Production Lead

Job Title

Lead Man / Production Lead

Reports To

Production Supervisor or Department Manager

Job Summary

The Lead Man is responsible for coordinating daily production activities within the assigned department of the corrugated box plant. This position provides leadership and direction to machine operators and production personnel, ensures production schedules are met, maintains quality standards, promotes workplace safety, and supports continuous improvement initiatives. The Lead Man serves as the primary point of contact between production employees and management during the shift.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Leadership

• Lead and coordinate the activities of production employees within the assigned area.
• Ensure production schedules are completed efficiently and on time.
• Monitor machine performance and workflow to maximize productivity.
• Assist with machine setup, changeovers, troubleshooting, and operational issues.
• Communicate production priorities and goals to team members.
• Ensure proper staffing and work assignments throughout the shift.

Safety Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce all plant safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and address unsafe conditions immediately.
• Ensure employees use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report accidents, near misses, and safety concerns to management.
• Participate in safety meetings and training programs.

Quality Control

• Verify products meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Inspect work in process and finished products.
• Address quality concerns and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure proper documentation of quality checks and production records.

Employee Support and Training

• Train new employees on equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality expectations.
• Provide coaching and guidance to team members.
• Monitor employee performance and provide feedback.
• Assist supervisors with employee evaluations and development initiatives.
• Foster teamwork and positive employee relations.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Monitor equipment condition and report maintenance needs.
• Assist maintenance personnel during repairs and troubleshooting activities.
• Ensure operators perform routine machine cleaning and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with housekeeping standards.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete production reports and shift documentation accurately.
• Monitor production metrics, downtime, waste, and efficiency.
• Communicate shift activities, concerns, and performance to supervisors.
• Participate in continuous improvement and waste reduction initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in corrugated manufacturing or industrial production.
• Strong knowledge of corrugated converting, printing, die-cutting, folder-gluer, or corrugator operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read production schedules, specifications, and work orders.
• Basic computer skills for reporting and production tracking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement programs.
• Forklift certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Experience with ERP or production management systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and team-building skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb as required.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and moving equipment.

Performance Expectations

• Meet production, quality, and safety targets.
• Maintain efficient workflow and minimize downtime.
• Demonstrate effective leadership and employee engagement.
• Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Pratt is America's 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability.