Job Title: Production Lead
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Reports To: Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Position Summary
The Production Lead is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations and leading a production team that produces high-quality rubber-flooring products for customers and distribution partners. This role ensures production schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements are met while supporting continuous improvement, teamwork, and efficient use of equipment and labor.
Products include rolled rubber flooring, interlocking tile flooring, flooring underlayment, acoustical underlayment, rolled mats, and transportation mats.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Team Leadership
- Lead, train, and support production team members across multiple manufacturing processes
- Assign daily work tasks and ensure production goals are met safely and efficiently
- Monitor workflow and staffing levels to meet production schedules and order deadlines
- Serve as first point of contact for production issues, troubleshooting, and escalation
- Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment
Manufacturing Operations
- Oversee operation of production equipment including:
- Rerollers
- Automated cutting and measuring equipment
- Die presses
- Water jet cutting machines
- Ensure machines are operated safely, efficiently, and according to standard operating procedures
- Coordinate material flow from raw materials through finished goods
- Verify product specifications, measurements, and customer requirements are met
Quality Control
- Ensure finished products meet quality standards, specifications, and tolerances
- Perform in-process checks and final inspections as required
- Identify defects, waste, or inefficiencies and implement corrective actions
- Work with management and quality teams to resolve recurring issues
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce company safety policies and OSHA requirements
- Conduct safety checks and ensure proper use of PPE
- Report and address safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment (5S practices)
Reporting & Communication
- Track production output, downtime, scrap, and labor performance
- Communicate production status, delays, or issues to management
- Assist with production planning and continuous improvement initiatives
- Support cross-department coordination with shipping, maintenance, and quality teams
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in rubber, flooring, or industrial products
- Previous lead, supervisor, or team-lead experience in a production environment
- Experience operating or overseeing industrial equipment such as cutters, presses, or automated machinery
- Strong attention to detail and quality standards
- Ability to lead by example and work effectively in a team environment
- Basic computer skills for production tracking and reporting
Preferred
- Experience with rubber flooring or similar materials
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment issues
- Forklift experience or certification
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 75 lbs as needed
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, and temperature variations
Work Environment
- Manufacturing facility producing rubber flooring products
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment
- May require overtime or flexible scheduling based on production demand