Production Team Lead - 1st Shift

Mallard Manufacturing, a Mac Lean-Fogg Company, is hiring a Production Team Lead for our Sterling, IL manufacturing facility. In this hands‑on leadership role, you will coordinate daily production activities, guide team members, troubleshoot equipment issues, and help ensure safe, efficient operations that meet quality and production standards.

• Location: Sterling, IL

• Work Arrangement: On-site

• Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 6:15 AM-2:30 PM

• Pay: $21.00-$23.00/hour

• Employment Type: Full-time / Hourly

• Overtime: Overtime may be required based on business needs.

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities, assigning work and adjusting team assignments to maintain efficient workflows and meet production, safety, and quality targets.

• Provide hands‑on support with production equipment setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to minimize disruptions and maintain productivity.

• Monitor machine performance, identify and resolve routine production or quality issues, and elevate more complex concerns to supervisors or management.

• Guide team members on work instructions, equipment operation, company procedures, and production priorities to support consistent performance.

• Inspect materials, equipment, and finished products to verify compliance with established quality standards.

• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, materials, and other departments to resolve operational challenges, maintain adequate material supplies, and communicate production updates between shifts.

• Maintain accurate production records, logs, and operational data while supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Maintain organized work areas, tools, and equipment according to 5S standards and follow all applicable safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.

• 4 to 6 years of manufacturing or production experience, including hands‑on experience operating production equipment and supporting daily manufacturing operations.

• Comprehensive working knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, and production workflows.

• Ability to operate powered industrial equipment or obtain the required certification.

• Ability to troubleshoot moderately complex operational issues, make sound decisions, and recognize when concerns require escalation.

• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills to manage shifting production priorities.

• Ability to work effectively under production demands while maintaining safety, quality, and operational standards.

No formal education credential is required for this position.

This position involves hands‑on work in a manufacturing environment, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods throughout the shift.

• Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of materials or components.

• Lifting and carrying materials or components weighing up to 50 pounds as required.

• Working around manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, noise, and varying temperatures.

• Using manual dexterity to operate equipment, handle materials, and complete production tasks.

• Visually inspecting parts and reading gauges, production records, and technical documentation.

The physical requirements described above represent those needed to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Eligible employees across Mac Lean-Fogg and its affiliated companies have access to a comprehensive benefits program designed to support health, financial well‑being, time away, and development. This position is eligible for benefits that include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) with…