Production Group Lead-US

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

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Production Group Lead

Bedford, PA 1st shift: 7am- 3pm (M-F)

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Production Group Lead

Bedford, PA 1st shift: 7am- 3pm (M-F)

Purpose Of The Position

This position works under the supervision of the Manufacturing Manager and/or Plant Manager and/or shift manufacturing supervisor as needed. Duties are performed without constant supervision. Assignments are made daily and results are reviewed daily.

Knowledge And Experience

• 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

Key Job Accountabilities

• 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

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.