Group Lead, 1st Shift - Eden Prairie

Production Group Lead

Apex International is excited to announce an internal opportunity for a Production Group Lead on the 1st Shift at our Eden Prairie, MN facility. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing daily production operations, supporting team development, and ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and safety expectations are consistently achieved.

This position requires a hands-on leadership approach and a strong commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee development.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Production Leadership & Operations

• Lead daily production activities to ensure production goals, quality standards, and customer expectations are met or exceeded.
• Conduct start-of-shift production meetings to communicate goals, priorities, and operational updates.
• Monitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and take corrective action to maintain continuous line operation.
• Maintain an active presence on the production floor to support, motivate, and develop employees.
• Ensure effective line, tank, and work cell changeovers with maximum run-readiness and minimal downtime.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Quality teams to resolve operational issues quickly and effectively.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all cleaning, sanitation, GMP, OSHA, and safety procedures are followed and documented properly.
• Maintain production paperwork including batch records, audits, logs, and test records in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Pull product samples and perform testing activities as needed.
• Support and maintain Apex quality systems within production operations.
• Ensure production areas remain clean, organized, and audit-ready at all times.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Promote and maintain a Lean manufacturing culture throughout the department.
• Utilize Lean tools and production metrics to identify gaps, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Support 5S initiatives (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
• Ensure SOPs, work instructions, and standard work are followed consistently across shifts.

Team Leadership & Development

• Coach, train, and develop employees to build a high-performing production team aligned with Apex values and expectations.
• Support employee performance management, development planning, and corrective action processes.
• Foster employee engagement, accountability, and ownership of results.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of production leadership, supervisory, or management experience preferred.
• Manufacturing experience required; experience in regulated environments preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and production processes preferred.
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality standards.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Indoor manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to fragrances and materials used in personal care manufacturing.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
• Flexible hours based on production and staffing needs.
• Position requires shift transition support and operational communication between shifts.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision benefits
• Short term & Long-term Disability
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Starting wage $30.00/hour

This is a great opportunity for employees looking to continue growing their leadership skills and advance their career within Apex International. We encourage interested internal candidates to apply.

Apex International is an equal opportunity employer.