Production Lead, Cable Assembly/Wire Harness

Greatlink International Inc.•South Elgin, IL

53d

About The Position

The Production Lead is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations on the shop floor for custom cable assemblies and wire harness products. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production in accordance with Greatlink International’s standards for on-time delivery, first-pass yield, and continuous improvement. The Production Lead coordinates personnel, materials, and equipment to achieve production goals while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence.

Requirements

3–5+ years of direct, hands-on experience in cable or wire harness assembly within a manufacturing environment.
Motivated self-starter with strong leadership skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
Proven ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and maintain focus in a fast-paced production setting.
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational ability, and time management skills.
Strong manual dexterity with the ability to set up, operate, and maintain assembly equipment, machinery, and hand tools.
Patient, instructive communicator capable of training and guiding assemblers on proper work instructions and assembly techniques.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound judgment and critical thinking skills.
Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints (1–2 years required).
Experience in operating manufacturing equipment and tools (minimum 1 year required).

Nice To Haves

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Balance time effectively between hands-on production (building and reviewing work orders) and supervising day-to-day operations to maintain product quality, workflow efficiency, and on-time delivery.
Prepare and stage work orders, materials, and tools to ensure assemblers are fully equipped to begin production on schedule.
Provide clear, detailed, and consistent instructions for assembly operations using both verbal communication and visual documentation.
Train, coach, and mentor less experienced operators throughout the assembly process to ensure adherence to workmanship, quality, and safety standards.
Collaborate closely with Planner and Operations Manager to plan, prioritize, and sequence jobs in alignment with production schedules and customer requirements.
Participate in daily production meetings to communicate work order status, challenges, and updates related to delivery timelines.
Partner with the planner, sales, and operations to coordinate customer orders and ensure products are delivered accurately and on time.
Monitor material consumption and coordinate with purchasing and planning to report shortages, low inventory, and tooling or equipment needs.
Keep management informed of production issues, staffing needs, and operator performance trends that could impact quality or delivery.
Respond promptly to employee safety concerns and report any identified safety hazards, violations, or risks to management for timely resolution.
Perform soldering operations as required and evaluate the soldering performance of assemblers to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Conduct in-process inspections of assemblies to identify and correct errors before products reach final Quality Assurance (QA) review.