Production Shift Lead - 1st Shift

Position Overview

Production Shift Lead - 1st Shift is a full‑time, hourly, overtime‑eligible position responsible for directing and supporting the flow of work to efficiently build the right quality product, and upholding standards with current process and technology.

The role manages 5–7 direct reports and disseminates management communications to team members and other shift supervisors for shift pass‑down continuity. It is part of the Manufacturing Operations Team and reports to the VP of Manufacturing Operations.

Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (40 hours, 4½‑day work week). Consistent attendance on this schedule is required; remote work is not considered.

On‑site at 32050 Frontage Road, Bozeman, Montana.

• Lead and manage First Shift Production Team Members, providing production support as needed.
• Coordinate with direct reports, Production Manager, VP of Manufacturing Operations, and other Shift Leads to adapt to changing demand.
• Support mold, color, jig changes, and machine startups on injection molding equipment.
• Maintain accurate inventory counts via timely scans.
• Record and communicate safety, quality, delivery, engagement, and cost metrics in shift pass‑down and tier meetings.
• Ensure standard processes are documented, communicated, accessible, and followed.
• Encourage and guide continuous improvement initiatives rooted in Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Coach teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, engagement, and cost goals.
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee questions and concerns and collaborate with support teams to address issues.
• Develop team culture through training, daily communication, feedback, celebrations, and reviews.
• Ensure a safe work environment and compliance with safety policies and best practices.
• Monitor own work for quality and efficiency, seeking support when needed.
• Maintain 5S integrity of workplace organization.
• When possible, participate as a working team member in assembly, production, packaging, or shipping of all West Paw product orders.
• Ensure employees’ work is safe, offers growth opportunities, and recognizes value.
• Embodize West Paw Core Values and Purpose in all work interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

West Paw is a small family‑owned business focused on sustainable, pet‑friendly products. The team values open‑book management, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose in building a cleaner planet and healthier communities.

• Knowledge of production and processing methods, database systems, raw materials, quality control, cost management, and related manufacturing techniques.
• Strong critical‑thinking skills using logic and reasoning.
• Inspires collaboration on process improvement through open‑mindedness and innovation.
• Strong initiative and willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Computer proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software, and data entry.
• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing philosophy and methods.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including design, usage, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, adapt behavior, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Build a positive team spirit, morale, and support everyone’s success.

• At least 5 years manufacturing experience (product assembly, shipping/packaging, injection molding).
• 3 years management/supervisory experience.
• Willingness to obtain advanced injection molding skills and forklift certification.

• Ability to sit, walk, and/or stand continuously for up to 10 hours.
• Ability to frequently pinch and grasp materials using up to 20 lb force.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, reach, push, pull, and balance materials during handling and filling/shipping of orders.
• Ability to use step ladders and/or forklift.
• Ability to lift, move, shift boxes up to 40 lb up to 60 inches from the floor and carry to 50 ft.
• Ability to lift materials up to 50 lb; pull materials downward…