WORK LEADER

Job Title: Work Leader
Location: Polkton, NC
Department: Manufacturing / Operations
Reports To: Foreman / Production Supervisor
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

The Work Leader is responsible for supporting daily departmental operations, coordinating production activities, and providing hands-on leadership to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to company quality standards. This position requires strong technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and the capability to maintain productivity, workflow, and departmental performance, particularly in the absence of a Foreman or Supervisor.

The Work Leader serves as a resource for department employees by providing guidance, assisting with training, resolving operational challenges, and ensuring workstations have the necessary materials and assignments. This role also involves using company computer systems to monitor work orders, review production schedules, and support communication between departments. By promoting teamwork, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement, the Work Leader plays an essential role in supporting the overall success of Southern Fabricators.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily departmental tasks and assignments to ensure efficient workflow and consistent production performance.

• Perform all duties at the highest skill level required within the department.

• Assume leadership responsibilities when the Foreman or Supervisor is unavailable.

• Provide guidance, motivation, and hands-on support to department employees.

• Utilize company systems, including M2M and other enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, to review open order reports, manage work orders, and support production scheduling.

• Operate company computers and laptops to access production information, generate reports, and monitor departmental activities.

• Ensure all workstations and production cells have the necessary work assignments, materials, and resources to meet production goals.

• Monitor production performance, identify inefficiencies, and assist with implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

• Promote and maintain a safe, organized, and productive work environment by following and reinforcing company safety standards.

• Assist with employee training, on-the-job instruction, troubleshooting, and compliance with established company procedures.

• Provide support to employees by answering questions, addressing operational concerns, and assisting with technical challenges.

• Monitor work quality and ensure completed tasks meet company standards and customer specifications.

• Communicate effectively with Planning, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments to maintain production workflow and resolve operational issues.

• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, material shortages, quality concerns, and production delays to the appropriate supervisor.

• Assist with prioritizing work orders and adjusting daily assignments to meet changing production requirements.

• Maintain accurate production information, work order updates, and departmental documentation as required.

• Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to company values.

• Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and productivity while supporting departmental performance.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of the department's operations, equipment, tools, and safety procedures.

• Demonstrated leadership ability, including experience guiding, mentoring, or training team members.

• Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or production tracking software, including M2M.

• Ability to operate a laptop or computer to generate reports, review open orders, and manage production information.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production workflow, and departmental quality standards.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and make effective decisions under pressure.

• Strong mechanical or technical aptitude relevant to the assigned department.

• Ability to identify production challenges and assist with implementing practical solutions.

• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and personnel from other departments.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required production documentation.

• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform tasks associated with departmental operations.

• Ability to lift up to 100 lbs.

• Strong commitment to teamwork, productivity, accountability, and maintaining a positive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience serving as a Work Leader, Lead Operator, or similar leadership position in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience working in metal fabrication or industrial manufacturing operations.

• Familiarity with M2M software, production scheduling, and work order management.

• Experience training employees and supporting on-the-job training (OJT) programs.

• Knowledge of continuous improvement practices, production performance metrics, and workflow optimization.

• Experience coordinating production activities across multiple workstations or manufacturing cells.

Key Skills

Strong leadership, technical knowledge, communication, and organizational skills are essential for coordinating departmental operations and supporting employee performance. The ability to use M2M and other production tracking systems allows the Work Leader to manage work orders, monitor production activities, and maintain an efficient workflow. Problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills help address production challenges, prioritize assignments, and maintain productivity. Effective teamwork, safety awareness, and the ability to train and guide employees contribute to a positive, accountable, and productive manufacturing environment. These skills ensure the Work Leader can support departmental operations and maintain continuity when a Foreman or Supervisor is unavailable.

Additional Note

This position is not limited to the duties listed above. The Foreman or Supervisor may assign additional tasks as needed to support departmental operations, production requirements, and organizational objectives.