Production Lead

Job Summary

This role works under direct supervision of leadership and is responsible for the work performed in the assigned area. It assists in coordinating and directing workflow, providing relief, and holding the team accountable for their work. Leads must perform all duties required in their area and support the training and integration of team members. Responsibilities may include delegating tasks to production team members, monitoring productivity, and operating production equipment to ensure proper output and quality standards. The role also involves executing daily priorities to meet production work orders, sample orders, raw material transfers, and shipping finished products.

Major Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing and production operations: including assembly, machinery, processing, and packaging. Ensure efficient operations with minimal downtime and high-quality production.
• Equipment Operation: Assist in operating equipment, ensuring consistent and accurate machine operation. Perform changeovers, stage raw materials, and schedule maintenance activities. If required, manage startup and shutdown of injection molding and blow molding machines. Ensure proper setup, shutdown, and maintenance procedures.
• Quality Control: Establish production standards and quality control metrics. Inspect finished goods and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Waste Reduction: Identify and implement opportunities to reduce waste and losses. Champion waste reduction initiatives.
• Maintenance: Monitor machinery and equipment to detect malfunctions. Ensure proper maintenance and operation of all department machinery and equipment.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduce costs through continuous improvement processes and efficient resource use.
• Team Coordination: Assign daily tasks to operators, provide training, and support team members. Communicate changes and procedures effectively.
• Documentation: Complete and verify all necessary paperwork, including production reports, quality documents, and maintenance logs.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and safe work area. Follow prescribed safety regulations and monitor safety programs.
• Communication: Facilitate daily communication with various departments and management to optimize operations.
• Technical Expertise: Utilize extensive knowledge of department equipment to resolve issues and assist with continuous improvement.
• Training: Train new and existing employees on equipment operation and work cell processes.
• Delegation: Delegate tasks to warehouse operators and monitor productivity. Provide materials to internal customers as needed.
• Reporting: Read, analyze, and execute system-generated reports. Use AS400 system to view inventory.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Certification / Licensure: None. Work Experience: 1 year previous production/manufacturing experience.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Read and write English; effectively communicate instructions to employees. Read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Basic math skills required.
• Perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and handling, along with visual tasks for 8 hours per day, up to 6 days a week.
• May require working in a closed-sterile environment.
• Move products, supplies, and boxes up to 70 lbs, if needed.
• Must be flexible to work daily overtime (2-3 hours), up to 6 days a week, depending on business needs.
• Present information effectively in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Work independently and with others to achieve team objectives.
• May require certifications in plastic injection molding.
• If required, forklift certification.
• May work at off-site warehouse based on business needs.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Associate Degree or post-secondary education.
• At least 2 years of experience in manufacturing/production environment or medical device or drug company.
• Prior experience training, leading or managing employees.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.