Production Group Lead

Overview

The Production Group Lead serves as the primary point of contact for molding operators and skilled machine operators on shift. This role supports the Production Supervisor by coordinating daily floor activities, ensuring safety, driving production efficiency, and maintaining product quality. 

Responsibilities

• Act as the on-shift lead and first point of contact for operators and skilled machine operators.
• Communicate production goals, priorities, and changes clearly to the team.
• Coordinate shift handoff, ensuring accurate documentation of machine status, quality issues, and production counts.
• Escalate issues to the Production Supervisor or Process Tech/Engineering Team promptly and effectively.
• Monitor machine performance, cycle times, and scrap trends throughout the shift.
• Ensure operator workstations are properly staffed, organized, and supplied to meet daily production schedules.
• Adjust workflow or reassign personnel as needed to maintain throughput.
• Support machine startups, and shutdowns when required.
• Reinforce safety standards and proper use of PPE on the molding floor.
• Report unsafe conditions and assist in incident response if needed.
• Coach operators on correct processes and best practices.
• Verify production logs, scrap reporting, and downtime reasons.
• Track daily shift performance against production targets.  
• Provide timely feedback to the Production Supervisor regarding staffing, training needs, or recurring machine/quality issues.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically requires 5+years of experience in a production coordinator, team lead, or similar role
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills—verbal and written
• Ability to lift to 35 lbs.
• Proficiency in data entry and office equipment usage
• Basic database knowledge and solid organizational skills
• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently
• High school diploma or equivalent

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or a technical field
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word), PeopleSoft, or other ERP systems
• Experience in a fast-paced business environment
• Forklift certification or experience
• A flexible, creative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Rain Bird is an equal opportunity employer.