What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Specialist position at NORD Gear Corporation?
The Production Specialist plays a key role in employee development at NORD. This hands-on position requires a strong focus on product, people, process, and quality, with the goal of developing into a leadership role. The Production Specialist is expected to serve as a backup for the Production Manager and must be adaptable, taking ownership of tasks and projects across various company functions. Responsibilities include learning and contributing to multiple departments, performing shop floor duties (gearbox assembly, inventory, painting, packaging, scheduling, shipping), and training others as needed.
Description
- Rotate through different functional areas, completing assigned tasks and projects.
- Fill in for other employees to gain experience in various job functions.
- Progress through assignments based on individual learning and business needs.
- Develop towards a supervisory or managerial role within 2–3 years, or transition to other roles as appropriate.
- Regularly report progress and development to the Production Manager.
- Develop KPIs or reporting methods to track personal development.
- Focus on production priorities: Safety, People, Quality, Efficiency, and Delivery.
- Interactions will include areas such as: Customer Service/Inside Sales, Production (assembly, inventory, painting, packaging, shipping, scheduling, training), Marketing or Sales, Administration, Engineering, Service, Quality, Industrial Engineering, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, Machining, SAP tasks, Projects with subsidiaries (Charlotte, McKinney, Waunakee, Canada, Mexico).
- Lead and participate in teams and continuous improvement events (Kaizen).
- Train employees and promote a safe, efficient, and high-quality work environment.
- Participate in or lead meetings as required.
- Promote safety and continuous improvement initiatives. Use Lean Manufacturing tools to reduce waste and improve production flow.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, operations management, or other technical field required.
Experience:
- Experience working in a production environment
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes
- Experience training or presenting to groups
- Ability to collaborate with shop floor employees
- Strong interpersonal skills
Skills and Key Attributes:
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Desire to work with and develop people
- Ambitious, driven, and committed to professional growth
- High computer proficiency. Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
- Highly organized and able to manage complex projects efficiently.
- Positive, approachable, and aligned with NORD’s culture and mission.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, walk long distances, and work in a shop floor environment.