Job Summary:
The Production Lead is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing all shop floor operations, including hands-on drill regrinding production, quality control, team supervision, and training program development. This role combines technical expertise in regrinding and inspections with supervisory duties to ensure efficient production, high-quality output, and a positive team environment. The Production Lead will work closely with the Operations Manager to help standardize processes, optimize workflows, and onboard new technicians.
Our Davisburg operations are supported by our sister company, Ramstar Carbide Tool, located in Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada. Some travel to Canada may be required.
Responsibilities:
Production (Drill Regrinding)
- Identify the diameter and workability of incoming drills to determine suitability for regrinding, ensuring accurate specifications for processing.
- Operate automated regrinding machines (e.g., CNC-based) to resurface drill tips to precise customer requirements.
- Conduct final inspections of reground drills to verify quality and compliance with customer standards.
- Monitor production output to meet daily and weekly targets, adjusting workflows to address bottlenecks or urgent orders.
Production Supervision
- Oversee all production activities, including regrinding, inspections, and related tasks (e.g., inventory handling, machine setup).
- Assign tasks to technicians and inspection staff, balancing workloads to optimize productivity and meet customer deadlines.
- Monitor team performance, providing feedback and coaching to improve skills and efficiency.
Training Leadership
- Assist in the development of an online training library, creating comprehensive materials (e.g., videos, manuals, work instructions) for regrinding techniques, machine operation, inspection protocols, and safety procedures.
- Train and mentor new technicians through hands-on demonstrations, shadowing, and performance evaluations, ensuring proficiency within 90 days.
- Conduct ongoing training based on process improvements, new equipment, or customer feedback to maintain quality and effectiveness.
Workflow Coordination
- Prioritize jobs in the production queue based on customer deadlines, machine availability, and resource constraints.
- Ensure seamless handoffs between regrinding and inspection teams to minimize delays and maintain workflow efficiency.
Quality Assurance
- Establish and enforce quality standards across all shop floor activities, ensuring reground drills meet customer specifications.
- Conduct periodic audits of production output and implement corrective actions for quality issues through root cause analysis.
- Provide input to the Operations Manager for resolving complex quality concerns.
Machine and Equipment Oversight
- Monitor the condition of regrinding machines and shop equipment, scheduling routine maintenance and reporting issues to the Operations Manager.
- Train technicians on proper machine use and maintenance protocols to maximize uptime and performance.
- Recommend equipment upgrades or repairs to enhance production efficiency.
Team Morale and Culture Building
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and fun shop floor environment through regular team huddles, recognition of achievements, and open communication.
- Address minor team conflicts or performance issues, escalating complex matters to the Operations Manager.
- Promote adherence to safety protocols, ensuring all team members use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow industry standards.
Performance Reporting Support
- Track shop floor measurables (e.g., production output, cycle times, defect rates, training progress) and provide data to the Operations Manager for weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance reports.
- Identify trends in production or quality data to propose actionable improvements.
Resource Management Support
- Monitor consumable supplies (e.g., grinding wheels, lubricants) and tool inventory, providing input to the Operations Manager for restocking needs.
- Assist in maintaining adequate shop resources to prevent production delays.
Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in machining, CNC operation, or related field preferred.
- 5 years of experience in machining, tool regrinding, or CNC operations, with 1–2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
- Experience working in a manufacturing or production setting, particularly in roles involving material processing, quality control, and equipment setup.
- Experience with operating automated machinery, including understanding control panels, programmable logic controllers. Experience with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines or similar automated systems is highly beneficial.
- Proven experience training or mentoring team members in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to manage shop floor operations and drive team performance.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced production setting.
- Basic computer skills for documentation, training, and KPI tracking (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or ERP systems).
- Ability to embody core values: partnering with teams, helping others, driving improvement, and maintaining a fun work environment.
Our Core Values
We Partner: Collaborates with the Operations Manager and shop floor team to meet production goals and customer expectations.
We Help: Mentors and trains technicians to build team capability.
We’re Always Improving: Drives process, quality, and efficiency improvements to enhance shop performance.
We Are Fun: Fosters a positive, engaging shop floor culture that promotes teamwork and morale.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Ability to Commute:
- Davisburg, MI 48350 (Required)
Work Location: In person
