Production Group Lead-US

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Production Group Lead Bedford, PA 1st shift: 7am- 3pm (M-F)

Purpose of the Position

This position works under the supervision of the Manufacturing Manager and/or Plant Manager and/or shift manufacturing supervisor as needed. Duties are performed without constant supervision. Assignments are made daily and results are reviewed daily.

Knowledge and Experience

• High school diploma or general equivalent diploma
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a Mfg. setting
• Minimum of 3 years in all Braze or Machining dept. as team lead
• Ability to understand written and oral instructions and communicate with leaders, manager, supervisors and coworkers
• Forklift operator license required
• Computer experience required (Microsoft products and SAP preferred)
• People leadership skills
• First aid / First responder training will be required for this role

Key Job Accountabilities

• Act as working lead/trainer across the functional area; provide daily leadership with minimal to no supervision.
• Drive continuous improvement projects (cycle time reduction, scrap mitigation, ergonomics, layout/flow).
• Own shift staffing plans, job rotations, and cross-training aligned to demand and skills matrix.
• Lead tier meetings; communicate KPIs (SQDC), priorities, and escalations; ensure action closure.
• Conduct skills/performance assessments; provide coaching/feedback and document development plans.
• Partner with supervisors and engineers on changes to programs, tooling, and process controls.
• Ensure compliance to EHS requirements, audits, and incident response; champion 5S and housekeeping.
• Maintain audit readiness—documentation accuracy, gauge controls, lot traceability, and labeling/packaging.
• Train all tasks across Levels 1–4; maintain training matrices and certification records.
• Manage SPC stations.
• Manage Tool Boss.
• Assist maintenance when moving machines.
• Perform run off at factory for Acme Gridley rebuilds.
• Install cams and rolls for Acme Gridley machine during rebuilds at factory.
• Help with designing fixtures for CNC area.
• Demonstrate all Level 4 tasks successfully