Milling Department Lead 1st Shift

HALCON Furniture, located in Stewartville, MN, manufactures award-winning, modern office furniture of the highest quality. To meet increased demand for our innovative products, we are currently seeking a Milling Department Lead to join our growing company. The ideal Milling Department Lead will embrace the opportunity to contribute to the Milling department and bring a positive attitude and strong organizational skills to a dedicated, fast-paced team.

The Milling Department Lead is the “business owner” of their area. It is essential that Department Leads understand internal supplier & customer needs and work with all parties to continually improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).

• Safety:
  • The Milling Department Lead is responsible for ensuring all employees follow required safety measures, including, but not limited to, wearing proper PPE and safe machine operation.
• Execute:
  Flow & Pull:
  • Execution is defined as: “hitting the plan & following the process.”
  • Identify problems & respond with a high sense of urgency. This requires a constant focus on production.
  • Leveraging outside help when needed and escalating issues appropriately.
  • Track progress & share results regularly and effectively.
  • Address people’s performance problems in a constructive manner.
  • Plan staffing to ensure trained, qualified people are in the right positions.
  • Be proactive:
    Leverage the ECC process, Poke Yoke, etc., to ensure processes are 100% available and capable of making good parts every time.
• Ensure Process Discipline:
  • Determine the best way to do each job & work with Manufacturing Engineers to document (Cyclical Standardized Work including Job Breakdown Sheet) and ensure adherence.
  • Determine the best 5s – Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize & Sustain – by using shadow boxes, labeling etc. Always keep the department “Tour‑Ready.”
  • Adhere to Non‑Cyclical requirements (defined by Engineering)
  • Adhere to Quality Acceptance Standards (defined by our quality and sales departments)
  • Understand & ensure compliance with Quality System requirements.
  • Determine a training structure for new hires.
  • Creating and following Department Lead Standardized Work
• Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement:
  • Work with Manufacturing Engineers to track, analyze, and communicate performance trends using SQDC Board & Start‑up Meetings.
  • Connect cell performance to value stream & plant to help the team see the big picture.
  • Use scientific thinking to do controlled experiments on established standards with the help of Manufacturing Engineers and Pareto charts.
  • Use Pareto analysis to determine chronic issues to attack with problem‑solving.
  • Drive corrective action using problem‑solving tools (ex: 8‑Step Process)
  • Enable & empower the team to improve their standards (includes the use of Improvement Circle).
  • Ensure the team remains knowledgeable and aware by effectively communicating expectations.
  • Ensure a harassment‑free work environment.

The starting range for this position is $21.00 to $25.00 per hour. Applicants with skills and experience above the starting requirements are encouraged to apply to this posting or contact us directly to discuss additional opportunities. Contact us at  or