Lead Manufacturing Operations Specialist

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Lead Manufacturing Operations Specialist to oversee day-to-day shop floor operations during our second shift. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, this critical role provides leadership, direction, and support to department team leads and production personnel across various departments.

This is an active, on-the-floor leadership position. The ideal candidate will be deeply involved in daily floor activities to ensure a seamless workflow, maintaining the absolute highest standards of quality assurance and workplace safety.

This is a DIRECT HIRE opportunity that offers competitive pay and great benefits! Shift: 2nd Shift (4-day compressed work week, Monday through Thursday). Overtime and flexibility may be required to meet customer deadlines or support specialized training initiatives.

Pay: $29.00 - $32.00 per hour

Responsibilities:
Production Oversight: Plan and coordinate nightly workflows by reviewing technical layouts, blueprints, and production travelers. Determine labor and equipment resource allocation to meet daily production goals.
Hands-On Support: Step in to operate machinery and support various work centers as needed to maintain production flow and eliminate bottlenecks.
Team Development: Actively cross-train team members to build workforce depth, adaptability, and skill progression. Mentor trainees and monitor employee development.
Safety Leadership: Serve as a champion for workplace safety. Perform regular safety audits, identify potential hazards, establish best practices, and actively participate in safety committee initiatives.
Quality Assurance: Execute thorough QA inspections on in-progress and finished components (including weld and fabrication checks) to ensure strict adherence to customer specifications and internal quality systems.
Communication & Policy Management: Act as a vital communication link between upper management and shop floor personnel, handling sensitive information with strict confidentiality. Consistently and fairly apply company policies, recommending disciplinary actions or staffing adjustments when necessary.

Skills:
Technical Proficiency: Proven ability to read and accurately interpret industrial blueprints, blueprints, and engineering drawings.
Operational Adaptability: Competence in operating across multiple manufacturing departments and work centers. Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
Digital Literacy: Proficient with standard office software (Word, Excel) and familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or manufacturing shop management software.
Industry Knowledge: Strong mechanical aptitude and a deep understanding of manufacturing quality control manuals and processes.

Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED required; vocational training in welding or metal fabrication is highly preferred.
Proven experience in welding, metal cutting, or custom fabrication environments.
Demonstrable leadership experience or formal leadership training.
Strong interpersonal and people-management capabilities.
Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification within the first year of employment.

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, please apply today or call 507-432-2430 to schedule an interview!

Spherion has helped thousands of people just like you find work happiness! Our experienced staff will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temp-to-perm or direct hire opportunities, no one works harder for you than Spherion.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Spherion, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact Callcenter@spherion.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Spherion offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).