and production processes preferred

Why Join Pregis?

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid training and development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities
• Stable and growing manufacturing environment
• Safety-focused culture
• Opportunity to develop leadership and operations skills

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in diversity of thought and bringing together other traits and characteristics that make an individual bring a unique experience to Pregis. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where behaviors and social norms ensure people are welcome.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement/Inclusion

We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We support inclusion and believe in welcoming a collective sum of individual differences, thoughts, traits, and characteristics to represent Pregis' culture and achievements.