Lead - Lake Forest

Lead Production Team

Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

Position Description

The Lead role is responsible for leading a production team to achieve safety, quality, and output goals while fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. The position requires a hands-on leader who models company values, drives team performance, and ensures that daily operations run efficiently. Success in this role depends on strong communication, consistent follow-through, and the ability to balance people leadership with production demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example by consistently following all company policies, procedures, and processes
• Develop, train, coach, and manage team member performance
• Support the Team Leader to ensure their guidance is being instructed and understood across the production team
• Build a cohesive team atmosphere and maintain professionalism at all times
• Encourage open communication and uphold the company's open-door policy
• Determine daily production schedules and ensure products meet quality standards
• Coordinate material movement in alignment with the production plan
• Provide accurate and timely feedback to leadership regarding employee performance, attendance, and work quality
• Coordinate labor coverage and assist leadership in determining overtime needs
• Utilize SAP and other systems to report production, scrap, downtime, and issues impacting department goals
• Monitor and analyze daily labor times, KPIs, and tracking reports, including web-based applications
• Review shop order documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Identify and escalate safety, quality, efficiency, or team member concerns to area leadership

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Operational goals are consistently met: production targets, quality standards, and throughput expectations are achieved with minimal downtime
• The team is engaged, well-trained, and performing effectively, with clear communication and strong collaboration
• Safety is prioritized, with hazards addressed quickly and no preventable incidents
• Labor and resources are well-managed, ensuring proper coverage and efficient use of overtime
• Systems and reporting are accurate and timely, supporting data-driven decision-making
• Issues are identified early and escalated appropriately, contributing to continuous improvement
• The work environment is positive and professional, reflecting strong leadership and accountability

Position Requirements

• Ability to work onsite on 1st or 2nd shift based on business needs
• Willingness to work at either the Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) or Lake Forest, CA locations
• Experience leading teams and managing processes in a fast-paced production environment
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly with team members, and comprehend work instructions and safety guidelines
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 lbs
• Strong teamwork orientation with solid organizational and time-management skills
• Mechanical aptitude with familiarity in basic machinery, pumps, hydraulics, or mechanically driven systems
• Ability to develop, correct, and maintain process improvements
• Experience creating and editing Training Records, MIs, SOPs, GAs, and other procedural documentation
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse environment with varying skill levels and backgrounds
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP (or equivalent material-management software)
• Ability to perform root-cause analysis using industry-standard investigation methods
• Experience leading meetings, managing projects, and delivering formal presentations
• Resourcefulness in vendor sourcing and market research to support cost-effective, data-driven solutions
• Ability to delegate tasks effectively and communicate company goals clearly

Preferred

• Experience managing teams in medical device manufacturing or similar regulated industries.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address production challenges.
• Familiarity with Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing (SAP) or similar enterprise systems.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation range: $19- $23 / hour (California).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• On-campus wellness activities.
• Education reimbursement program.
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, experience. The compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and special discretionary bonus or incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to team member growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.