General Purpose:
The Shift Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating all production activities within an assigned shift. This role oversees Supervisors and production personnel, ensures efficient workforce allocation, and manages shift-wide operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets. The Shift Lead works closely with the Planning Team and cross-functional departments to align resources, maintain smooth production flow, and consistently meet production targets while promoting standardization, accountability, and continuous improvement across the shift.
Job Summary:
The Shift Lead is responsible for the overall leadership and operational performance of an assigned production shift within the wind tower manufacturing operation. This role provides direct oversight, coaching, and accountability for multiple production Supervisors and their respective teams, ensuring effective execution of production plans and consistent achievement of Process, Daily, and Weekly Targets. The Shift Lead owns shift-level performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, and Cost, and acts as the primary point of coordination between production Supervisors, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Management. This position drives standardized work, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement across all production areas on the shift, including Cutting, Mod 1, Mod 2, and Mod 3. In addition, the Shift Lead is responsible for developing frontline leadership capability, monitoring shift performance indicators, addressing operational risks, and leading corrective actions when targets are not met. The Shift Lead ensures compliance with company policies, work instructions, and safety standards while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
Essential Functions:
1. Leadership & People Management
· Provide overall leadership and direction for the assigned shift by directly managing, coaching, and developing production Supervisors and their respective teams.
· Establish consistent leadership standards and ensure Supervisors effectively manage daily operations, workforce performance, attendance, and discipline.
· Deliver regular performance feedback, coaching, and development planning for Supervisors to strengthen capabilities in safety leadership, problem-solving, production control, and people management.
· Ensure workforce competency by overseeing training plans, certifications, and skill development aligned with current and future operational needs.
· Support employee relations matters, including corrective actions and disciplinary processes, in collaboration with BT Production Manager, Production Division Manager and HR Manager.
· Serve as acting Manager[RM1] during absences, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making.
2. Production & Operational Excellence
· Own shift-level production performance and ensure achievement of daily, weekly, and monthly production targets across all assigned production areas.
· Oversee and coordinate welding and fabrication operations to ensure compliance with production schedules, quality specifications, and safety standards.
· Optimize workforce allocation, workflow sequencing, and task prioritization to maximize efficiency, throughput, and on-time delivery.
· Review, challenge, and adjust production plans in coordination with Planning to balance manpower, equipment utilization, and material availability.
· Ensure consistent application of standard work, operating procedures, and takt-based production across all teams and shifts.
· Proactively identify operational constraints, risks, and bottlenecks, and escalate issues with clear data and recommended countermeasures.
3. Performance Management & KPIs
· Lead shift-level performance management using key KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale[RM2] .
· Act as the primary operational link to the Planning Team in the event of machine breakdowns, material shortages, or other disruptions impacting production targets.
· Review, analyze, and validate production data and reports submitted by Supervisors to ensure accuracy and reliability.
· Ensure visible performance tracking through daily boards, shift handovers, and departmental reviews.
· Drive corrective actions and structured catch-up plans when targets are missed to recover production commitments.
4. Safety, Quality & Compliance
· Champion a strong safety culture through visible leadership, audits, and accountability at all levels of the shift.
· Enforce compliance with OSHA regulations, PPE requirements, company safety policies, and established protocols.
· Ensure Supervisors consistently enforce quality standards and conduct regular quality checks to verify products meet specifications.
· Support quality investigations, non-conformance resolution, and root cause analysis in collaboration with Quality and Engineering teams.
· Hold Supervisors and employees accountable for safety, attendance, and behavioral standards.
5. Continuous Improvement
· Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and workflow stability.
· Drive structured root cause problem-solving using tools such as A3, 5-Why, and Pareto analysis for recurring issues.
· Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, optimize labor utilization, and improve equipment performance.
· Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to implement sustainable and standardized improvements.
· Promote best practice sharing and standardization across teams and shifts.
6. Administrative & Cross-Functional Coordination
· Ensure timely and accurate review and approval of Supervisors’ and employees’ timekeeping and attendance records.
· Oversee accurate documentation of production metrics, equipment usage, and inventory-related information.
· Coordinate material availability, maintenance priorities, and staffing requirements to support uninterrupted production.
· Collaborate closely with peer Shift LeadsSenior Supervisors, Managers, and cross-functional departments to drive alignment and plant-wide performance improvement.
· Participate in company meetings, provide shift-level production updates, and ensure execution of Management directives.
Education, Training, and Skills Required:
1. Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
· Equivalent extensive experience in manufacturing leadership may be considered in lieu of formal education.
2. Experience
· Significant experience in production supervision or equivalent leadership roles within a manufacturing or production environment.
· Proven experience managing or leading multiple supervisors or team leaders, with responsibility for daily operations, workforce management, and production targets.
· Demonstrated success in driving performance through KPIs, standard work, process optimization, and continuous improvement systems.
· Experience in welding operations, fabrication, or other relevant production processes preferred.
3. Knowledge
· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and workforce management.
· Advanced knowledge of safety regulations, risk management, and quality systems applicable to production environments.
· Familiarity with CS WIND production systems, SOPs, reporting tools, and timekeeping systems is an advantage.
· Strong knowledge of engineering drawings and technical specifications.
4. Skills
· Proven leadership presence with the ability to influence and guide Supervisors and their teams.
· Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
· Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment.
· Competency in Microsoft Office applications and other internal production, reporting, or timekeeping software.
5. Certification
· No mandatory certifications required.
· Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, OSHA, or advanced leadership training are considered an asset.
Physical Demands :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
· Rotation of tasks/positions requires standing, walking, and some sitting.
· Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and bend as required for operational oversight.
· Ability to work around toxic or corrosive chemicals.
Work Environment :
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The work environment is heavily industrial, with loud machine noise from the production floor, exposure to cutting torches, and grinding sparks from Fabrication present. Some areas are not climate controlled and are subject to extreme temperatures as weather changes.
· Manufacturing environment with occasional exposure to chemicals and industrial noise, smoke, dust/dirt/debris, arc flash, hot/cold temperatures.
· Requires frequent interaction with production areas and personnel
· Requires a flexible work schedule and willingness to adjust to business needs as required.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
