Production Shift Lead

Children's Factory; Union (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Paid Holidays

Generous PTO Accrual

Paid Parental Leave

Volunteer Time Off

Generous 401(k) Company Match

Educational Assistance

Comprehensive Benefits

Job summary

Children's Factory is seeking a Production Shift Lead in Union, MO to energize a hands-on manufacturing team, balance workloads, and meet production goals while upholding quality and safety standards.

This working leadership role emphasizes coaching, on-the-floor problem solving, and continuous improvement as you drive performance and mentor colleagues. You will grow into increased leadership responsibility within the production team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Prior leadership experience in a production setting.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and process optimization (preferred).
• Comfortable using ERP/WMS systems and Microsoft Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the floor: assigning workloads, balancing resources, and ensuring production schedules are met
• Coach and develop team members through real-time feedback, skill-building, and hands-on training
• Monitor productivity, quality, and efficiency metrics, using ERP/WMS systems to track performance and drive accountability
• Champion lean manufacturing principles and identify workflow improvements that increase output and reduce waste
• Support onboarding and training of new team members on processes, equipment, safety, and quality standards
• Promote a culture of teamwork, respect, and inclusion
• Address attendance and performance issues promptly and professionally
• Ensure inventory accuracy and adherence to company procedures
• Maintain a safe work environment and model safety-first behaviors at all times

Skills

Team leadership

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP/WMS systems

Microsoft Office 365

Handheld production devices

Job description

Production Shift Lead

Union, MO

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Are you a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? As one of our Production Shift Leads, you won't just oversee production, you'll energize a team, drive results, and shape the daily rhythm of the floor. This is a working leadership role for someone who leads by example, values continuous improvement, and takes pride in building a high-performing, engaged team.

You'll partner closely with the Production Leadership Team to ensure we hit our production goals while maintaining quality, safety, and a positive culture. If you're someone who enjoys balancing people leadership with operational execution, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact every single day.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

In this role, you'll step into a position where your leadership directly influences performance, morale, and outcomes. You will:

• Lead from the floor: assigning workloads, balancing resources, and ensuring production schedules are met
• Coach and develop team members through real-time feedback, skill-building, and hands-on training
• Monitor productivity, quality, and efficiency metrics, using ERP/WMS systems to track performance and drive accountability
• Champion lean manufacturing principles and identify workflow improvements that increase output and reduce waste
• Support onboarding and training of new team members on processes, equipment, safety, and quality standards
• Promote a culture of teamwork, respect, and inclusion
• Address attendance and performance issues promptly and professionally
• Ensure inventory accuracy and adherence to company procedures
• Maintain a safe work environment and model safety-first behaviors at all times

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being actively involved in operations - you'll be on your feet, collaborating with your team, solving problems in real time, and helping others succeed. You'll have the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility and grow your leadership influence within the production team.

ABOUT YOU:

You're a dependable, motivated leader who understands manufacturing operations and knows how to bring out the best in others. You balance accountability with approachability, and you're comfortable rolling up your sleeves to get the job done.

You likely bring:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Prior leadership experience in a production setting
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality standards
• Experience with lean manufacturing and process optimization (preferred)
• Confidence using ERP/WMS systems, handheld production devices, and Microsoft Office 365
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• A commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and team development
• The flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced environment and work overtime as needed
• Consistent, reliable attendance and a strong work ethic

You're physically capable of performing the demands of a manufacturing environment, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in areas that may have varying temperatures or noise levels.

Most importantly, you're someone who wants to grow, who sees leadership not just as responsibility, but as an opportunity to influence culture, performance, and success.

WHY JOIN US:

• Be Part of a Dynamic, Supportive Team – We value collaboration and celebrate success together.
• Grow Your Career – We support professional development and offer opportunities to expand your skills.
• Make an Impact – Your work will contribute to making a difference in the lives of children, educators, and parents around the world by supporting the financial health of a company that creates innovative and educational products that inspire learning and creativity.
• Enjoy Competitive Benefits, Including:
  • 12 Paid Holidays: Including Christmas Eve and the Day After Thanksgiving so you can enjoy more time with family.
  • Generous PTO Accrual: Because work-life balance matters.
  • Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families.
  • Volunteer Time Off: Give back to the community while getting paid.
  • Generous 401(k) Company Match: Helping you plan for your future.
  • Educational Assistance: Invest in your career growth with tuition reimbursement.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month following your date of hire.

WHO WE ARE

At Children's Factory, we create inspired spaces for imagination and learning. For over 40 years, we've been a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality products for child development centers, preschools, and elementary education.

Simply put- We provide GROWN UPS with the products and resources KIDS need to inspire imagination, build confidence, and develop lifelong learning skills. We do more than just make great products. We make a positive impact on the lives of the children and educators who use them.

Each and every member of our team plays a pivotal role in helping children all over the world thrive and discover their full potential. We are looking for problem solvers, difference makers, and challenge takers. People who share our passion for education, and who want to make a difference in the world.

Children's Factory is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Children's Factory is an Excelligence Company. Excelligence is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees, employment applicants and other covered persons without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, religion or creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws.