Lean-Minded Production Lead for Operational Excellence

HBK - Hottinger Brüel & Kjær; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

HBK - Hottinger Brüel & Kjær in Marlborough, MA is seeking a Production Team Lead to oversee daily manufacturing operations. You will provide hands-on leadership to production staff, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

This role serves as the link between operators and management, driving performance, engagement, and operational excellence across the line and coordinating with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to optimize processes

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5+ years of manufacturing or production experience.
• 1–3 years in lead, supervisor, or senior operator role.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure or certification.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Basic computer skills (ERP/MES systems, Microsoft Office).

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Assign work, balance labor, and ensure adequate coverage for production needs.
• Monitor production output, downtime, scrap, and efficiency; elevate issues as needed.
• Ensure adherence to standard work instructions, SOPs, and production schedules.
• Provide day‑to‑day direction, coaching, and support to production team members.
• Train new hires and cross‑train team members to support operational flexibility.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and accountable work environment.
• Support performance management through feedback, attendance monitoring, and documentation.
• Enforce safety rules, PPE usage, and safe work practices at all times.
• Conduct safety talks, audits, and incident investigations as required.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and support root‑cause analysis for defects.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to implement corrective actions.
• Identify and drive improvement opportunities related to safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Participate in Lean, Kaizen, 5S, or other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support process improvements, equipment optimization, and waste reduction efforts.
• Communicate production goals, priorities, and shift handoffs clearly.
• Escalate equipment issues, material shortages, and staffing concerns promptly.
• Maintain accurate production, downtime, and labor records in ERP/MES systems.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain teams.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

HBK - Hottinger Brüel & Kjær in Marlborough, MA is seeking a Production Team Lead to oversee daily manufacturing operations. You will provide hands-on leadership to production staff, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

This role serves as the link between operators and management, driving performance, engagement, and operational excellence across the line and coordinating with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to optimize processes