Plastics Lead

Job ID: 19591 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Job Title: Plastics Lead – Prime Units

Department: 1661610500 Wichita Plastics Production
Reports To: Technical Leader
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Prepared Date: March 2029

Position Summary

The Plastics Lead oversees daily production activities to support safe, efficient, and consistent operations. This position troubleshoots equipment and production issues, coordinates work assignments, maintains quality standards, and ensures appropriate materials and supplies are available.

The Plastics Lead also provides hands-on guidance, training, and cross-training to employees while supporting production schedules, equipment performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and company safety and quality expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety policies and procedures outlined within Newell Brands’ Safety Excellence and Leadership (SEAL) program.
• Uphold Newell Brands Values and the Code of Conduct.
• Maintain a clean and orderly workstation in accordance with Newell Brands housekeeping standards.
• Ensure equipment and materials are used according to manufacturing specifications and established safety requirements.
• Participate in required fire mitigation training, including fire prevention and fire extinguisher training.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely.
• Follow all applicable company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and security procedures.

Production Leadership and Coordination

• Coordinate and prioritize daily job assignments and machine schedules based on production needs and direction from supervision.
• Plan and issue work assignments to maintain department production schedules.
• Provide employees with on-the-job instruction and guidance as needed.
• Troubleshoot production issues to maintain a smooth flow of operations and product shipments.
• Monitor production activities and report irregular conditions, including equipment failures, production slowdowns, and failure to follow standard procedures.
• Ensure necessary parts, materials, and supplies are readily available for production.
• Initiate requisitions for materials and supplies as needed.
• Support machine output and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) while meeting established quality and performance expectations.
• Maintain accountability for first-pass yield and line returns.

Equipment Setup and Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot machines and equipment and make appropriate adjustments to maintain production flow.
• Complete product and machine setups, including molds, fixtures, plugs, automation, color, and component changes.
• Read and follow production notes related to setups and component and color changes.
• Properly use and identify hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Diagnose issues involving cylinders, pneumatic valves, vacuum brake components, core pins, blow needles, filters, sensors, and related components.
• Perform basic equipment repairs and adjustments, including tightening knockouts and replacing water lines, air lines, valves, and fittings.
• Monitor equipment condition and notify management of repairs or maintenance needs.
• Report production issues requiring maintenance support to management.
• Manage and maintain the material management system and perform required preventive maintenance.
• Use Micro Main to document daily work activities and parts consumed from MRO inventory.

Quality

• Ensure work performed meets established quality standards and specifications.
• Verify that parts and materials received meet quality requirements.
• Notify the appropriate supervisor when parts or materials do not meet established standards.
• Perform rework when necessary.
• Monitor and support first-pass yield and reduction of line returns.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, process performance, and operational efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

• Support the Company’s Planning, Engagement, Awareness and Knowledge (PEAK) continuous improvement program.
• Maintain a working knowledge of DMAIC methodology.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, quality, safety, and equipment performance.

Training and Team Development

• Provide instruction and guidance to employees regarding job duties, processes, equipment, and production requirements.
• Lead training and cross-training initiatives to develop employee capabilities and ensure appropriate coverage across operations.
• Support employees in troubleshooting production and equipment-related issues.
• Help reinforce established procedures, quality standards, and safe work practices.

Additional Requirements

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the assigned schedule.
• Must be able to work a weekend schedule.
• Must be able to work overtime as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position provides work direction and instruction to Coleman employees and contingent workforce employees. Responsibilities include:

• Training and cross-training employees.
• Planning, assigning, prioritizing, and directing work.
• Providing on-the-job instruction and guidance.
• Supporting department production schedules and operational priorities.
• Addressing employee concerns and assisting with problem resolution.

Competencies

Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

• Collects, evaluates, and researches relevant information.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Analyzes information and develops practical solutions.
• Demonstrates sound judgment when addressing production and operational issues.
• Works effectively in group problem-solving situations.

Technical and Quality Focus

• Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy.
• Looks for opportunities to improve and promote quality.
• Supports compliance with established manufacturing and quality standards.

Leadership

• Demonstrates confidence and effectively influences and guides others.
• Motivates employees to perform successfully.
• Accepts and provides constructive feedback.
• Recognizes employee contributions appropriately.
• Supports team development through training and cross-training.

Project and Change Management

• Coordinates projects and activities effectively.
• Communicates changes, expectations, and progress.
• Supports team activities and changing operational priorities.
• Helps build commitment to process and operational changes.

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively in positive and challenging situations.
• Listens effectively and seeks clarification when needed.
• Responds appropriately to questions.
• Writes clearly and accurately.
• Reads and interprets written instructions and information.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

• Promotes constructive conflict resolution.
• Listens to others and remains open to different ideas and approaches.
• Gives and welcomes feedback.
• Contributes to a positive team environment.
• Supports team goals and department objectives.

Customer Service

• Responds promptly to internal customer needs.
• Responds appropriately to requests for assistance.
• Follows through on commitments.

Ethics and Organizational Support

• Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior.
• Upholds organizational values.
• Follows company policies and procedures.
• Completes required administrative responsibilities accurately and timely.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• Six months to one year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend basic instructions presented in English.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees throughout the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using:

• Whole numbers
• Common fractions
• Decimals

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems involving a variety of operational situations.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to evaluate production or equipment issues and determine appropriate next steps.

Computer Skills

Working knowledge of:

• Manufacturing software
• Order processing systems
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Micro Main

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Use hands and arms to handle, assemble, and move parts.
• Occasionally sit.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Maintain minimum vision of 20/40 to safely and effectively perform job duties.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position:

• The employee regularly works around moving mechanical equipment.
• The employee may be exposed to significant temperature variations within the plant depending on the season.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically loud.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required PPE includes:

• Safety glasses
• Steel-toed shoes
• Hearing protection

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.