Production Lead

Location: Milford, IA, United States
Business Unit: Safco Products
Remote Type: No Remote

As a Production Lead at Safco, you will provide front-line coordination and technical leadership for our Metal Fabrication and Welding Departments. In this role, you’ll ensure efficient production processes, maintain high-quality standard​s, 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 position combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, guiding a team that operates advanced equipment such as lasers, turret punch presses, coil line machines, brake presses, and spot/MIG welding , etc.

This full‑time position reports directly to the designated Production Supervisor and is located at Safco’s manufacturing plant in Milford, IA.

• Driv e process improvements to meet delivery timelines, maintain quality standard​s, and foster team engagement while prioritizing safety.
• Collaborat e cross‑functionally with various departments to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Responsible to 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.
• Provides technical support and assists with problem solving for employees on their designated shift.
• Maintain and update production metrics for department goals including Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Morale.
• Runs and reviews 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 GED 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 technique s.
• 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 are pleased to 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 .

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job . Reasonable accommodations…