A Manufacturing Operator is a professional who plays a crucial role in the manufacturing industry. They are responsible for operating and maintaining machinery, ensuring the smooth running of production processes, and adhering to quality and safety standards. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Manufacturing Operators.

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Main Responsibilities of a Manufacturing Operator

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Manufacturing Operator:

Adhere to

• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures.

• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulations.

• Adhere to production schedules and prioritize tasks effectively.

Adjust

Adjust manufacturing equipment according to established procedures and the manufacturing file.

Apply

Apply properly order labels on boxes.

Assemble

Assemble / disassemble sifter as required.

Assist in

• Assist in any activities assigned by supervision.

• Assist in equipment set-up and change over.

• Assist in maintaining inventory to ensure that supplies are used wisely and within parameters.

• Assist in multiple process improvement initiatives.

• Assist in the development of SOP's and required annual review.

• Assist in the training of other Technicians as needed.

• Assist other employees as needed.

• Assist with Cycle Counts, cleaning of drums, and workstation preparation as needed.

• Assist with edible production and operate production equipment.

Assure

Assure that all components and equipment are ready for manufacturing when needed.

Check

Check and / or calibrate measuring instruments and make sure they work properly.

Clean

• Clean and sterilize processing equipment using automated or manual systems.

• Clean equipment, rooms, and general areas for production use.

• Clean room, aseptic technique, and / or general lab equipment experience.

Clear

Clear jams when necessary to keep line running.

Collaborate

• Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World.

• Collaborate with maintenance personnel for equipment repairs and upgrades.

• Collaborate with team members to achieve production targets.

Collect

Collect and pack pre-ship samples for each batch.

Communicate

• Communicate effectively up and down the Chain of Command.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other team members.

• Communicate potential hazards immediately to the lead or manager.

• Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork.

Complete

• Complete and maintain accurate written records.

• Complete assigned preventative maintenance tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

• Complete documentation and dispose of rejected and / or excess material on a daily basis.

• Complete documentation in manufacturing records.

• Complete inspections of GMP facility as required.

• Complete mechanical changeover of equipment.

• Complete miscellaneous tasks as assigned in support of the larger organization and production goals.

• Complete processing adjustments when needed to create consistent quality overcaps.

• Complete process verification documentation.

• Complete shipping documentation and fill in for shipping duties as needed.

Conduct

• Conduct inspections to identify any defects or malfunctions.

• Conduct quality checks on finished products to ensure they meet specifications.

• Conduct routine inspections for safety hazards and report any issues.

• Conduct variable charts on manufacturing processes and count of good product as required.

Coordinate

• Coordinate and schedule preventative and predictive maintenance and repair activities.

• Coordinate materials flows.

• Coordinate with Inventory Control and properly disposes of hazardous waste.

Custom

Custom implementation on a loaded element.

Direct

Direct cell assistant and contractors on daily activities.

Disassemble

Disassemble and clean the manufacturing equipment.

Discharge

Discharge finished powder into totes.

Dispense

Dispense and weigh raw materials accurately.

Document

Document actions by completing production and quality forms in English.

Ensure

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of record keeping by monitoring entries.

• Ensure all product is packaged per packaging specifications.

• Ensure all product is packaged per packaging specifications and routings are followed.

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and waste management procedures.

• Ensure product is consistent with established specifications.

• Ensure that all document information is in a neat, accurate, and legible format.

• Ensure that safe work habits and proper use of PPE are maintained.

• Ensure the Purchasing Department is aware of current material reorder points.

• Ensure workstation and manufacturing floor are maintained and cleaned.

Escalate

• Escalate issues to technical teams appropriately.

• Escalate quality issues as appropriate.

Execute

• Execute according to the instructions established on the manufacturing record and SOP's.

• Execute and properly documents cGMP Biomanufacturing activities.

Follow

• Follow accurately all GMP documents (Batch records, SOP's.

• Follow safety policies and procedures.

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.

• Follow strict adherence to quality control standards.

Foster

Foster Collaboration and Teamwork.

Handle

Handle raw materials and ensure proper storage and usage.

Identify

• Identify areas for improvement (i.e. safety, quality, efficiency).

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency enhancement.

Inform

Inform supervisor when non-conformities occur.

Input

Input lot movement and measurement data to computerized inventory tracking system.

Interpret

Interpret, identify, and record information on job documents.

Keep

Keep a clean and safe working environment.

Launch

Launch the batch according to the manufacturing file and make sure of its good execution.

Lead

• Lead and direct the crew / team in the successful completion of the department goals.

• Lead and / or participate in line changeover activities.

• Lead and / or participate in process improvement initiatives.

• Lead quick and efficient changeovers to minimize room down time.

• Lead with Integrity and Respect.

Maintain

• Maintain acceptable attendance.

• Maintain accurate attribute / variable charts of rejected materials.

• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, bulk storage and finished product inventory.

• Maintain a clean and safe work area.

• Maintain a clean and safe work area at all times and wear required Personal Protective Equipment.

• Maintain and cleans equipment as dictated by internal procedures and system recommendations.

• Maintain and clean tools or other aids and store in the proper location.

• Maintain and monitor quality of own work in these areas.

• Maintain and operates lifting equipment.

• Maintain a positive work attitude and contribute to a harmonious team environment.

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, and company policy.

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment to prevent cross contamination.

• Maintain awareness of potential hazards and communicate ideas for safer alternatives.

• Maintain current and appropriate documentation in mold files.

• Maintain general cleanliness and order in the work area.

• Maintain good communication with oncoming shift.

• Maintain quality and quantity estimated during the shift.

• Maintain records of production data and machine performance.

• Maintain work area in a neat and orderly fashion.

Make

Make recommendations for changes / improvements to ISO-9000 work procedures as needed.

Manage

• Manage inventory and report any shortages or excesses.

• Manage time and prioritize tasks to ensure completion of daily production schedule.

Measure

• Measure all raw, in process, and finished materials in an accurate manner.

• Measure and weigh materials accurately for production batches.

Monitor

• Monitor and control production parameters such as temperature, pressure, and speed.

• Monitor and maintain cleanliness of the production area.

• Monitor, maintain, and repair the equipment as per the requirements and to ensure good team work.

• Monitor production processes to ensure efficiency and productivity.

Move

Move job details left panel content from web to mobile panel.

Operate

• Operate analog and digital controls and instruments on the manufacturing equipment.

• Operate computerized systems for data entry and production tracking.

• Operate machinery and equipment according to standard operating procedures.

• Operate manufacturing and measurement equipment when applicable following appropriate training.

• Operate mixing tanks and equipment safely.

• Operate the worksaver and standup / sit-down lifts as needed.

• Operate various cleaning process equipment.

Oversee

Oversee edible production and operate production equipment.

Package

• Package and label products for storage or shipment.

• Package finished products according to detailed requirements.

• Package products and prepare for shipping.

• Package and process outgoing shipments.

Participate in

• Participate in continuous improvement projects.

• Participate in cross-training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives.

• Participate in quality, safety and customer complaint investigations.

• Participate in small projects within manufacturing.

Perform

• Perform all assigned ERP / SAP transactions for the work center.

• Perform any other duties assigned by the production supervisor.

• Perform aseptic techniques within in a clean room environment.

• Perform basic math skills (, - , x, / , %, understand decimals).

• Perform checks and / or tests during production according to the manufacturing file.

• Perform cleaning operations under strict guidelines.

• Perform cycle counts on commodities.

• Perform duties in a safe manner and observe approved safety procedures at all times.

• Perform duties in a safe manner and observes approved safety procedures.

• Perform equipment setup & changeover.

• Perform machine set-up and shutdown.

• Perform measurement of required dimensions.

• Perform miscellaneous duties and operations as assigned and assist higher labor grade personnel.

• Perform on timely data entry to AMPS, SAP, PEPs Systems.

• Perform preventative maintenance and troubleshoots equipment as needed.

• Perform quality visual checks and fill out documentation.

• Perform related computer tasks - SAP, CDISY, and eBRS.

• Perform repetitive hand and arm motions.

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment.

• Perform set up of edible production equipment.

• Perform surface treatments on metallic parts on a surface treatment facilities.

• Perform twisting, bending, stooping motions.

Prepare

• Prepare boxes for packing products.

• Prepare workstation for next shift.

Produce

Produce powder and liquid products according to instructions.

Promote

Promote and implement use of continuous improvement tools to eliminate non-value activities.

Provide

• Provide documentation in a neat, organized and legible format.

• Provide leadership and direct work activities of product inspection.

• Provide leadership and oversee rework activities.

• Provide relevant information regarding progress to supervisors.

Reach with

Reach with hands and arms and you must be able to move throughout the department / facility.

Read

Read order forms and follow specific directions.

Record

Record weights neatly and accurately.

Remove

Remove the products from the machines and packaging the products pursuant to the production order.

Report

Report all safety concerns and hazards immediately.

Respond to

Respond to equipment alarms and emergencies promptly.

Run

Run syringe, cartridge, liter, pail, and miscellaneous cells with no help from trainers.

Select

Select the country where you are applying for employment, and review.

Set up

Set up and calibrate machinery before production runs.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in manufacturing technology.

Support

• Support and assist in the completion of appropriate training.

• Support and drive problem solving and quality / performance improvement.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in problem-solving.

• Support line performance, working closely with team associates for achievement of line standards.

• Support production in an aseptic environment.

Train

Train new operators on equipment operation and safety procedures.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot basic equipment and recommend solutions.

• Troubleshoot issues and make necessary adjustments to machinery.

• Troubleshoot process equipment and interact with maintenance personnel.

Understand

• Understand, and follow all SOPs and related forms to Health Canada standards.

• Understand and perform quality checks.

• Understand and seek continuous improvement of the business needs.

Update

Update the inventory of support material.

Use

• Use all production equipment and hand tools in a safe and proper manner.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.

• Use of common tools and equipment.

Verify

• Verify processes and documentation during the manufacturing process.

• Verify product visually and takes corrective action when necessary.

Weigh

Weigh, process and inspect product / materials.

Work

• Work as a High-Performance Team member supporting all aspects of team performance.

• Work closely with shift team to achieve goals in a 24 / 7 cGMP Production Environment.

• Work effectively in a team environment to achieve company goals.

• Work efficiently to complete multiple tasks.

• Work independently with minimal supervision to perform normal processes and procedures.

• Work is prescribed and completed with close supervision and little autonomy.

• Work on any assignment as directed.

• Work scheduled shift and other off-shift coverage as required.

• Work with engineers in conducting experiments.

Write

Write and / or revise SOPs for equipment and / or processes.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Manufacturing Operator:

1. Equipment operation and control.

2. Machinery maintenance and troubleshooting.

3. Knowledge of production processes and workflow.

4. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.

5. Proficiency in using hand and power tools.

6. Understanding of quality control principles and techniques.

7. Familiarity with computerized systems and manufacturing software.

8. Basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.

9. Inventory management and control.

10. Strong mathematical and analytical skills.

11. Ability to operate measuring instruments and gauges.

12. Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations.

13. Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.

14. Experience with Six Sigma methodologies.

15. Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) techniques.

16. Troubleshooting skills for identifying and resolving technical issues.

17. Basic knowledge of automation and robotics.

18. Understanding of materials handling and storage practices.

19. Ability to perform basic repairs and maintenance tasks.

20. Proficiency in using computer applications such as spreadsheets and databases.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Manufacturing Operator:

1. Attention to detail and accuracy.

2. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

3. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

4. Teamwork and collaboration.

5. Time management and organization.

6. Adaptability and flexibility.

7. Critical thinking and analytical skills.

8. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

9. Self-motivation and initiative.

10. Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Manufacturing Operator is responsible for operating machinery, ensuring production efficiency, and maintaining quality and safety standards. They require a combination of technical skills such as equipment operation and maintenance, as well as soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork.