Production Area Lead

KI; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer match

Company funded ESOP

Monthly Goalsharing Bonus program

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Life Insurance

Onsite nurse and physical therapist

Onsite fitness center

Education reimbursement

Job summary

KI in Manitowoc, WI is seeking a Production Area Lead to oversee daily operations in the Aluminum area, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals are met. This role reports to operations leadership and partners with technicians and coordinators to keep production running smoothly.

You will coordinate workflow, assist with scheduling, monitor performance, mentor team members, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Manufacturing experience required.
• Prior leadership experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily workflow and provide leadership and support across the aluminum fabrication area.
• Assist with production scheduling, job rotation, and resource planning.
• Monitor production performance and help resolve workflow or equipment issues.
• Support technician training and development.
• Work closely with Production Coordinators and other departments to maintain efficient operations.
• Help drive continuous improvement initiatives and productivity enhancements.
• Promote a safe, organized, and team-focused work environment.
• Assist with production activities as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office basics

Team motivation

Time management

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions. Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.

Are you a hands-on leader who enjoys supporting production teams, solving problems, and driving results? We're looking for a Production Area Lead to help oversee daily operations in our Aluminum Area and ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals are met.

Pay: $21.50 - $25.75 per hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with occasional overtime

What You'll Do

• Coordinate daily workflow and provide leadership and support across the aluminum fabrication area
• Assist with production scheduling, job rotation, and resource planning
• Monitor production performance and help resolve workflow or equipment issues
• Support technician training and development
• Work closely with Production Coordinators and other departments to maintain efficient operations
• Help drive continuous improvement initiatives and productivity enhancements
• Promote a safe, organized, and team-focused work environment
• Assist with production activities as needed

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Manufacturing experience required
• Prior leadership experience is a plus
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to motivate and support team members while working independently
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing production needs

Why join the KI Team?

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company funded ESOP
• Monthly Goalsharing Bonus program
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidaysShort- and long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Onsite nurse and physical therapist
• Onsite fitness center
• Education reimbursement

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their manufacturing career while playing a key role in supporting production, developing team members, and improving daily operations.

KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.