Operator I - Line Lead - Pet Food Plant – Harvard, IL
The Operator I is responsible for overseeing daily extrusion operations to ensure efficient production of high-quality pet food products. This role provides leadership and guidance to operators , mixers, and associates, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. The Lead Operator I , will monitor and adjust extrusion processes, verify ingredient accuracy, and ensure all documentation and sanitation standards meet SQF and GMP expectations. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, leadership ability, and a proven track record in food manufacturing environments.
Job Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate daily extrusion line activities to meet production goals.
- Verify all ingredients and materials required for production are available and correct.
- Set up, operate, and log all extruder functions while monitoring for efficiency and product quality.
- Lead and support Mixers to ensure liquid inclusions and recipes are followed accurately.
- Verify finished product quality and take corrective action as needed.
- Accurately record ingredient lot numbers, production data, and process parameters in designated systems.
- Date, sign, and review all recipe sheets for completeness and traceability.
- Ensure blending and batching are performed according to work order specifications.
- Enforce and model compliance with pre- and post-cleaning procedures to meet SQF and GMP standards.
- Train and mentor team members on safe work practices, equipment operation, and production procedures.
- Communicate effectively with Supervisors, Maintenance, and Quality teams regarding production issues or improvements.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor or Manager.
Job Requirements
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to guide and train team members.
- Ability to lift 50–75 pounds regularly.
- Basic mathematical and computer skills for data entry and production reporting.
- Forklift operation (certification required upon hire).
- Strong understanding of Food Safety, GMP, and SQF standards.
- Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting equipment and process issues.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Reliable and punctual with good time management skills.
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent prefferred.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in extrusion or food manufacturing operations.
- Prior leadership or lead operator experience preferred.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
- Demonstrated ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
- Consistent adherence to safety, sanitation, and production standards.
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently while supporting team goals.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and handle materials up to 60 pounds.
- Must be able to bend, stoop and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
- Tolerance for working in environments with exposure to heat, noise, and dust.
Excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement listed? Studies show that often applicants will self-select out if they don’t check every box. We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
Employee Perks and Benefits
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package to support your well-being, including:
- Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and life insurance
- Financial wellness –401(k) with matching contributions
- Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional benefits include:
- Paid vacation time, plus 11 paid holidays
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
- Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning and mentoring programs
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our industry, as we strive to ensure our workforce represents the world that we help to feed: people of color, women, gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, please visit our website here: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | ADM.
Join our team and be a part of our mission to provide nutritious and delicious food for pets around the world! Apply now and contribute to the success of our pet food plant.
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Do you now or have you ever worked at PetDine in the past? If so , please list the dates of employment . If you have been referred to PetDine please include the employees name.
- How do you identify when an extruder is not running correctly? What signs do you look for?
- Have you ever led a team on a production line? How many people did you oversee?
- What types of machines or extrusion equipment have you worked with? and
Are you comfortable working in areas with high heat, heavy machinery, and fast-paced production?
- Have you worked with HACCP, GMP, or Food Safety protocols before?
Shift availability:
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Harvard, IL 60033 (Required)
Work Location: In person
