Press Brake Department Lead

$30 - $38 per hour | Belvidere, IL | On-site | Permanent

An established manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Cell Lead to oversee its press brake department. This role combines team leadership with machine setup, workflow coordination, and troubleshooting to keep production running safely, efficiently, and to quality standards.

First-shift schedule:
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM.

Hands-on leadership:
Lead the press brake department while staying involved in setup, fabrication, and troubleshooting.

Make an impact:
Help shape daily workflow, improve processes, and influence department performance.

Develop your team:
Train operators, share your expertise, and help others build their skills.

Direct access to leadership:
Report to the Plant Manager and work closely with engineering and maintenance to solve production challenges.

• Oversee daily operations of the press brake department, assigning tasks based on production priorities and employee skills.
• Coordinate workflow and staffing to meet production schedules and deadlines.
• Set up and operate press brakes and other fabrication equipment as needed.
• Read blueprints, technical drawings, and job orders to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Monitor part quality and troubleshoot forming or fabrication issues, working with engineering and maintenance when needed.
• Train, mentor, and support operators, providing feedback and communicating performance concerns to management.
• Maintain a clean, organized department and enforce safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on productivity, quality, Lean Manufacturing, and 5S.

• 3–5 years of metal fabrication experience, including hands-on press brake experience.
• At least 1 year of experience in a lead or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of press brake setup, operation, and metal forming processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and workplace safety practices.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certifications or vocational training preferred.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.