Production Lead
Danville, VA | Direct Hire
Must be able to work flexible rotating shifts every 6 weeks
$70,000-$80,000
We are seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to join our team as a Production Lead. This role is ideal for a Production Lead, Shift Lead, Team Lead, or Production Supervisor looking to take ownership of a critical production area while leading teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring safety and quality standards are achieved.
You will be responsible for leading production teams, coordinating daily operations, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Production Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and supervise a team of seasonal production employees to ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations.
- Participate in recruiting, onboarding, training, and developing team members.
- Provide coaching, performance feedback, and support employee development.
- Monitor staffing levels, attendance, and workforce planning to maintain production requirements.
- Approve employee timecards and coordinate work schedules and break coverage.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, and a positive workplace culture.
Manufacturing Operations
- Oversee daily production activities within an assigned processing area.
- Monitor equipment performance, product flow, and operational efficiency.
- Troubleshoot production issues and coordinate with maintenance and support teams to minimize downtime.
- Ensure production goals, throughput targets, and quality standards are consistently achieved.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
Quality Assurance
- Ensure products meet established quality specifications throughout the manufacturing process.
- Monitor critical process parameters and equipment settings to maintain product consistency.
- Conduct quality inspections and verify compliance with operating procedures.
- Investigate quality concerns and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain accurate production records and system transactions.
Safety & Compliance
- Champion a culture of safety and ensure compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct safety observations, audits, and workplace inspections.
- Partner with Environmental Health & Safety teams to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
- Ensure employees are properly trained and follow all safety requirements.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and company standards.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Support Integrated Work System (IWS), Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Utilize problem-solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis and 5 Why methodology.
- Track production losses and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
- Participate in developing standard work procedures and training materials.
- Drive 5S workplace organization and housekeeping initiatives.
Equipment & Facility Maintenance
- Support preventive maintenance activities and equipment reliability efforts.
- Coordinate cleaning, inspection, and maintenance activities during non-production periods.
- Ensure production equipment is maintained and operating safely and efficiently.
Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum 3 years of manufacturing, production, or industrial operations experience.
- At least 1 year of leadership experience as a Production Lead, Team Lead, Shift Lead, Supervisor, or similar role.
- Experience leading employees in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and work effectively across departments.
Preferred
- Associate Degree in Management, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or related field.
- Experience in tobacco processing, food manufacturing, consumer products, agriculture, or other continuous manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, TPM, 5S, or IWS methodologies.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting production equipment.
Benefits:
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
- Matching 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Family Leave (20 Weeks)
- Tuition Assistance & Professional Development Programs
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Career Advancement Opportunities Within a Global Organization
If you are a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and driving operational success, we encourage you to apply.
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