Job Title: Shop Foreman – Screw Machine Operations
Department: Manufacturing – Fruita Operations
Reports To: Plant Manager / Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
SUMMARY
The Shop Foreman is responsible for directing the daily activities of the Screw Machine Shop while working alongside operators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This position provides hands-on leadership by coordinating production schedules, assisting with machine setup and troubleshooting, training employees, and ensuring equipment, quality, and productivity standards are consistently achieved. The Shop Foreman serves as the primary resource for production support and helps drive continuous improvement throughout the department.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Supervise the daily activities of screw machine operators and support personnel.
2.Coordinate daily production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements.
3.Assist with machine setup, changeovers, adjustments, and troubleshooting of Acme, BrownSharpe, Davenport, and similar automatic screw machines.
4.Monitor production rates, machine utilization, downtime, and scrap to maximize efficiency.
5.Ensure parts are manufactured to blueprint specifications and company quality standards.
6.Provide technical assistance and guidance to machine operators during production.
7.Train, mentor, and cross-train employees on machine operation, setup, quality standards, and safe work practices.
8.Coordinate preventative maintenance activities and work with Maintenance to minimize downtime.
9.Verify production reporting, labor reporting, and machine performance documentation are completed accurately.
10.Enforce company safety policies and maintain a safe working environment.
11.Communicate production issues, staffing needs, and equipment concerns to management.
12.Support continuous improvement efforts to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Maintain excellent housekeeping throughout the shop using 5S principles.
2.Assist with interviewing and onboarding new employees.
3.Participate in production planning meetings.
4.Recommend process improvements, tooling upgrades, and equipment repairs.
5.Work closely with Engineering and Quality on new products and process improvements.
6.Assist with inventory control of tooling, cutting oils, and production supplies.
7.Perform machine operation or setup duties as needed to support production.
8.Perform other duties assigned by management.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
EducationExperience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 5+ years of experience operating and setting up automatic screw machines.
- Previous lead, foreman, or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience with Acme, BrownSharpe, Davenport, or similar multi-spindle screw machines preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
- Excellent mechanical aptitude.
- Knowledge of machine setup, tooling, feeds, speeds, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to identify and resolve quality and production issues.
- Basic computer skills for production reporting and ERP transactions.
Leadership Skills
- Ability to lead by example and work alongside production employees.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to prioritize work and respond quickly to production issues.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are primarily in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, cutting oils, and production machinery. Noise levels are frequently high, and appropriate personal protective equipment is required. The position requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. The Shop Foreman frequently works on the production floor and must be able to safely perform the physical requirements associated with machine setup, troubleshooting, and production support.
