FW - Production Operator - Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The FWPO Lead Hand plays a key role in supporting daily production activities by providing direction and guidance to production team members while working alongside them on the production floor. This position is responsible for helping ensure production goals, quality standards, and safety expectations are consistently achieved throughout the shift.

The Lead Hand serves as a resource for operators by assisting with training, troubleshooting production issues, promoting continuous improvement, and maintaining efficient workflow. This position works closely with the Production Supervisor and Quality team to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

As a member of the RS team, the FWPO Lead Hand supports a culture built on Safety, Respect, Resilience, and Teamwork, while fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example while working alongside production employees to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Monitor daily production activities to ensure schedules, productivity, and quality objectives are met.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to production operators.
• Assist the Production Supervisor with coordinating daily workflow and employee assignments.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of production employees to ensure workforce flexibility and operational continuity.
• Mentor employees by reinforcing standard operating procedures, quality expectations, and safe work practices.
• Assist in troubleshooting production, equipment, and process issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Communicate quality concerns and collaborate with the Quality team to resolve production issues.
• Ensure production materials, tooling, and supplies are available to support scheduled work.
• Promote and participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.
• Utilize downtime effectively by assigning productive tasks, housekeeping activities, training, or preventive maintenance support.
• Report equipment concerns and maintenance issues promptly to the Production Supervisor.
• Maintain accurate communication between shifts and departments regarding production status and operational concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas using 5S principles and good housekeeping practices.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable provincial and federal regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 6 months to 1 year of experience as a Production Operator within the Filament Winding Pole Operations (FWPO) process or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Thorough understanding of the filament winding production process.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead by example, motivate others, and positively influence team performance.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills are an asset.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety by consistently following safety procedures, wearing required PPE, reporting hazards and incidents promptly, and participating in ongoing safety training.
• Consistently meets or exceeds production, quality, and attendance expectations while maintaining a high level of accountability.
• Takes initiative to identify production challenges, recommend improvements, and assist in implementing solutions that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively train, mentor, and support team members while promoting teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Maintains clean, organized work areas by following 5S principles and established housekeeping standards.
• Acts as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, respect, integrity, teamwork, and commitment to the company's core values.

Working Conditions

• Industrial manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to hot and humid conditions.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and other physically demanding tasks.
• Regular interaction with heavy machinery, powered industrial equipment, and moving mechanical parts.
• Exposure to production materials, including limited interaction with manufacturing chemicals while following all required safety procedures and PPE requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Manufacturing and industrial production environment.
• Regular work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Frequent standing, lifting, bending, and other physically demanding activities.
• Exposure to heavy machinery, forklifts, and moving equipment.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Fast-paced environment with production deadlines.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage through Cigna.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 5%.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• A collaborative team environment focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

WHY RS?

At RS Technologies, we are redefining the future of utility infrastructure. Our composite utility poles are stronger, lighter, and longer lasting than traditional materials, helping utilities build more resilient and sustainable electrical grids around the world.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

RS Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is treated with respect and can succeed. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to maintaining a safe, collaborative, and supportive work environment.