Production Leader

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Production Leader is responsible for overseeing the entire production process in the machining and assembly areas of the facility. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, ensuring production targets are met, maintaining high-quality standards, and optimizing resource utilization. The Production leader will lead a team of operators, machinists, assemblers, and supervisors, ensuring that both machining and assembly operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with company standards and customer requirements.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Machining & Assembly Operations Management: Oversee the machining and assembly processes to ensure products are manufactured efficiently and meet quality specifications. Monitor production schedules, adjust resources as needed, and ensure alignment with customer demands. Manage the workflow between the machining and assembly departments to ensure smooth transitions and timely product delivery. Ensure equipment in both areas (machining and assembly) are maintained in optimal condition and perform regular preventive maintenance checks.

Production Plan Execution: Manage production schedules developed by Planning team for machining and assembly operations, balancing customer orders with available resources. Coordinate with Purchasing and Warehouse teams to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components to support uninterrupted production. Address production bottlenecks and resource shortages, adjusting the schedule as needed to meet deadlines.

Team Leadership & Development: Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of machinists, assembly workers, and production supervisors. Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to foster skill development, improve performance, and enhance safety awareness. Conduct regular performance reviews, set individual and team goals, and ensure a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Process Optimization & Efficiency Improvement: Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency. Implement TPS (lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies) to minimize waste and enhance productivity. Work with engineering and competitiveness teams to ensure proper setup and calibration of machines, tooling, and assembly fixtures.

Quality Control & Compliance: Ensure that both machining and assembly operations meet the highest quality standards, adhering to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. Conduct regular quality checks, audits, and root cause analysis on any defects or deviations. Implement corrective actions for quality issues and ensure full compliance with internal and external quality standards and certifications (e.g., ISO, AS9100).

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance: Enforce workplace safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company-specific safety standards in both machining and assembly areas. Conduct safety audits, identify potential hazards, and address safety concerns in a proactive manner. Organize safety training sessions and ensure that all team members follow proper safety procedures and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Leadership and team management

Ability to understand and manage materials and manufacturing processes.

Ability to understand and operate under a TPS methodology / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma

Project Management

Ability to manage efficiency, cycle time and production balance and output

Excellent oral and written communication Skills

Task and results oriented

Possess strong problem solving and diagnostic skills

Operate with a high sense of attention to detail

Possess an organized and structured work ethic

Advance knowledge of Microsoft Tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)

Quality control standards

Safety, Health and Environment regulations

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree in industrial or mechanical engineering (or similar)

3+ years of successful demonstration of production in a manufacturing environment

Preferred Education / Experience

TPS methodology / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma

Machining and assembly knowledge

Project Management

Production management

APICS, CPIM, other similar

CONTEXT

Reports To:

Business Unit Manager

Number of Staff:

15

Department:

Pay Grade:

Location:

Waukesha

FLSA Status:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Key Working Relationships

Production, Operations, People management, Machining, Assembly

Physical Demands

Ability to spend time in production environment for extended periods of time

Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

Normal manufacturing/office environment

Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.

Full-time