Manufacturing Lead

SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Lead is responsible for coordinating daily production activities within an assigned value stream, work center, or manufacturing cell to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely completion of customer orders. This position serves as the primary point of coordination between operators, planners, supervisors, and support functions to maintain workflow, achieve on-time delivery goals, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Lead provides day-to-day direction to production employees, promotes operational excellence, and fosters a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate the flow of work, materials, tools, and resources based on scheduled customer orders and production priorities.
• Assign daily work activities to team members to optimize productivity, maximize efficiency, and achieve on-time delivery (OTD) objectives.
• Ensure work centers are properly staffed, organized, and prepared to execute production schedules.
• Identify and stage required materials, tooling, and equipment needed to support production activities.
• Maintain organized job queues and ensure the next job is available and ready for operators to minimize downtime.
• Transport work-in-process and completed materials between work centers as needed to support production flow.
• Monitor production schedules and proactively identify material shortages, capacity constraints, or other risks that could impact schedule attainment.
• Communicate potential shortages, schedule risks, and operational concerns to management, planners, and value stream leadership.
• Identify issues affecting production and engage support functions such as Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Training & Development, and Supply Chain to resolve barriers and maintain schedule performance.
• Track production progress and communication status through dispatch systems, visual management tools, and hour-by-hour performance boards.
• Lead daily Gemba walks and escalate issues requiring management support.
• Ensure compliance with calibration requirements, shelf-life controls, and applicable production procedures.
• Manage MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) inventory for the value stream and coordinate replenishment as needed.
• Promote employee participation in continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing practices, and problem-solving activities.
• Support and monitor employee training progress to improve productivity, quality, and skill development.
• Assist in onboarding and cross-training efforts to build workforce flexibility and capability.
• Identify and resolve routine production issues while escalating more complex concerns to appropriate support personnel.
• Participate in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving efforts using established methodologies.
• Maintain and promote a safe work environment and ensure compliance with all safety requirements and company policies.
• Perform daily and weekly audits, including 5S audits, inventory checks, quality audits, and other operational assessments as required.
• Move completed materials, perform inventory transactions, and support departmental housekeeping efforts.
• Ensure Manufacturing Associates are properly trained in equipment operation, processing procedures, housekeeping standards, quality requirements, and safety practices.
• Other duties as required in support of the department and the Company

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Assign and coordinate daily work activities for 5 to 20 employees within the assigned department group. Based on established priorities and direction from management.

Responsibilities include:

• Assigning and directing daily work activities.
• Monitoring productivity and performance to ensure departmental objectives are achieved.
• Assessing employee training needs and supporting skill development.
• Providing coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback to improve individual and team performance.
• Supporting employee engagement and fostering a positive team environment.
• Ensuring adherence to company policies, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Escalating employee performance concerns management as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To succeed in this job, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential job function. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience working in a Lean Manufacturing or cellular manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, including 5S and Lean principles, is highly desirable.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, cable assembly, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries is preferred.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to accurately interpret and analyze production-related data and metrics.

JOB SKILLS

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present information to small and large groups.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions while maintaining focus on critical tasks and priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to research and resolve production, scheduling, and material flow issues.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to oversee group work activities and provide constructive guidance, coaching, and feedback to support productivity and performance.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate team members.
• Strong understanding of quality standards and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to accurately track, record, and communicate job status while prioritizing work to ensure on-time completion.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel; database experience is a plus.
• Willingness to learn new processes, adapt to change, and contribute positively within a team environment.
• Ability to support flexible work schedules, including overtime, weekday, and occasional weekend hours, as required to meet customer and business demands.
• Demonstrates strong quality practices and promotes adherence to established procedures and standards

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

As part of their job duties, the employee must sit for lengthy periods while frequently using their hands to handle objects and communicate verbally. Additionally, they may need to stand, walk, reach, and occasionally lift objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds. This role requires specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. According to ADA regulations, reasonable accommodation will be provided to ensure that individuals with disabilities can perform the job's essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

A work environment in a manufacturing plant is the physical and social setting where goods production occurs. Depending on the type of product, process, and plant, the work environment may vary in terms of noise, temperature, safety, and demand. Common characteristics of a work environment in a manufacturing plant are the use of machinery and exposure to hazards such as chemicals, heat, dust, or noise, with a culture of teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• ASTM F–2412–2005, ANSI Z41–1999, or ANSI Z41–1991 rated safety toe shoes in specific areas
• Clear ANSI Z87.1 safety-rated glasses in specific areas
• Hearing protection in specific locations
• Ability to compile with JSA in specific areas

EXPORT COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER

This position includes access or potential access to ITAR and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) technical data. Therefore, candidates must qualify as US Persons, defined as US Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders).

TRAVEL

Travel is not required for this position.