Lead - 3rd - Pultrusion

Position Overview

Summary: As Lead Operator you will play a crucial role in driving operational excellence and efficiency within the organization. The Lead Operator will coordinate with the Supervisor to ensure the product is manufactured with Safety, Quality, and on-time delivery as top priorities. You will be involved in implementing and overseeing continuous improvement initiatives, methodologies, and strategies to enhance processes, reduce waste, and optimize overall performance. The position is instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency and driving positive change across the organization.

Essential Functions

- Collaborate with the Operations Manager and VP of Manufacturing to identify key areas for improvement.

- Train and mentor, the manufacturing work team on operating procedures, safety protocols, and quality control measures.

- Ensure onboarding training is conducted and new hires complete onboarding within the expected timeline.

- Ensure skill level training is scheduled, conducted, and the team is evaluated with the expected timeline.

- Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly production goals are met.

- Supervise work teams and individuals in the areas of responsibilities of manufacturing to meet customer quality and on-time delivery needs

- Supervise work teams and individuals in the areas of responsibilities of manufacturing to comply with company policies

- Analyzes work orders to estimate worker hours and create machining schedules that meet both internal and external needs

- Manages teams by establishing monthly and quarterly performance goals

- Assist in setting and achieving productivity and quality targets for the various teams

- Coach team or manufacturing personnel in their continuous improvement efforts

- Interfaces with others in the organization to ensure customer deadlines are met

- Inspects and measures parts and products to verify conformance to specifications

- Directs workers in adjusting machines and equipment to repair products that fail to meet standards

- Establishes or adjusts work procedures to meet production schedules

- Develops, recommends, and implements measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product

- Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase the efficiency of shop, department, or work crew

- Analyzes and resolves work problems, or assists workers in solving work problems

- Maintains time and production records

- Review daily production reports and forms

- Attend Daily Manufacturing Review Meeting

- Provide input to assess manufacturing team for performance evaluations.

- Conduct and / or ensure pre-shift and post-shift handoff communication meetings are conducted each work day.

- Support the Manufacturing Supervisor/Manager in meeting department goals and objectives

- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure that continuous improvement efforts align with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

- Stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in operations management.

- Adhere to relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols to ensure that work meets legal and regulatory requirements.

- Continuously work in a safe manner and maintain a safe and clean work area.

- Follow company rules and guidelines.

- Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Other Skills/Abilities

The Lead Operator requires a combination of manufacturing operations expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen.

Technical proficiency: Strong background in manufacturing operation principles, including knowledge of various manufacturing processes, such as machining, assembly, fabrication, and automation. Familiarity with industry standards and regulations is also important.

Leadership and management: Possess strong leadership skills are essential to motivate and guide others, ability to set strategic goals, and make informed decisions. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others.

Strategic thinking: Ability to develop and implement manufacturing strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. Analyze complex problems, identify opportunities for process optimization, and develop innovative solutions. Strategic planning and the ability to align manufacturing goals with overall business objectives are crucial.

Project management: Manufacturing operation involves overseeing projects related to process improvement, cost reduction, preparing operations for new product introduction, and facility expansion. Strong project management skills are necessary to define project scope, allocate resources, establish timelines, and ensure successful execution within budget.

Continuous improvement: Possess a strong focus on continuous improvement. Ability to implement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other quality improvement frameworks to drive efficiency, eliminate waste, and enhance product quality.

Problem-solving and troubleshooting: Ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions is crucial. Possess strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to think analytically and make data-driven decisions.

Communication and interpersonal skills: Effective communication is vital to interact with others including production employees, senior management, auditor, and to support customer visits. Ability to train, develop and report to others in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in written reports. Strong interpersonal skills are also important for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration across different teams.

Business acumen: Advance knowledge of the business aspects of manufacturing operations. This includes budgeting, cost management, resource allocation, and risk assessment. Strong understanding of market trends, industry competition, and regulatory requirements to make informed decisions that align with the company's strategic objectives.

Incentives

- Benefits offered the first of the month following 30 days of employment, include: medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, paid time off (sick and vacation), 10 company holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.

- Referral Rewards program

Requirements / Training and Experience

- Strong leadership and managerial skills with the ability to motivate, guide, train and develop a team.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

- Sound knowledge of operational processes, quality standards, and compliance requirements.

- Proficiency in using productivity tools, such as project management software, spreadsheets, and databases.

- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

- Ability to troubleshoot production issues.

- Train new hires.

- Able to perform duties required to the processes from start to finish.

- Measure and log in-process inspection reports.

- Ability to maintain a professional, positive attitude.

- Must be able to successfully pass e-Verify background check.

- Complete other duties/projects as required and/or assigned.

Work Environment

The Production Supervisor position works primarily on the manufacturing floor. Occupational health and safety practices are essential in manufacturing environments and all employees are expected to adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment when necessary.