Slitter Operator Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable, hands-on, and accountable Converting Operator Lead for our slitting operations in the 275 building. This working lead role is responsible for supporting daily production on the slitting line by assisting operators and helpers, keeping work moving safely and efficiently, and ensuring production is completed in line with work orders, customer specifications, quality expectations, hourly output targets, and documented standard operating procedures.

The Converting Operator Lead will support machine setup, changeovers, troubleshooting, quality checks, documentation, material readiness, shift communication, SOP compliance, and team training. This position will also help develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures to support consistent training, safe work practices, quality performance, and repeatable production processes across the slitting area.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on machine operation experience, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to lead by example while staying actively involved on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, monitor, and change over slitter machines to meet production schedules, quality expectations, customer specifications, roll requirements, and hourly output targets.
• Drive hourly performance on the slitting line by helping keep production moving safely, efficiently, and in line with quality and speed expectations.
• Lead by example by modeling strong attendance, safety, quality, work ethic, accountability, and a hands-on approach throughout the shift.
• Support slitter operators and helpers with daily assignments, breaks, training, questions, setup, changeovers, material handling, and production issues.
• Fill in on the slitting line or in other production support areas as needed to maintain workflow and reduce downtime.
• Read and follow work orders, job specifications, labels, customer requirements, roll sizes, slit widths, footage requirements, and packaging instructions.
• Assist with machine setup, blade setup, core placement, roll loading, roll unloading, tension adjustments, web alignment, and other production setup needs based on the job schedule.
• Develop, maintain, and reinforce standard operating procedures for slitting operations, machine setup, changeovers, quality checks, safety practices, documentation, and shift expectations.
• Train and coach operators and helpers on approved SOPs to ensure consistent, safe, and repeatable production practices across the team.
• Review existing procedures and recommend updates when process changes, safety concerns, quality issues, equipment changes, or training gaps are identified.
• Perform in-process quality checks to verify slit width, roll condition, material appearance, winding quality, labels, footage, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Document quality checks accurately and segregate or escalate non-conforming product when quality concerns are identified.
• Troubleshoot minor production issues, including web breaks, wrinkles, telescoping, winding issues, blade concerns, material defects, alignment issues, jams, and setup concerns.
• Communicate equipment issues and maintenance needs quickly when additional support is required.
• Ensure raw materials, master rolls, cores, packaging supplies, labels, pallets, finished goods materials, and other required items are staged and available at the line.
• Communicate material shortages, quality concerns, production delays, downtime, and open issues to the Supervisor or Operations Manager.
• Complete hourly counts, scrap tickets, downtime logs, quality documentation, material usage records, and required Epicor or system entries accurately and on time.
• Maintain ownership of line cleanliness, organization, 5S standards, and end-of-shift reset expectations.
• Reinforce PPE requirements, safe machine operation, lockout/tagout awareness, proper material handling, blade safety, housekeeping standards, and immediate reporting of unsafe acts or conditions.
• Provide clear shift passdown communication regarding production status, quality concerns, equipment issues, material needs, priorities, and open items.
• Suggest and support small process improvements to reduce waste, improve setup time, minimize downtime, support quality, and improve overall slitting performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production needs.

·

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required.
• 2+ years of machine operation or production experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Previous slitter machine experience is strongly preferred, including setup, operation, changeovers, roll handling, web alignment, tension adjustments, blade setup, and basic troubleshooting.
• Experience working with film, paper, foil, flexible materials, converting, packaging, laminating, coating, extrusion, or other roll-to-roll manufacturing processes is a plus.
• Transferable machine operation experience will be considered, especially experience with equipment that involves setup, changeovers, material handling, quality checks, troubleshooting, production speed, and close attention to specifications.
• Prior lead, trainer, senior operator, or informal team leadership experience is a plus.
• Experience developing, following, maintaining, or training others on SOPs, work instructions, safety procedures, or production documentation is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize equipment, material, setup, quality, or process concerns.
• Basic computer and data entry skills, including the ability to complete hourly counts, scrap tickets, downtime logs, quality checks, and production reporting accurately.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, labels, job specifications, production instructions, customer requirements, and safety procedures.
• Strong communication skills, basic math skills, attention to detail, and ability to stay organized during production.
• Ability to train, coach, and support operators and helpers in a professional and respectful manner.
• Reliable, accountable, safety-focused, team-oriented, hands-on, and able to take initiative without needing constant direction.gh school diploma or equivalent is preferred, but not required.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits package
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and 401(k)
• Training and cross-training opportunities
• Career growth within a family-owned manufacturing environment
• Supportive team setting and hands-on learning
• Opportunity to grow into additional leadership responsibilities over time

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle tools and materials, reach, bend, stoop, and communicate effectively with team members. The employee must be able to move materials, assist with machine setup, and work around production equipment in a manufacturing environment. The position requires the ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and move materials weighing up to 100 pounds, with or without assistance. The employee must also be able to work for extended periods in a fast-paced production setting while following all safety requirements and wearing required personal protective equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Griff Network is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Company Description

The Griff Network is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, family-operated manufacturer and distributor specializing in paper, film, foil, plastics, custom converting, laminating, coating, slitting, sheeting, and related manufacturing solutions. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Fallsington, PA, Griff has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and hands-on manufacturing expertise.

Joining The Griff Network is a great opportunity to build a long-term career in manufacturing within our production and warehouse teams. We take pride in offering a family-style culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement are at the center of how we operate.

Whether you are experienced in manufacturing or looking to grow your skills in a hands-on environment, The Griff Network offers the opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of a company that cares about its people and the products we deliver to our customers.

Company Description

The Griff Network is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, family-operated manufacturer and distributor specializing in paper, film, foil, plastics, custom converting, laminating, coating, slitting, sheeting, and related manufacturing solutions. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Fallsington, PA, Griff has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and hands-on manufacturing expertise.\r\n\r\nJoining The Griff Network is a great opportunity to build a long-term career in manufacturing within our production and warehouse teams. We take pride in offering a family-style culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement are at the center of how we operate.\r\n\r\nWhether you are experienced in manufacturing or looking to grow your skills in a hands-on environment, The Griff Network offers the opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of a company that cares about its people and the products we deliver to our customers.