Production Lead

Production Lead role at Liberty Diversified International
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As a Production Lead at Safco, you will provide front-line coordination and technical leadership for our Metal Fabrication and Welding Departments. You will ensure efficient production processes, maintain high-quality standards, and achieve on-time delivery of parts to customers while fostering a safe and productive work environment. You will drive process improvements, oversee labor allocation and material flow, and ensure accurate production documentation.

Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential to support continuous improvement and operational excellence. This full‑time position reports directly to the designated Production Supervisor and is located at Safco’s manufacturing plant in Milford, IA.

• Drive process improvements to meet delivery timelines, maintain quality standards, and foster team engagement while prioritizing safety.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with various departments to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Lead, instruct, train, and coordinate with production team members on assigned shift.
• Assist the Supervisor to address day‑to‑day production issues, including staffing needs, material availability & flow, and equipment status.
• Provide technical support and assist with problem solving for employees on their designated shift.
• Maintain and update production metrics for department goals including Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Morale.
• Run and review reports, including due date and inventory reports, to ensure proper prioritization of production activities.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Proven experience informally leading and motivating a team.
• High School diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution and 2+ years manufacturing experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience reading, writing, and completing detailed work instructions.
• Ability to understand basic mechanical and manufacturing techniques.
• Previous experience with computer skills such as typing, printing and data entry.
• Ability to use math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Excellent communication skills and a high degree of responsiveness and empathy for internal and external customers.
• Preferred metal fabrication and welding background.
• 2+ years of previous team or process lead experience.
• Prior work experience with JDE/Oracle in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in a high variety, low to mid‑volume manufacturing environment a plus.

The starting pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour. The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location. Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

At LDI, we provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance, wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services. Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 4+ hours per shift.
• Must be able to bend and stoop for 7+ hours per shift.
• Must be able to stand for 6+ hours per shift.
• Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift.
• Must be able to reach and grasp up to 6+ hours per shift.

Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company headquartered in New Hope, Minnesota, with manufacturing facilities across the United States and Mexico. LDI employs more than 1,900 people across its manufacturing and core business operations, specializing in the corrugated box manufacturing industry and related products. Our values – Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence – guide our day‑to‑day activities to create superior service and solutions for our customers.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Packaging and Containers Manufacturing