Production Lead

Summary

The Production Lead supports the Production Supervisor by providing hands-on guidance to a small team in a fast-paced HVAC and UV light manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for day-to-day floor coordination, ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with quality standards. The Production Lead acts as a first point of contact for operators, helps resolve issues in real time, and reinforces standard work, ISO 9001 practices, and continuous improvement initiatives, including providing forklift support as needed to maintain material flow.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Production Supervisor in coordinating daily activities for a team of up to 15 employees.
• Provide hands-on direction on the production floor, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and output expectations.
• Operate a forklift to support material movement, staging, and production flow as required.
• Serve as a resource for operators by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and escalating concerns as needed.
• Monitor workflow and help balance staffing and work assignments to meet daily production targets.
• Assist in identifying inefficiencies, scrap, and rework, and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Reinforce compliance with ISO 9001 standards, including proper documentation and standardized processes.
• Support quality control requirements by verifying product standards and escalating defects.
• Utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and ERP system to track production activity and maintain accurate records.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance) to resolve production issues.
• Promote and model safe work behaviors, including proper forklift operation and material handling practices.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new team members, including safe equipment usage.
• Help maintain organization, cleanliness, and visual controls on the production floor (5S).
• Adjust to changing priorities and support the Supervisor in executing production plans.

Required Qualifications

• Manufacturing or production experience, preferably with some informal leadership or lead responsibilities.
• Forklift operation experience (certification preferred or ability to become certified).
• Basic understanding of quality control practices; exposure to ISO 9001 is a plus.
• Ability to follow direction while taking initiative to solve problems on the floor.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with ERP systems is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic problem-solving skills with the ability to escalate issues appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in HVAC, UV light, or related light assembly, electromechanical, or component-based manufacturing environments.
• Experience with light assembly processes, including small parts handling, sub-assembly, and final assembly.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools, torque tools, and basic assembly fixtures.
• Experience working with work instructions, visual aids, and standardized assembly processes.
• Understanding of basic electrical or wiring assembly (as applicable to UV or related products).
• Experience in low-to-mid volume, high-mix production environments.
• Familiarity with quality checks within assembly processes (e.g., visual inspection, functional testing).
• Exposure to kitting, material staging, and line-side inventory replenishment.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.
• Experience training or mentoring employees.
• Active forklift certification.
• Familiarity with UL / Intertek certification requirements.

Cultural Expectations

Candidates must demonstrate alignment with the company's core values:

• Safety - Leads by example, follows procedures, and encourages safe behaviors.
• Trust - Communicates openly, supports teammates, and follows through on commitments.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset - Takes ownership of daily responsibilities and looks for ways to improve processes.
• Bias for Action - Proactively addresses issues and supports team execution without delay.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and movement.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift materials, and operate equipment (including forklifts) as needed.
• Monday-Friday, 1st shift; overtime as required.

Compensation

• Compensation is based on experience; positioned below Supervisor level within the production pay structure.

Role Positioning (for internal clarity)

• Focus on execution and floor leadership, not full team management
• Acts as a bridge between operators and the Supervisor
• Provides hands-on support across production, material flow, and training
• Escalates performance, personnel, or systemic issues to Supervisor