Job Description

Alene Candles LLC & Midwest is a private label, contract manufacturer that produces high-quality candles for some of the world’s most recognized retail, boutique, and cosmetic brands. With our headquarters in New Hampshire and locations in Ohio, we’ve been in business for 30 years. We are passionate about making the best products in the world, making safety our number one priority, and being an insanely great place to work.

The Wick Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the wick department and supporting Wick Operators in the safe and efficient production of wick. This role ensures machines are operating properly, product quality standards are met, and work orders are completed according to production schedules. The Wick Lead provides guidance, training, and support to Wick Operator II team members while assisting supervision in maintaining productivity, safety, and quality standards.

Role and Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily wick production activities and assign work orders to Wick Operator II team members.
• Monitor machine performance and ensure proper setup including dyes, speed, fans, and temperature settings.
• Provide hands-on support to operators with machine setup, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Ensure proper raw wick is pulled for each work order, labels are accurate, and required documentation is completed.
• Verify that wickers are properly set up and filled with appropriate wax, wick wax, or high melt materials.
• Oversee spool mounting, threading of wickers, and proper machine operation.
• Ensure preventative maintenance is regularly performed on all wick machines.
• Monitor product quality and address deficiencies by working with operators and notifying supervision when necessary.
• Track and review individual and cumulative machine downtime and assist in identifying improvement opportunities.
• Ensure all wick inventory cycle counts are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain accurate records using Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Support training and development of Wick Operator II employees.
• Maintain Alene standards of performance and ensure compliance with housekeeping and safety policies and procedures.

DETAILED DUTIES

• Set up machines and auxiliary equipment to produce wick according to blueprint, drawing, Quality Control, and Production Order requirements.
• Monitor production workflow to ensure jobs are completed efficiently and in accordance with specifications.
• Ensure proper use and adjustment of safety equipment and maintain required safety records.
• Understand job requirements, specifications, and department safety procedures.
• Record and maintain production charts, readings, and documentation as required by inspection instruction sheets, manufacturing worksheets, quality manuals, or customer requirements.
• Monitor and maintain inventory records for wick materials and related supplies.
• Train, assist, and instruct Wick Operators as needed and communicate operational, quality, or safety concerns to supervision.
• Ensure equipment, machinery, benches, tools, gauges, and work areas remain clean and organized.
• Assist supervision with workflow coordination and departmental priorities.
• Perform operational tasks as needed to support production demands.

Education required:

· High school diploma or general education diploma (GED)

Range of Experience:

• 18–24 months of related manufacturing experience
• Previous experience operating wick machinery preferred
• Prior experience training or leading team members preferred

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and understand drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Ability to work from blueprints, specifications, and verbal instructions
• Proficient math skills
• Ability to read, understand, and apply Quality Control procedures
• Ability to select proper dies, tools, machinery, equipment, and gauges required for machine setup
• Experience working within required tolerances using micrometers, dial and vernier calipers, pi-tapes, gauges, and other Quality Control equipment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and production documentation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to train and guide operators while maintaining productivity standards
• Willingness to learn new technologies and processes related to wick production equipment

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Alene Candles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.