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Operations Lead, Watseka

Primient · Watseka, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you led a crew of operators. How did you set expectations?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead peers clearly and fairly, since lead operators guide others while still doing the work.

Tell me about a time you had to handle conflict between two people on your crew.

What they are checking: Whether they address conflict directly and fairly before it damages teamwork or safety.

How do you train a new operator on the most dangerous tasks at the elevator?

What they are checking: Whether they teach step by step, check understanding and stay close until the person is ready.

Tell me about a time you found a better way to do a routine job.

What they are checking: Whether they look for improvements in efficiency and safety, not just maintain the status quo.

What would you do

During harvest the receiving line is backed up and one of your operators wants to skip a step. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold safety and procedure lines under pressure and still find ways to keep trucks moving.

What would you do if you found grain going out of condition in a bin?

What they are checking: Whether they know about aeration, temperature monitoring and moving grain before spoilage spreads.

How do you balance working alongside your crew with being the person responsible for them?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay hands-on while still keeping the authority needed to lead.

About the work

How would you run an EHS toolbox meeting so people actually pay attention?

What they are checking: Whether they can make safety talks relevant and engaging instead of reading from a sheet.

What does a behavioral safety audit look like, and how do you give feedback to someone during one?

What they are checking: Whether they can observe work and coach respectfully, which builds a safety culture instead of fear.

How do you plan storage and bin space at an elevator during a busy season?

What they are checking: Whether they understand grain inventory, quality segregation and bin management for receiving and storage.

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The full job description

As published by Primient.

Operations Lead, Watseka | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. W e’re investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we’re focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate. About the Role Lead Operators are responsible for the outside operations of the Elevator (grain receiving and storage) as well as leading Outside Operators. Key Responsibilities: Lead Ops- Watseka, IL • Learn all aspects of Primient’s EHS programs and implement these programs in everyday work activities. • Conduct regular EHS Toolbox Meetings and participate in Behavioral audits. • Lead employees in daily work activity to achieve day’s work objectives that have been laid out by management. • Communicate operational, grain inventories, grain quality, logistics, and anticipated needs on a timely basis. • Assist in the planning of the location on a daily basis and forecasting for future. • Time management must be a high priority, communicate progress of projects, maintenance, daily load/unload and needs. • Housekeeping of facility must be kept up daily. • Keep tools, equipment, mobile assets and fixed assets in good repair and in proper place. • Keep all forms for safety programs, housekeeping, maintenance and month end processes up to date at all times. • Provide leadership and supervise employees to provide the most efficient and positive workforce. • Learn all operation aspects of the facility and be proactive in diagnosis, problem solving and best decisions daily • Grade grain and operate the scale accounting for inbound and outbound grain. • Monitor security of the facility and make sure assets or protected and locked. • Promote Primient to customers and community. • Participate in grain quality control and daily maintenance. • Operate/monitor grain receiving and shipping operations. About You • Qualified candidates are team players with a high school diploma/equivalent or higher education • Mechanical equipment operating experience. • Must be willing and able to work overtime hours during the harvest season. • May be required to climb and work at heights exceeding 50’ and will be required to work in all outdoor environmental conditions. Total Rewards Starting pay of $25.75/hr + overtime We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes : • Competitive Pay ​ • Multiple Healthcare plan choices ​ • Dental and vision insurance ​ • A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions ​ • Short- and Long-Term Disability ​ • Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans ​ • Paid holidays & vacation ​ • Floating days off ​ • Parental leave for new parents ​ • Employee resource groups ​ • Learning & development programs ​ • Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future Career Path & Culture Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning. ​ ​ Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow, Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce . California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.

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