Position Overview
The Manufacturing Foreman (High-Volume Assembly) is a dynamic leadership role responsible for supervising, coordinating, and optimizing the daily operations of a high-volume assembly line specializing in hydraulic power units (HPUs), lubrication systems, and manifold blocks. This position requires an experienced leader who can balance the demands of high-throughput production with the precision required for complex fluid power systems. The Foreman ensures that production schedules are met, material flow is seamless, safety standards are strictly enforced, and the assembly team operates at peak efficiency while maintaining a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Department & Reporting Structure
- Department: Production / Operations
- Reports To: Production Manager / Director of Operations
- Location: Assembly & Production Facility
- Employment Type: Full-Time
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The Manufacturing Foreman manages the human, material, and technical resources of the assembly floor. The primary responsibilities of this role are categorized and detailed in the table below:
Daily Supervision & Scheduling:
Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of assembly technicians, tube benders, hose fabricators, and test stand operators. Assign daily work orders, manage staffing levels, and dynamically adjust schedules to meet fluctuating production demands and delivery deadlines.
Production Efficiency & Throughput:
Monitor production output, labor efficiency, and cycle times against established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Identify bottlenecks in the assembly process, such as delayed hose fabrication or testing backlogs, and implement immediate corrective actions to maintain optimal flow.
Technical Leadership & Work Instruction:
Oversee the adherence to detailed work instructions, assembly drawings, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Ensure that technicians are properly utilizing specialized equipment, including hose crimpers, torque wrenches, measuring tools, manual and CNC tube benders as applicable, and hydraulic test benches.
Quality Control & Rework Mitigation:
Collaborate closely with the Quality Technician to monitor assembly quality on the line. Ensure that potential leak paths, incorrect fittings, or contamination risks are addressed immediately. Manage and document any necessary rework, analyzing trends to prevent recurring assembly errors.
Material Flow & Inventory Management:
Partner with warehouse and procurement teams to ensure the timely delivery of components (pumps, valves, fittings, steel tubing) to assembly workstations. Champion 5S methodology to maintain an organized, clean, and highly efficient production environment, which is vital for fluid system cleanliness.
Safety Enforcement & Compliance:
Enforce a zero-compromise safety culture on the assembly floor. Ensure strict compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies, with a particular focus on high-pressure fluid hazards, proper crane/hoist usage for heavy lifting, and immediate spill containment protocols.
Team Training & Development:
Conduct daily huddles to communicate production goals, safety focuses, and quality metrics. Train, coach, and mentor assembly staff, fostering a multi-skilled workforce through cross-training across tube bending, hose crimping, system testing, sub-assembly build and inventory control, and manifold assembly stations.
Reporting & Documentation:
Maintain accurate records of daily production output, labor hours, shift handovers, and equipment maintenance. Utilize the company’s ERP/MRP system to track work order progress and inventory consumption.
General Leadership:
Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Manager or operations leadership to support overall plant productivity, facility maintenance, and business objectives.
Industry-Specific Leadership Expectations:
Leading a team in a hydraulic and lubrication system assembly environment requires specialized operational oversight:
- High-Pressure Safety Awareness: The Foreman must possess a deep understanding of the hazards associated with high-pressure hydraulics, including fluid injection injuries and stored accumulator energy. They must ensure that all safety guards and testing procedures are utilized or followed without exception.
- Contamination Prevention Leadership: Since particulate contamination is the leading cause of hydraulic system failure, the Foreman must actively manage the production environment to prevent cross-contamination from grinding, welding, or machining operations near the assembly area maintaining a clean and free from debris assembly through all steps of build and test.
- Precision and Standardized Work: The Foreman must resist the temptation to sacrifice quality for speed. They must ensure that every technician understands that a high-volume environment still requires meticulous adherence to torque specifications, thread sealing protocols, and flushing/cleaning procedures.
Candidate Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for the Manufacturing Foreman position, candidates must demonstrate a strong blend of supervisory experience, technical mechanical aptitude, and leadership capability:
Education & Training:
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate Degree, technical school diploma, or vocational training in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power, or a relateddiscipline is highly preferred.
Professional Experience:
- 3 to 7+ years of experience in manufacturing or assembly operations, with a minimum of 2 years in a direct supervisory, lead hand, or foreman role
- Previous experience in the assembly of fluid power systems, heavy machinery, automotive assembly, or complex electro-mechanical systems is highly valued.
Technical Knowledge:
- Solid understanding of hydraulic assembly workflows, including steel tube fabrication, hose crimping, manifold assembly, and electrical integration.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, basic hydraulic schematics, and process flowcharts
- Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Leadership & Soft Skills:
- Proven ability to motivate, coach, and manage a diverse team in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
- Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills under pressure.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating across departments (Engineering, Quality, Warehouse).
Computer Literacy:
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and experience using ERP/MRP systems for production tracking and inventory management.
Physical & Environmental:
- Ability to stand, walk, and lead on an active manufacturing floor for 8 to 10 hours per shift.
- Comfort working in an industrial environment that may involve noise, vibrations, hydraulic fluids, and heavy machinery operations.
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 3 years (Required)
- Supervising: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
