Manufacturing Leader

Job Description

Job Description

Manufacturing Leader

Responsibilities

The Manufacturing Leader is responsible for driving operational excellence, strengthening workforce capability, and improving production effectiveness across all manufacturing functions. This role develops and implements improved methods, processes, and procedures that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. The leader plays a pivotal role in employee engagement, continuous improvement deployment, cross-shift alignment, and systemic operational discipline.

This position supports organizational goals through structured planning, proactive problem-solving, and strong partnership with operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, and other key stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay: $85,000+ annually

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) savings plan with employer match

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Life insurance and employee assistance programs

• Leadership development and continuous improvement training

Job Roles

• Systems thinking – Understands operations holistically; breaks down silos across shifts and departments; recognizes the impact of each function on the whole.

• Measurement oriented – Uses safety, quality, labor utilization, and other core metrics to drive decision-making and organizational priorities.

• Relationship builder – Strengthens trust and communication up, down, and across the organization; mentors others; resolves issues early through connection.

• Facilitator – Removes obstacles, accelerates decision-making, and ensures quality execution; translates business needs into operational action.

• Advocate – Ensures customer requirements are met; champions manufacturing needs; ensures frontline leaders have resources, clarity, and support.

• Tactician strategist – Balances immediate operational demands with long-term improvements; plans proactively while responding effectively to changing conditions.

• Organization and structure – Coordinates scheduling, labor, and priorities across multiple teams; ensures efficient workflow and alignment.

• Autonomy – Operates with confidence and sound judgment; makes decisions with limited direction; accepts feedback and adjusts accordingly.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a high-performing team, including scheduling, conducting meetings, administering performance reviews, and managing staffing levels.

• Motivate, coach, and develop employees to achieve optimal productivity, quality, morale, and cooperation.

• Provide timely and constructive performance feedback; maintain documentation for all disciplinary actions.

• Direct training and orientation for employees to ensure understanding of safety rules, performance expectations, and organizational policies.

• Maintain compliance with collective bargaining agreements; act as liaison between leadership and union officials; resolve grievances where required.

• Review production and operating reports to resolve manufacturing, quality, and maintenance issues, minimizing cost and preventing delays.

• Investigate and analyze issues, recommending corrective actions that impact quality, cost, throughput, and safety.

• Ensure proper tools, equipment, and supplies are available; promote understanding and utilization of the help chain.

• Partner with management, engineering, and quality teams to resolve process, equipment, and operational issues.

• Evaluate work procedures for safety compliance; promote and uphold a safe work environment.

• Plan, develop, and implement improved manufacturing methods that optimize labor, materials, and operating expense.

• Participate in safety inspections and housekeeping audits to support a clean, safe, and organized facility.

• Comply with all environmental, health, and safety requirements.

• Perform additional duties as needed to support operational success.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution

• 5+ years of experience working in a manufacturing environment OR 1+ year of internal supervisory/leadership experience

• 5+ years of supervisory or managerial experience

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business

• Experience in investment casting or highly technical manufacturing

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Proven leadership capabilities that foster engagement and accountability

• Experience applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, total quality, and 6S methodologies

• Technical understanding of manufacturing processes

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, and negotiation skills

• Solid financial literacy and understanding of cost drivers