As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

The Production Lead Operator reports to the Production Supervisor and is responsible for leading manufacturing, unloading, and packaging processes for hot melt adhesives. This role ensures compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards, coordinates resources, provides on-the-job training, and drives team performance to meet production goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities, assigning tasks and ensuring resources align with schedules
• Act as the main communication point between production team, supervisors, and plant leadership
• Support onboarding and training of new employees through the Buddy Program
• Participate in plant start-ups and line changes, ensuring smooth transitions and adherence to procedures
• Operate production equipment and complete pre-operational checks and safety inspections
• Verify raw material quantities against pick lists and SAP data before production
• Execute production processes according to HMI, process sheets, and SAP instructions
• Ensure proper use of reprocessed materials and minimize waste and rework
• Guarantee finished products meet quality specifications and perform visual inspections
• Oversee packaging operations, ensuring proper labeling, marking, and documentation
• Record material consumption and close production orders accurately in SAP
• Prepare detailed shift reports, including KPI performance and incidents
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, SMED, Gemba, Lean)

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or technical degree (preferred)
• Minimum 2 years in production operations or similar roles
• Basic computer skills (Office)
• Knowledge of SAP or similar systems
• Experience leading teams or coordinating production lines
• Strong focus on safety, quality, and environmental standards

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in chemical, paint, ceramic, or foundry industries
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and process improvement methodologies
• Ability to support root cause analysis using tools like Ishikawa, 5 Whys, and AMFE
• Strong communication and leadership skills

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H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.