Ops Lead 1

Job Title: Operations Lead
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor
FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt

Labor Grade: 9
Prepared By: Meagan Owens
Prepared Date: 09/23/2025

Summary

The Operations Lead supports production by performing standard manufacturing tasks while serving as the first point of contact for line issues, staffing needs, training, and continuous improvement activities. This role is approximately 95% hands-on in the cell with operators/welders and 5% dedicated to leadership activities, including changeovers, troubleshooting, first-piece acceptance, training coordination, and maintaining safety and 5S standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Perform standard work tasks of machine operators and/or welders in assigned area.
2. Promote and ensure adherence to all safety policies, practices, and procedures, including Hazcom labels, MSDS, and LOTO compliance.
3. Serve as the first point of contact for safety concerns, injuries, or illnesses—ensuring appropriate reporting and follow-up actions.
4. Communicate staffing needs, job rotation schedules, and workflow concerns to the Production Supervisor.
5. Provide initial response to line problems; document issues, resolve when possible, and escalate to appropriate resources as needed.
6. Facilitate and encourage teamwork among associates to maintain a positive work environment.
7. Conduct and/or coordinate training for associates within the cell.
8. Ensure build sequence and production activities follow documented standardized work.
9. Support changeovers, troubleshooting activities, and first-piece inspection processes.
10. Maintain and monitor 5S standards within the work area, escalating concerns where necessary.
11. Actively participate in and support continuous improvement initiatives, including problem-solving events, waste reduction efforts, and efficiency improvement projects.
12. Provide daily operational updates to the Production Supervisor.

Education and Experience

• Education:
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum 1 year of manufacturing experience required.
• 1+ year prior experience in a lead role within manufacturing or a similar production environment preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing work requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and foster teamwork.
• Proficiency in using measuring and gauging devices.
• Ability to perform all cell jobs at Takt time.
• Mechanical aptitude with willingness to learn basic preventive maintenance and minor machine adjustments.
• Strong analytical problem-solving, facilitation, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated professional, ethical, and dependable work performance.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.