Production Leader (Steel/Paint)

Ready to take your manufacturing leadership career to the next level? EP², a Flex company, is seeking a Production Leader to oversee Steel and Paint operations in Des Moines. This role is ideal for a leader passionate about safety, employee development, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional results for customers. Join a growing organization where you'll make a visible impact, develop high-performing teams, and build a rewarding career with the support of a global manufacturing leader.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about developing people, driving continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional results. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading production teams, promoting a safety-first culture, and ensuring excellence in quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Champion a culture where safety is always the top priority
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop production team members
• Drive performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
• Ensure production schedules are executed successfully to meet customer commitments
• Promote a customer-first mindset throughout the operation
• Monitor workflow, staffing, and departmental performance metrics
• Drive First-Time Quality and adherence to company specifications
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles
• Identify and resolve operational challenges while removing barriers to success
• Foster teamwork, accountability, communication, and collaboration across departments
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing leadership teams
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and employee development
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Requirements

• Experience leading teams in a manufacturing, production, fabrication, paint, steel, or industrial environment
• Proven ability to drive performance and achieve operational goals
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Results-driven mindset with a passion for employee development
• Strong organizational and decision-making capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (preferred)
• Experience in custom manufacturing or make-to-order environments (preferred)
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Continuous Improvement, Standardized Work, and Flow methodologies (preferred)
• Background in steel fabrication, paint operations, industrial manufacturing, or electrical equipment manufacturing (preferred)
• Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical assembly processes (preferred)