Production Group Lead, 1st Shift: Lead & Improve Manufacturing

WIDIA; Bedford (Bedford County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Inc. in Bedford, PA is seeking a Production Group Lead for 1st shift (7am–3pm, Monday–Friday). The role supervises the Braze and Machining areas, ensuring safety, quality and on-time production while partnering with the Manufacturing Manager.

The position emphasizes shift leadership, continuous improvement, staffing, training, and collaboration with engineers on tooling and process controls, with a strong commitment to 5S and KPI tracking.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general equivalent diploma.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a Mfg. setting.
• Minimum of 3 years in all Braze or Machining dept. as team lead.
• Ability to understand written and oral instructions and communicate with leaders, manager, supervisors and coworkers.
• Forklift operator license required.
• Computer experience required (Microsoft products and SAP preferred).
• People leadership skills.
• First aid / First responder training will be required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Act as working lead/trainer across the functional area; provide daily leadership with minimal to no supervision.
• Drive continuous improvement projects (cycle time reduction, scrap mitigation, ergonomics, layout/flow).
• Own shift staffing plans, job rotations, and cross-training aligned to demand and skills matrix.
• Lead tier meetings; communicate KPIs (SQDC), priorities, and escalations; ensure action closure.
• Conduct skills/performance assessments; provide coaching/feedback and document development plans.
• Partner with supervisors and engineers on changes to programs, tooling, and process controls.
• Ensure compliance to EHS requirements, audits, and incident response; champion 5S and housekeeping.
• Maintain audit readiness—documentation accuracy, gauge controls, lot traceability, and labeling/packaging.
• Train all tasks across Levels 1–4; maintain training matrices and certification records.
• Manage SPC stations.
• Manage Tool Boss.
• Assist maintenance when moving machines.
• Perform run off at factory for Acme Gridley rebuilds.
• Install cams and rolls for Acme Gridley machine during rebuilds at factory.
• Help with designing fixtures for CNC area.
• Demonstrate all Level 4 tasks successfully

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety compliance

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Job description

Kennametal Inc. in Bedford, PA is seeking a Production Group Lead for 1st shift (7am–3pm, Monday–Friday). The role supervises the Braze and Machining areas, ensuring safety, quality and on-time production while partnering with the Manufacturing Manager.

The position emphasizes shift leadership, continuous improvement, staffing, training, and collaboration with engineers on tooling and process controls, with a strong commitment to 5S and KPI tracking.