Production Lead

E-ONE manufactures custom and commercial fire trucks including pumpers and tankers, aerial ladders and platforms, rescues of all sizes, quick attack units, industrial trucks, and ARFF (aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles). Established in 1974, E-ONE has grown to become an industry leader, employing more than 1,000 people who manufacture over 400 fire trucks per year. The company is part of Terex Corporation, a global designer and manufacturer of specialized vehicles and equipment.

About the role

A Team Leader guides a group of employees toward achieving organizational goals, acting as the bridge between senior management and team members. They focus on team development and training, task assignments, resolving conflicts, providing day-to-day operational support, and mentoring staff to improve overall productivity and morale. This role involves using lean tools such as Visual Management, Continuous Improvement, and Standard Work, monitoring and improving processes, applying technical skills as needed, and providing recommendations to the Production Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Translate broader company goals into actionable daily tasks, monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and adjust strategies to stay on track.
• Understand task playbooks and takt time requirements to assist the supervisor in planning activities required to index the product into the next cell.
• Assign tasks based on team members' strengths, expertise, and development goals; monitor productivity to meet takt time requirements.
• Provide technical or hands-on assistance to keep work on schedule.
• Identify skill gaps, provide ongoing training, and conduct one-on-one meetings to foster professional growth.
• Participate in yearly and mid-year performance reviews and identify growth paths for team members.
• Assist the Production Supervisor with training program development and orientation of new or transferred team members.
• Monitor team efficiency and report cell performance status, including whether the product is indexed, complete, or behind schedule.
• Communicate variances in planned manpower hours versus actual hours through playbook audits.
• Address minor operational roadblocks, mediate workplace conflicts, and escalate issues requiring assistance.
• Work from shop orders, playbooks, red books, change orders, technical specifications, manuals, schematics, prints, and other order-related documents.
• Facilitate clear communication between the team and leadership, providing regular project status updates and escalating roadblocks.
• Cultivate a positive, open-door team environment that encourages feedback and collaboration.
• Follow all applicable Standard Work, including completing required documentation such as playbooks, visual management, red books, and training materials.
• Conduct start-up meetings in the Production Supervisor’s absence.
• Collaborate with the Production Supervisor and other departments to identify and resolve issues.
• Track down tools, materials, and information to assist other employees in achieving work objectives.
• Initiate long-term solutions to eliminate root causes of issues.
• Champion and coordinate Continuous Improvement activities for work areas.
• Maintain 5S standards and overall cleanliness of assigned work areas.
• Perform other technical-level duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must meet all requirements of Level II or III.
• Must have relevant work experience within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated behavior of high-quality work and high productivity.
• No written corrective actions in the last 12 months.

Skills

• Goal Setting & Execution: Ability to translate company goals into actionable tasks and monitor KPIs.
• Delegation: Assign tasks based on team members' strengths and development goals.
• Coaching & Mentorship: Identify skill gaps and provide training and professional growth opportunities.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor team efficiency and report performance status.
• Problem Solving and Resolution: Address operational roadblocks and mediate conflicts.
• Effective Communication: Act as a liaison between the team and leadership, ensuring clear and concise updates.
• Leadership: Provide innovative thought leadership to grow market share and meet business goals.
• Action-Oriented: Energetic and proactive in addressing tasks with minimal planning.
• Conflict Management: Resolve disputes equitably and find common ground for cooperation.
• Dealing with Ambiguity: Comfortably handle change, risk, and uncertainty.
• Drive for Results: Consistently exceed goals and push self and others for results.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize lean tools and participate in kaizen events to eliminate waste and improve processes.
• Teamwork: Foster a positive working attitude and collaborate effectively with others.
• Career Development: Participate in training programs and task force groups to stay updated on changes.

Physical Requirements

• Lift/Push/Pull: Exert up to 40 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds constantly.
• Climbing: Ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and similar structures.
• Stooping: Bend body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist.
• Kneeling: Bend legs at the knee to rest on one or both knees.
• Crouching/Crawling/Reaching: Bend body downward by bending legs and spine; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; extend hands and arms.
• Standing: Remain standing for sustained periods.
• Walking: Move about on foot to accomplish tasks, including long distances or between work sites.
• Visual Acuity: Operate machines (e.g., lathes, drill presses, power saws) and perform mechanical tasks requiring close visual attention.
• Hazards: Exposure to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, scaffolding, high places, high heat, or chemicals.

Position Expectations

• Safety: Follow E-ONE General Health & Safety Rules, ensure safe operating conditions, and promote safety in the department. Use proper PPE and lifting techniques, and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Quality: Ensure defect-free work and conformance to process control instructions, specifications, and quality standards. Identify and segregate non-conforming products and assist in corrective and preventive actions.
• Flexibility: Work in other areas as needed, adjust lunch and break times based on workflow, and work additional hours when necessary.
• Initiative: Actively participate in continuous improvement of products and processes, seek out work in other areas, and suggest improvements for quality, safety, and profitability.
• Teamwork: Maintain a positive attitude, collaborate constructively, and abide by company policies and procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize skills to eliminate waste, support 5S standards, and participate in Lean Certification and Minor Kaizen programs.
• Career Development: Attend meetings, training programs, and task force groups to stay informed about changes in equipment, processes, and policies.