Manufacturing Lead

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM

We are seekinga FLY ROD MANUFACTURING LEAD to join the Orvis Team! This is an onsite position at our Rod Shop in Manchester, VT.

The Orvis Company is expanding its team of Fly-Rod Manufacturing associates, and we encourage you to consider working at the Rod Shop in Manchester where you will craft world-renowned fly-fishing rods. Our commitment to you includes:

• 7:00am–3:30pm, Monday–Friday schedule supporting a healthy work/life balance
• Comprehensive benefits including paid holidays, three weeks PTO, medical, vision, dental, 401k match, and merchandise discounts
• Quarterly incentive bonuses and annual pay increases
• Career Pathway opportunities for skill growth and advancement
• Clean, safe, and friendly work environment

For more than 165 years the Orvis name has stood for outdoor traditions, quality, and customer satisfaction. At Orvis, we do not sell what we, ourselves, would not be proud to own or give as a gift. Our associates deserve to be proud of our service and our products, and we rely on every associate to apply our “pride of ownership” credo to drive our quality.

“Good enough” is not our standard. We need to strive for perfection in our products and customer service, to propel our growth and the pride that will fuel our team.

Reports directly to a Rod Shop Supervisor or Manager and works closely with Production Leads, Rod Shop associates, and the Management Team. The Lead serves as a key resource for associates and helps support daily production, quality, safety, training, and workflow.

• Serve as an ambassador of the Orvis brand and model Orvis culture and core values.
• Training in Fly Rod Manufacturing, which may include:
  • Operating rod manufacturing equipment
  • Cutting, cleaning, and painting rod sections
  • Assembling reel seats and cork handles
  • Affixing guides to rod blanks
  • Inspecting work and maintaining quality standards
• Help coordinate daily workflow and production priorities to meet goals.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to associates.
• Support onboarding and development of new associates.
• Identify and help resolve production, quality, equipment, and workflow issues.
• Communicate production needs, concerns, and accomplishments to management.
• Reinforce safety, quality, housekeeping, and 5S standards.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Provide constructive feedback and know when issues should be escalated to management.
• Complete additional assignments from Rod Shop management.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous Lead, Trainer, Mentor, or leadership experience
• Excellent attendance and reliability
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite of Products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Demonstrated proficiency in Manufacturing or comparable hands‑on manufacturing experience
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work to exact specifications and meet production goals
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive, adaptable, collaborative, and solution-oriented
• Ability to provide direction and guidance to peers professionally and respectfully
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to bend, move with agility, and stand for extended periods

• CPT Certification
• Experience in light manufacturing and/or use of hand tools
• Experience in craftsmanship or precision-based work
• Experience training or coaching coworkers
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with 5S, Lean Manufacturing, or Continuous Improvement
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions and specifications
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and hold peers accountable
• Appreciation for craftsmanship and the outdoors

Orvis Company associates take pride in our world-class service and products, treating customers, vendor partners, and each other with integrity and mutual respect. We work in a supportive, team-oriented environment, focusing on performance, continuous improvement, and exceeding our customers’ expectations – both internal and external. The Orvis…