Production Leader

Menk USA•Sterling, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Production Leader is responsible for overseeing the entire production process in the machining and assembly areas of the facility. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, ensuring production targets are met, maintaining high-quality standards, and optimizing resource utilization. The Production leader will lead a team of operators, machinists, assemblers, and supervisors, ensuring that both machining and assembly operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with company standards and customer requirements.

Requirements

Leadership and team management
Ability to understand and manage materials and manufacturing processes.
Ability to understand and operate under a TPS methodology / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma
Project Management
Ability to manage efficiency, cycle time and production balance and output
Excellent oral and written communication Skills
Task and results oriented
Possess strong problem solving and diagnostic skills
Operate with a high sense of attention to detail
Possess an organized and structured work ethic
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)
Quality control standards
Safety, Health and Environment regulations
Bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering (or similar) required
5+ years of successful demonstration of production in a manufacturing environment

Nice To Haves

TPS methodology / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma
Machining and assembly knowledge
Project Management
Production management
APICS, CPIM, other similar

Responsibilities

Oversee the machining and assembly processes to ensure products are manufactured efficiently and meet quality specifications. Monitor production schedules, adjust resources as needed, and ensure alignment with customer demands. Manage the workflow between the machining and assembly departments to ensure smooth transitions and timely product delivery. Ensure equipment in both areas (machining and assembly) are maintained in optimal condition and perform regular preventive maintenance checks.
Manage production schedules developed by Planning team for machining and assembly operations, balancing customer orders with available resources. Coordinate with Purchasing and Warehouse teams to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components to support uninterrupted production. Address production bottlenecks and resource shortages, adjusting the schedule as needed to meet deadlines.
Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of machinists, assembly workers, and production supervisors. Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to foster skill development, improve performance, and enhance safety awareness. Conduct regular performance reviews, set individual and team goals, and ensure a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency. Implement TPS (lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies) to minimize waste and enhance productivity. Work with engineering and competitiveness teams to ensure proper setup and calibration of machines, tooling, and assembly fixtures.
Ensure that both machining and assembly operations meet the highest quality standards, adhering to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. Conduct regular quality checks, audits, and root cause analysis on any defects or deviations. Implement corrective actions for quality issues and ensure full compliance with internal and external quality standards and certifications (e.g., ISO, AS9100).
Enforce workplace safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company-specific safety standards in both machining and assembly areas. Conduct safety audits, identify potential hazards, and address safety concerns in a proactive manner. Organize safety training sessions and ensure that all team members follow proper safety procedures and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ensure work is performed in accordance with the requirements of Menk USA LLC ISO 9001:2015 based quality management system including adhering to appropriate policies and procedures.
Support adherence to standardized work and escalate quality concerns promptly.
Assist in maintaining product quality through consistent execution of work instructions.