Production Lead

Description

As a Production Lead at Safco, you will provide front-line coordination and technical leadership for our Metal Fabrication and Welding Departments. In this role, you'll ensure efficient production processes, maintain high-quality standards, and achieve on-time delivery of parts to customers while fostering a safe and productive work environment. You will drive process improvements, oversee labor allocation and material flow, and ensure accurate production documentation. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to support continuous improvement and operational excellence. This position combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, guiding a team that operates advanced equipment such as lasers, turret punch presses, coil line machines, brake presses, and spot/MIG welding, etc.

This full-time position reports directly to the designated Production Supervisor and is located at Safco's manufacturing plant in Milford, IA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive process improvements to meet delivery timelines, maintain quality standards, and foster team engagement while prioritizing safety.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with various departments to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Responsible to lead, instruct, train, and coordinate with production team members on assigned shift.
• Assist the Supervisor to address day-to-day production issues, including staffing needs, material availability & flow, and equipment status.
• Provides technical support and assists with problem solving for employees on their designated shift.
• Maintain and update production metrics for department goals including Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Morale.
• Runs and reviews reports including due date and inventory reports to ensure proper prioritization of production activities.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Proven experience informally leading and motivating a team.
• High School diploma orGEDequivalentfrom an accredited institutionAND 2+ years manufacturing experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience reading, writing, and completing detailed work instructions.
• Ability to understand basic mechanical and manufacturing techniques.
• Previous experience with computer skills such as typing, printing and data entry.
• Ability to use math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills and a high degree of responsiveness and empathy for internal and external customers.
• Preferred metal fabrication and welding background.
• 2+ years of previous team or process lead experience.
• Prior work experience with JDE/Oracle in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in a high variety, low to mid-volume manufacturing environment a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour. The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location. Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services. Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment
• Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 4+ hours per shift
• Must be able to bend and stoop for 7+ hours per shift
• Must be able to stand for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to reach and grasp up to 6+ hours per shift

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota,Liberty Diversified International (LDI)is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.

Since 1918, our values - Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence - have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and solutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includesLiberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom SolutionsandQuarrix Building Products) and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.