Extruder Operator Lead

At West, we're a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West's indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There's no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary:

The duty of the Extruder Operator Lead is to oversee the work of their shift and provide assistance to the Area Manager and operators throughout the Extruding process to meet an established level of specifications in terms of production, quality and safety. 

Duties of this working lead position would include to safely and accurately generate quality stock to established quantity levels for use in the molding process. Team members must have the ability to work with other team members rotating through multiple job functions throughout the day.  Ideal candidates are quick thinking and confident to ensure consistent processing and foresight to know the next task required. It is the responsibility of this individual to ensure that product/customer specifications are followed always. Ideal candidates have previous cGMP experience.

It is also the responsibility of this position to ensure the site's daily performance metrics are met and maintained.  The use of good housekeeping practices will be required to maintain a clean, orderly, and safe operational area to produce the expected quality of product established by West. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Extrude quality stock of enough quantities required to run our molding presses to produce molded parts that meet our customer's specifications.
• Set up Dispersion Enhanced Systems (DES) with a screen pack and Breaker Plate for formulas to be ran while maintaining traceability for all formulations running on the extruder.
• Load recipe and set up the extruders (Inner rings, Outer Rings, Ring Components) for items to be ran while maintaining the correct weight, length and width of stock.
• Problem solve and troubleshoot equipment related issues that are adversely affecting the unit's production.
• Request maintenance as required to correct any maintenance issues relating to equipment needing attention.
• Must be able to read a ruler and convert fractions to decimals.
• Must maintain product traceability by coordinating stock and IPO numbers.
• Accurately maintain all required paperwork, including line clearance forms.
• Must be able train and guide the work of new or less experienced operators or support personnel while working in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Operate forklift and other material handling devices as needed to bring totes of compounded materials to be extruded to the extrusion area.
• Follow all area, site and/or corporate policies, practices, procedures, and S.O.I.'s without exception including safety items as well.
• Perform housekeeping duties in assigned area as requested or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, work instructions, and all safety rules.

Education and Experience:

• Experience:  0-3 years work experience; preferred 1-3 years GcMP manufacturing experience
• Must be able to operate a lift truck for material handling
• Must have mechanical aptitude and be able to use normal tools of the trade
• Must be willing to work as a team member
• Must be able to make general decisions within authorized job responsibilities

Competencies/Authorities

• N/A

Physical and Travel Requirements

• <10% as needed
• Standing, bending, twisting, reaching, walking, pushing, and pulling for 8 hr. shifts. 
• Must be able to tolerate heat and industrial odors/smells on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to lift items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to work in required attire including pharma goggles, hood, gowning and gloves, etc.
• Must be able to push or pull wheeled objects weighing 500+ lbs. for short distances as required.  Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  Hearing protection is required at all times.
• Must follow and comply with Plant's Dress and Hygiene Code (SOI)
• Must follow and comply with all Company and Plant policies, procedure (SOIs), rules and State and Federal laws

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com.  Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening and/or a pre-employment drug screening.