Production Line Lead

Job Title: Production Line Leader
Location: Cleveland, OH
Business Unit: Team Wendy
Shift: 1st, 2nd

The Manufacturing Operator Lead serves as the on-floor leader for a production team, balancing hands-on equipment operation with the coordination, coaching, and oversight required to keep a manufacturing line running safely, efficiently, and to specification. This role partners closely with operators, technicians, supervisors, and quality personnel to monitor work schedules, lead troubleshooting efforts, drive continuous improvement, and ensure every shift meets production, quality, and safety targets.

The Lead is a working team member who sets the standard for performance, follows established procedures, and keeps management informed of progress, risks, and results in critical operational areas.

• Monitor work schedules, shift coverage, and break rotations to ensure production needs are met and company policies are consistently followed.
• Coordinate hand-offs between shifts and ensure accurate communication of run status, open issues, and priorities.
• Track production output against daily, weekly, and monthly targets and elevate variances to supervision promptly.
• Operate and supervise production equipment during runs to ensure quality output, consistent cycle times, and minimal unplanned stops.
• Perform routine in-process checks against product specifications and material properties; adjust parameters within approved limits to maintain conformance.
• Support setups, changeovers, and start-ups across assembly line machinery, CNC equipment, injection molding presses, or other applicable processes.
• Lead the team through structured troubleshooting of process and equipment issues, determining corrective actions and appropriate escalation paths.
• Apply root-cause analysis techniques and SPC data to identify recurring issues and drive lasting solutions.
• Partner with maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to resolve downtime events and document corrective actions.
• Manage and measure work by tracking and assigning daily responsibilities, setting clear objectives, and providing real-time feedback to operators.
• Coach team members on safe work practices, equipment operation, quality standards, and SOPs.
• Reinforce expectations around attendance, productivity, and conduct in alignment with company policy.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of new and existing operators to build line flexibility and depth.
• Ensure all work is performed to documented quality standards and product specifications; address non-conforming product per established procedures.
• Contribute to and lead project-based activities supporting departmental and company goals, including Lean, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle time, and increase first-pass yield, and present recommendations to leadership.
• Champion a safety-first culture by modeling proper PPE use, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe equipment operation at all times.
• Identify and report hazards, near-misses, and unsafe conditions; participate in incident investigations and corrective action plans.
• Maintain work areas that are clean, organized, and audit-ready according to site standards.
• Keep management informed of product and project status; maintain shift documentation, production logs, and quality records accurately and on time.
• Participate in tier meetings, daily huddles, and cross-functional reviews to share updates and align on priorities.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing, production, or assembly environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating and monitoring production equipment such as assembly line machinery, CNC equipment, or injection molding presses.
• Working knowledge of quality control practices and the ability to read and interpret product specifications.
• Ability to lead, coach, and direct the work of others in a team-based environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a methodical, data-informed approach.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to keep leadership informed of status and issues.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, including overtime and weekends, as production requires.

• Two or more years of progressive experience in a lead, group leader, or team lead capacity within a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts; formal certification (e.g., Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt) a plus.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement projects and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, A3, DMAIC).
• Knowledge of material properties relevant to the production environment (e.g., polymers, metals, composites).
• Forklift, overhead crane, or similar equipment certifications, where applicable.

• Technical: machine and equipment operation, equipment management and monitoring, CNC operation,…