What does a lead operator do?
Lead operators are responsible for the direction and supervision of the day-to-day activities in facilities. As machine operators, they control machines and take charge of industrial operations. They handle and move objects, monitor processes, and inspect materials, structures, and equipment. Also, they may serve as mentors for the new production employees concerning occupational health and safety. They must be skilled in safety procedures, heavy equipment, preventive maintenance, and other things related to machine operations.
Lead operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead operator resumes:
- Plan, organize, and lead Kaizen activities as well as managed the cost reduction activities from idea to implementation.
- Contact potential REO listing brokers achieving the highest return call rate.
- Create UAT scripts and utilize statistical process controls to manage loan process quality and ensure consistency.
- Achieve goals in various metrics, from sales to plan, payroll, additional services, print center.
- Manage and organize incoming records and publications for use on SharePoint.
- Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
- Maintain and record HACCP standards.
- Assist kanban coordinator with daily duties.
- Pull samples of chemicals and run QC testing.
- Input information so reports can be run by administration.
- Execute the EMC and WAMU documents accurately and promptly.
- Plant control system in use is Allen Bradley PC base DCS.
- Retrieve, post, and balance incoming wire and ACH transactions.
- Maintain the upkeep of satellite copiers as well as mainframe machines.
- Ensure quality control standards are met base on the FNMA guidelines.
Lead operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Lead Operators are proficient in Customer Service, HR, and Process Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 18%
Implement lean 6-sigma methodology within the customer service organization to drive increased productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction globally.
- HR, 10%
Created and developed the HR Operations Department thereby creating a dynamic support environment.
- Process Improvement, 6%
Implemented sustained and developed quality process improvements that pertained to safety, financial, and overall operations of the company.
- Project Management, 6%
Provide technical project management and application development support that utilize GIS application, web services, portal and mobile infrastructures.
- Continuous Improvement, 6%
Project scorecards developed, cultivated and tracked continuous improvement accomplishments while providing a forum for Team member recognition.
- Safety Procedures, 4%
Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations; documents actions by completing production and quality logs.
"customer service," "hr," and "process improvement" are among the most common skills that lead operators use at work. You can find even more lead operator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a lead operator to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Additionally, a lead operator resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "design and conduct communication programs for rollout of to be hr processes (recruitment, pms , talent development etc. )"
Coordination. Another essential skill to perform lead operator duties is coordination. Lead operators responsibilities require that "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." Lead operators also use coordination in their role according to a real resume snippet: "worked in coordination with the support departments like hr, transport & finance to resolve the agent inquiries and issues"
Mechanical skills. lead operators are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to lead operator responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." A lead operator resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "handled and completed all routine maintenance and mechanical issues. "
Visual ability. lead operator responsibilities often require "visual ability." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." This resume example shows what lead operators do with visual ability on a typical day: "check machined parts visually and dimensionally according to quality standards. "
The three companies that hire the most lead operators are:
- Molina Healthcare271 lead operators jobs
- The Freeman Company LLC144 lead operators jobs
- BevMo Holdings, LLC
105 lead operators jobs
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Compare different lead operators
Lead operator vs. Shop lead
A shop lead is responsible for overseeing their crew. They ensure the safety of their crew by giving regular training. They also ensure the quality and quantity of the work put out by the shop. They manage the daily work of their shop, assist machinists, report to shop managers, and handle customer service.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a lead operator are more likely to require skills like "hr," "process improvement," "project management," and "shipping receiving." On the other hand, a job as a shop lead requires skills like "safety regulations," "pos," "cash handling," and "product quality." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Shop leads tend to reach lower levels of education than lead operators. In fact, shop leads are 5.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Lead operator vs. Working supervisor
A working supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily performance of employees. Depending on the business, company, or organization, a working supervisor's primary job is to orchestrate coordinated teamwork. This job requires excellent communication and organizational skills. These skills ensure that working supervisors can transfer information or instructions from higher-level management to employees and provide reports to upper management.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead operator resumes. While lead operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "process improvement," "project management," and "shipping receiving," working supervisors use skills like "direct supervision," "safety rules," "grass," and "payroll."
Working supervisors earn a lower average salary than lead operators. But working supervisors earn the highest pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $51,102. Additionally, lead operators earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $94,784 annually.working supervisors earn similar levels of education than lead operators in general. They're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead operator vs. Production leader
A production leader usually works at a manufacturing plant or a similar setting. They are primarily responsible for overseeing all processing operations and workforce performance, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They are also responsible for coordinating with personnel, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, delegating tasks, setting the budget and goals, evaluating performances, and even training new members of the workforce. Furthermore, as a leader, it is essential to implement all policies and regulations set by the company to maintain a productive and safe work environment for everyone.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead operator is likely to be skilled in "project management," "shipping receiving," "patients," and "logistics," while a typical production leader is skilled in "excellent time management," "production process," "safety rules," and "troubleshoot."
Production leaders earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $48,398. Lead operators earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $94,784.production leaders typically earn similar educational levels compared to lead operators. Specifically, they're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead operator vs. 2nd shift supervisor
A 2nd shift supervisor is responsible for supporting the operations of a department, managing the staff's performance, and assisting the team in achieving maximum productivity. They provide high-quality services for the customers by responding to their inquiries and concerns and resolving complaints. They also implement strategic procedures to achieve production goals, as well as identifying business opportunities that would drive more revenue resources and profits for the company. A 2nd shift supervisor also assists in handling the department's budget, ensuring adequate allocation to support operations.
Types of lead operator
Updated January 8, 2025
