Molding Cell Lead- (Day Shift)

SMC Ltd; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SMC Ltd. in Kentucky seeks a Cell Lead to oversee a molding production cell, ensuring safety, quality, delivery and productivity goals are met on a day shift with 12-hour rotating shifts and two weekends per month.

You will coordinate operators, monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced contract manufacturing setting. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are required, with experience in injection molding preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years in clean room environment preferred.
• Prior team lead or supervisory experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of injection molding processes, materials and equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, quality specs and production schedules.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and experience with production reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day activities of injection molding operators.
• Meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment per safety policies and LOTO.
• Monitor OEE, downtime, scrap and production output.
• Troubleshoot molding processes and equipment.
• Train and mentor operators on work instructions and safety.
• Ensure accurate production documentation and inventory transactions.
• Coordinate with Quality on inspections and corrective actions.
• Communicate status and shift hand-offs effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Read/interpret work instructions

Basic computer skills

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

3+ years in a manufacturing environment

3+ years in clean room environment preferred

Prior team lead or supervisory experience

Tools

Injection molding equipment knowledge

Production reporting systems

Job description

Day Shift opening 8:00am- 8:00pm 12 hr. rotating shifts; 2 weekends a month

Position Scope and Purpose:

The Cell Lead is responsible for overseeing daily operations within a designated molding production cell to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals are achieved. This role serves as the first line of leadership on the production floor, coordinating team members, monitoring production performance, troubleshooting issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment.

The Cell Lead works closely with Production Supervisors, Process Technicians, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance, and Scheduling teams to ensure customer requirements are met while maintaining efficient and compliant manufacturing processes.

Key Accountabilities/Essential Functions:

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day activities of injection molding operators within the assigned production cell.
• Ensure all production schedules and customer delivery requirements are met.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by enforcing company safety policies and procedures. Must know ‘Lock Out Tag Out’ protocols.
• Monitor production output, scrap rates, downtime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Verify product quality standards are consistently met and address quality concerns promptly.
• Perform first-level troubleshooting of molding processes, equipment, and production issues.
• Assist with start-ups, shut-downs, and production changeovers as required.
• Train, coach, and mentor operators on work instructions, quality standards, safety practices, and company procedures.
• Ensure accurate production documentation, labor reporting, and inventory transactions.
• Coordinate with Quality personnel on inspections, containment activities, and corrective actions.
• Communicate production status, priorities, and shift hand-offs effectively.
• Escalate significant production, quality, equipment, or staffing issues to leadership as needed.
• Assist with staffing assignments and workload balancing throughout the shift.
• Maintain compliance with all required documentation utilizing proper GDP.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of experience in clean room environment preferred.
• Prior team lead or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of injection molding processes, materials, and production equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, quality specifications, and production schedules.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and experience with production reporting systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Bend, squat, climb, grasp, reach, lift or otherwise move frequently for extended periods.
• Lift, move or otherwise transfer up to 50 lbs. frequently, or more occasionally
• Walk, stand or otherwise move about continuously
• Exposure to machine shop physical hazards including chemicals which may require respiratory protection
• Typically sits, grasps items and performs keyboarding for occasional operation of a computer

At SMC Ltd. we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

SMC Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V; this organization uses E-Verify.

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the US

#IND

#LI-KS1