Job Summary: The Lead Hand – Off-Shift Process Support plays a key role in supporting production by assisting the processing department, providing leadership on the off shift, and ensuring equipment, tools, and molds are in proper working condition. This role acts as a resource to Team Leaders and Operators, helps troubleshoot process and equipment issues, and serves as the point person in the absence of the Shift Supervisor. The Lead Hand ensures that safety, quality, and housekeeping standards are consistently maintained.
Department: Process
Reports to: Process Supervisor/Shift Supervisor (Company Preference)
Exempt: Non-Exempt
This is a 3rd Shift Position, with a Sunday - Thursday work schedule of 11:00 pm - 7:15 am.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Equipment, Tooling & Mold Readiness
a. Ensure all equipment, tools, molds, and accessories are clean, functional, and staged adequately throughout the shift.
b. Verify molds are loaded correctly into machines and cleaned according to established procedures.
c. Coordinate with maintenance or processing personnel when equipment adjustments or repairs are needed.
2. Off-Shift Leadership & Supervisor Backup
a. Perform the duties and responsibilities of the Shift Supervisor during their absence.
b. Serve as the primary point of contact for production issues on the off shift.
c. Provide direction and support to Team Leaders and Operators as needed to maintain production flow.
3. Troubleshooting & Process Support
a. Assist in troubleshooting fundamental processing issues, mold problems, equipment alarms, and operator concerns.
b. Communicate technical issues promptly to the Processing and Maintenance departments.
c. Support the resolution of downtime issues to minimize disruption to the production schedule.
4. Safety, Quality & Compliance
a. Maintain working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 13485 policies, procedures, and work instructions.
b. Ensure compliance with all company safety rules, including PPE usage, lockout/tagout (as applicable), and OSHA requirements.
c. Promote and enforce safe work practices across the shift.
d. Support adherence to customer requirements and quality standards.
5. Production Support & Documentation
a. Assist with monitoring production performance and reporting issues to supervisors or managers.
b. Ensure accurate communication of problems, status updates, and shift handoff information.
c. Support housekeeping and 5S activities throughout production areas.
Required Skills and Abilities:
1. Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills.
2. Ability to lead, support, and communicate effectively with operators and team leaders.
3. Basic understanding of injection molding, tooling, and manufacturing equipment (preferred).
4. Ability to interpret work instructions, safety procedures, and basic technical documents.
5. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
6. Ability to work independently and make decisions when supervisors are unavailable.
Education and Experience:
1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Prior experience in manufacturing, processing, or machine operation required.
3. Prior leadership experience or demonstrated leadership capability preferred.
4. Experience in injection molding or a similar process manufacturing is a plus.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
1. Ability to stand, walk, reach, and bend for long periods.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
3. Manufacturing plant environment with moderate noise, machinery, and tooling.
4. Fast-paced production conditions requiring quick response to equipment and process needs.
5. Ability to work in hot or cold manufacturing environments.
