Production Team Lead - 1st Shift

MacLean-Fogg Company; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Mallard Manufacturing, a MacLean-Fogg Company, is seeking a Production Team Lead for our Sterling, IL facility. This hands-on leadership role coordinates daily production activities, guides team members, troubleshoots equipment issues, and helps ensure safe, efficient operations meeting quality and production standards.

The role requires 4–6 years of manufacturing experience, strong knowledge of production equipment and processes, and the ability to operate or certify to powered equipment.

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of manufacturing or production experience, including hands-on experience operating production equipment and supporting daily manufacturing operations.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, and production workflows.
• Ability to operate powered industrial equipment or obtain the required certification.
• Ability to troubleshoot moderately complex operational issues, make sound decisions, and recognize when concerns require escalation.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills to manage shifting production priorities.
• Ability to work effectively under production demands while maintaining safety, quality, and operational standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities, assigning work and adjusting team assignments to maintain efficient workflows and meet production, safety, and quality targets.
• Provide hands-on support with production equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to minimize disruptions and maintain productivity.
• Monitor machine performance, identify and resolve routine production or quality issues, and elevate more complex concerns to supervisors or management.
• Guide team members on work instructions, equipment operation, company procedures, and production priorities to support consistent performance.
• Inspect materials, equipment, and finished products to verify compliance with established quality standards.
• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, materials, and other departments to resolve operational challenges, maintain adequate material supplies, and communicate production updates between shifts.
• Maintain accurate production records, logs, and operational data while supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Maintain organized work areas, tools, and equipment according to 5S standards and follow all applicable safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.

Skills

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Quality control

Safety compliance

Production planning

Equipment operation

Education

No formal education credential required

Job description

Job Summary

Mallard Manufacturing, a MacLean-Fogg Company, is hiring a Production Team Lead for our Sterling, IL manufacturing facility. In this hands‑on leadership role, you will coordinate daily production activities, guide team members, troubleshoot equipment issues, and help ensure safe, efficient operations that meet quality and production standards.

• Location: Sterling, IL

• Work Arrangement: On-site

• Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 6:15 AM-2:30 PM

• Pay: $21.00-$23.00/hour

• Employment Type: Full-time / Hourly

• Overtime: Overtime may be required based on business needs.

What You'll Do as a Production Team Lead

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities, assigning work and adjusting team assignments to maintain efficient workflows and meet production, safety, and quality targets.

• Provide hands‑on support with production equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to minimize disruptions and maintain productivity.

• Monitor machine performance, identify and resolve routine production or quality issues, and elevate more complex concerns to supervisors or management.

• Guide team members on work instructions, equipment operation, company procedures, and production priorities to support consistent performance.

• Inspect materials, equipment, and finished products to verify compliance with established quality standards.

• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, materials, and other departments to resolve operational challenges, maintain adequate material supplies, and communicate production updates between shifts.

• Maintain accurate production records, logs, and operational data while supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Maintain organized work areas, tools, and equipment according to 5S standards and follow all applicable safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of manufacturing or production experience, including hands‑on experience operating production equipment and supporting daily manufacturing operations.

• Comprehensive working knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, and production workflows.

• Ability to operate powered industrial equipment or obtain the required certification.

• Ability to troubleshoot moderately complex operational issues, make sound decisions, and recognize when concerns require escalation.

• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills to manage shifting production priorities.

• Ability to work effectively under production demands while maintaining safety, quality, and operational standards.

No formal education credential is required for this position.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position involves hands‑on work in a manufacturing environment, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods throughout the shift.

• Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of materials or components.

• Lifting and carrying materials or components weighing up to 50 pounds as required.

• Working around manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, noise, and varying temperatures.

• Using manual dexterity to operate equipment, handle materials, and complete production tasks.

• Visually inspecting parts and reading gauges, production records, and technical documentation.

The physical requirements described above represent those needed to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

Eligible employees across MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies have access to a comprehensive benefits program designed to support health, financial well‑being, time away, and development. This position is eligible for benefits that include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) with company match and potential profit sharing

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans

• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability coverage

• Paid parental leave

• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources

• Virtual healthcare resources

• Tuition reimbursement and development opportunities

• Additional wellness, financial, and employee programs

Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Explore our full benefits and interactive resources: https://explore.benefits.macleanfogg.app

Pre-Employment Requirements

After a conditional offer, this position requires a pre‑employment drug screen. Testing and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.

About MacLean‑Fogg

MacLean‑Fogg is a fourth‑generation, family‑owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.

Our portfolio includes MacLean‑Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Integrity, People, Customers, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

MacLean‑Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact [e-mail].