Lead Operator

Lead Operator

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

A Lead Operator is responsible for performing and maintaining the daily activities associated with a production line. This includes housekeeping, safety, quality, maintaining production efficiencies, repair and maintenance and minimizing downtime. This position requires the flexibility to work 40+ hours per week and weekends as required. Ability to work varying shifts is also required due to equipment changeovers. A Lead Operator reports directly to the shift Production Supervisor.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Direct daily work activities of production personnel
• Practice proper PPE compliance and maintain a safe working record and environment
• Completion of shift production and reporting paperwork
• Immediately communicate unsafe conditions, acts or injuries to Production Supervisor
• Meet ADS and AASHTO quality specifications for all products produced
• Assist with Preventive Maintenance program as required
• Troubleshoot process and mechanical problems and perform repairs and adjustments to meet production needs as required
• Practice proper forklift operation and preventive maintenance
• Maintain ability to operate various production lines and processes effectively; earn certifications
• Maintain facility housekeeping
• Adhere to ADS product sampling schedule
• Maintain and build job skills through company training programs
• Perform tooling changeovers in an efficient manner as required
• Meet or exceed standard production efficiencies on all production lines
• Understand and practice ADS CORE VALUES

Job Skills:

This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:

• Leadership, professionalism, organizational and communication skills
• Mechanical troubleshooting and repair abilities
• Ability to operate heavy machinery, i.e. forklifts, in a safe manner
• Basic computer skills
• Reading and Writing skills
• Analytical thinking and problem solving skills
• Self-motivated

Educational Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Experience:

• 2-3 years experience as ADS Line Operator or previous manufacturing operation or extrusion experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to repeatedly lift 75 pounds to a height of 6 feet
• Ability to stand and be mobile for a minimum of 8-12 continuous hours
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time in temperature extremes
• Ability to use hands, arms and legs to physically handle and transport finished goods
• Position requires full range of body motion including twisting, bending, reaching, squatting and ability to mount/dismount industrial equipment and vehicles

Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.