Production Leader

Menk USA

Sterling (IL)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company matching

Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance

Vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays

Job summary

Menk USA in Sterling, Illinois is seeking a Production Leader to oversee machining and assembly operations. The role involves managing production schedules, leading a team of operators, and ensuring quality compliance across processes.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering and at least 5 years of manufacturing experience. This position offers competitive benefits including medical and 401(k). Safety and quality adherence are paramount.

Qualifications

5+ years of successful experience in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with TPS methodology and process improvement.
Ability to manage production balance and output.

Responsibilities

Oversee machining and assembly operations to meet quality standards.
Manage production schedules and coordinate material delivery.
Lead and mentor a team to foster skill development and improve performance.
Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Lean Manufacturing

Project Management

Problem solving

Quality control standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The purpose of this role is to oversee the entire production process in the machining and assembly areas of the facility, managing day‑to‑day operations, ensuring production targets are met, maintaining high quality standards, and optimizing resource utilization. The Production Leader will lead a team of operators, machinists, assemblers, and supervisors, ensuring both machining and assembly operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with company standards and customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Machining & Assembly Operations Management: Oversee the machining and assembly processes to ensure products are manufactured efficiently and meet quality specifications. Monitor production schedules, adjust resources as needed, and ensure alignment with customer demands. Manage the workflow between the machining and assembly departments to ensure smooth transitions and timely product delivery. Ensure equipment in both areas (machining and assembly) are maintained in optimal condition and perform regular preventive maintenance checks.
Production Plan Execution: Manage production schedules developed by Planning team for machining and assembly operations, balancing customer orders with available resources. Coordinate with Purchasing and Warehouse teams to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components to support uninterrupted production. Address production bottlenecks and resource shortages, adjusting the schedule as needed to meet deadlines.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of machinists, assembly workers, and production supervisors. Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to foster skill development, improve performance, and enhance safety awareness. Conduct regular performance reviews, set individual and team goals, and ensure a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Process Optimization & Efficiency Improvement: Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency. Implement TPS (lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies) to minimize waste and enhance productivity. Work with engineering and competitiveness teams to ensure proper setup and calibration of machines, tooling, and assembly fixtures.
Quality Control & Compliance: Ensure that both machining and assembly operations meet the highest quality standards, adhering to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. Conduct regular quality checks, audits, and root cause analysis on any defects or deviations. Implement corrective actions for quality issues and ensure full compliance with internal and external quality standards and certifications (e.g., ISO, AS9100).
Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance: Enforce workplace safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company‑specific safety standards in both machining and assembly areas. Conduct safety audits, identify potential hazards, and address safety concerns in a proactive manner. Organize safety training sessions and ensure that all team members follow proper safety procedures and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).

Quality Related Responsibilities

Ensure work is performed in accordance with the requirements of Menk USA LLC ISO 9001:2015 based quality management system including adhering to appropriate policies and procedures.
Support adherence to standardized work and expedite quality concerns promptly.
Assist in maintaining product quality through consistent execution of work instructions.

Skills

Leadership and team management.
Ability to understand and manage materials and manufacturing processes.
Ability to understand and operate under a TPS methodology / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma.
Project Management.
Ability to manage efficiency, cycle time and production balance and output.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Task and results oriented.
Possess strong problem solving and diagnostic skills.
Operate with a high sense of attention to detail.
Possess an organized and structured work ethic.
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.).
Quality control standards.
Safety, Health and Environment regulations.

Education, Certifications, and Experience

Required Education / Experience

Bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering (or similar) required.
5+ years of successful demonstration of production in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Education / Experience

TPS methodology / Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma.
Machining and assembly knowledge.
Project Management.
Production management.
APICS, CPIM, other similar.

Key Working Relationships

Operations Manager.
Lead/Operations Supervisors.
Quality.
Manufacturing Engineering.
Safety.
Design Engineering.
Planning.
Purchasing.
HR.
Sales.
External customers and/or consultant representatives.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the office for extended periods.
Occasional bending, stooping, or reaching as needed to perform job duties.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies or files).
Must be able to move around the facility to access different work areas or attend meetings.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment with periodic exposure to the production floor. Employees may be exposed to noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required in the production area. Occasional travel may be required for training or to support other company locations.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, employment and education verification, a pre‑employment drug test, and a job‑specific lift test.

Additional Role Criteria

In addition to the above, all personnel must meet the minimum competency criteria within their role, as defined by the company's training matrix, and are required to complete the appropriate training. These competencies will be assessed through the performance appraisal system.

Menk-USA, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.

Benefits