Wood Shop Production Lead - IL (Custom Millwork MFG

WoodJobs•Joliet, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wood Shop Production Lead is a hands-on leadership role responsible for coordinating daily shop activities and ensuring production is completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. This position works directly with the production team to assign work, monitor quality and productivity, resolve issues, and maintain smooth communication between Production, Engineering, Assembly, and Management. This is a working lead position that combines hands-on woodworking with team leadership. The Production Lead is expected to actively participate in shop production while directing the team, monitoring workflow, addressing issues, and making sure employees have the appropriate drawings, materials, priorities, and job information to complete work correctly and efficiently.

Requirements

Basic computer skills, including the ability to work with drawings, work orders, and production tracking systems.
3+ years of experience in woodworking, manufacturing, or a related production environment preferred.
Hands-on experience operating woodworking machinery and shop equipment.
Dependable, self-motivated, and capable of working with limited supervision.
Ability to read and interpret production drawings, work orders, and cut lists.
Proficient in using measuring tools and accurately verifying dimensions.
Basic machine setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting abilities.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Nice To Haves

CNC experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Train, guide, and assist wood shop employees with daily production activities.
Inspect completed work to verify dimensions, workmanship, and overall quality.
Plan, organize, and distribute daily production assignments to shop employees.
Operate woodworking machinery and equipment as required to support production.
Review and interpret work orders, production drawings, specifications, and cut lists.
Monitor production progress and address issues that could impact schedules or deadlines.
Ensure employees are properly and promptly assigned to the correct jobs and work orders.
Review labor and job entries for accuracy and follow up on missing or incorrect time tracking.
Set up woodworking equipment and perform basic machine adjustments and troubleshooting.
Travel periodically to customer locations to assist with product installations, service, or repairs.
Help minimize material waste, scrap, rework, equipment downtime, and production inefficiencies.
Provide management with regular updates regarding production progress, delays, and operational concerns.
Work with Engineering to document drawing revisions and communicate updates to affected production employees.
Coordinate closely with the Assembly Department to ensure jobs move through production accurately and efficiently.
Promote a safe, clean, and organized work environment and ensure employees follow established safety procedures.
Identify issues involving materials, equipment, drawings, or production processes and communicate them to the appropriate department.