Production Leader - Upholstery

Sauder Manufacturing Co.; Archbold (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sauder Manufacturing Co. is seeking a Production Leader I to oversee daily production activities, ensure safety and quality standards, and drive continuous improvements on the shop floor. You will monitor team performance, provide guidance, and help communicate across shifts and departments.

Responsibilities include scheduling, releasing work orders, coaching staff, and supporting problem-solving initiatives while upholding the company’s values and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of related manufacturing leadership experience.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous manufacturing experience preferred.
• Previous leadership experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and engage production team to meet safety, quality, and on-time delivery goals.
• Develop daily work schedules and manage product flow in the department.
• Release work orders in the ERP system.
• Oversee MOD work orders and implement them effectively.
• Train and coach team members, including cross-training.
• Maintain safety practices and participate in safety investigations.
• Monitor quality with Production Supervisor.
• Conduct performance reviews and support development.
• Participate in interviewing and selection for candidates.
• Facilitate department meetings.
• Apply lean tools like 5S, PDCA, etc.
• Help improve processes to reduce waste and costs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Position Summary:

The Production Leader I will assist in overseeing daily production activities at Sauder Manufacturing Company, ensuring that operations align with safety and quality standards. This role involves monitoring team performance, providing basic guidance, and facilitating communication among team members. The leader will support a positive work environment and contribute to process improvements while embodying the company’s core values. They will also participate in training initiatives to help employees understand production processes and safety protocols.

• Lead and engage production team members to achieve safety, quality, daily production goals and on-time delivery
• Develop daily work schedules for the team and make decisions regarding the flow of products within the department
• Will release work orders in I-schedule
• Awareness of MOD workorders and ability to oversee their effective implementation
• Train new team members and coach team members in production and processes as needed, including cross training of current employees
• Ensure safety protocols and procedures to maintaining a safe working environment and assisting and/or leading safety investigations as needed
• Will work with Production supervisor to make calls on quality of product
• Employee performance review and merit increase process
• Assist in managing disciplinary matters and provide coaching to employees to support their development and performance improvement
• Daily tracking of time and attendance
• Participating in interviewing and selection process for candidates
• Facilitate department meetings
• A working knowledge of the following lean tools: A3 Problem Solving, Standard Work, 5-S, Visual Management, 8 Wastes, 5 Why, PDCA, etc.
• Work with Production Supervisor to ensure up to date and accurate SOPs
• Assist in identify areas for process improvement, participate in continuous improvement activities and assist in implement best practices to enhance productivity, reduce waste and lower costs
• Ensure effective communication with department managers, team members, and support personnel about issues impacting production, quality, safety, and more

Position Requirements:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Exhibit decision-making skills by being open to taking calculated risks and accepting responsibility for the outcomes.
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Must be detail oriented
• Demonstrate problem solving skills
• Ensures a safe working environment by conforming to all safety guidelines including, but not limited to, wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) Woodworking craft skills, Lock out/Tag out
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and/or load configurations
• Willingness and ability to contact outside customers and vendors if needed
• Willingness to training employees
• Computer proficiency - Access, Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
• Experience with integrated ERP business systems (HFA-Friedman preferred).
• Regular lifting and maneuvering and positioning of product up to 40 lbs.
• Able to use handheld power tools with accuracy and precision

Experience and Knowledge Required:

• 3-5 years’ related work experience with key responsibilities
• High school diploma or GED required
• Previous Manufacturing Experience preferred
• Previous Leadership Experience required

Key Attributes Required:

• A self-starting, goal-oriented, customer-focused individual who takes personal accountability and acts in accordance with the Company’s Values

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend and lift up to 8 hours at a time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to work on shop floor production. Personal protective equipment such as eye protection and ear protection may be required in the shop floor environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sauder Manufacturing Co. is an equal opportunity employer and gives equal consideration for employment to all qualified applicants.