Production Lead

Job Title: Production Floor Lead Department: Production Location: Salem, OR Reports To: Production Foreman Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

The Production Floor Lead is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations in a fast-paced production environment. This position ensures production goals are met while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. The Production Floor Lead provides leadership to production employees, coordinates workflow, resolves production issues, and communicates effectively with supervisors, engineering, purchasing, and quality teams.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise production personnel during daily operations.


• Assign work and prioritize tasks to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.


• Monitor productivity, quality, and efficiency throughout the shift.


• Train, coach, and mentor employees on company procedures and best practices.


• Ensure all work is performed safely and in accordance with company policies.


• Review production drawings, work instructions, and Bills of Material (BOMs) for accuracy.


• Coordinate with Engineering, Purchasing, Inventory, and Quality to resolve production issues.


• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.


• Maintain accurate production records and communicate shift updates to management.


• Troubleshoot production challenges and make timely decisions to minimize downtime.


• Ensure materials are available and production orders are completed on schedule.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment using Lean manufacturing principles.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.


• 3–5 years of manufacturing experience.


• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.


• Ability to read mechanical drawings and manufacturing documentation.


• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods.

Required Computer Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word).


• Experience using ERP/MRP software such as Odoo or similar manufacturing systems.


• Ability to create and update production schedules and work orders.


• Experience maintaining inventory transactions and production reporting.


• Ability to review and interpret electronic Bills of Material (BOMs).


• Basic data entry with a high degree of accuracy.


• Experience using barcode scanners, tablets, and shop floor computer terminals.


• Ability to generate production reports and analyze basic production data.


• Familiarity with email communication and digital document management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.


• Knowledge of quality systems and root cause analysis.


• Experience working with engineering change orders (ECOs) and production documentation.


• Forklift certification is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Leadership


• Accountability


• Attention to Detail


• Adaptability


• Problem Solving


• Multitasking


• Time Management


• Safety Awareness


• Continuous Improvement