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Production Lead

Kitchen Armor
locationIrvine, CA, USA
PublishedPublished: 6/14/2022
Manufacturing
Full Time

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Production Lead to manage daily manufacturing operations with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and cross-functional alignment. This role is essential to maintaining product quality, optimizing workflow, and supporting strategic initiatives across logistics, quality assurance, and engineering. The Production Lead will play a key role in driving operational excellence and supporting the company’s growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supervise and coordinate daily production activities to meet output targets and quality standards, ensuring alignment with broader operational goals.

  • Assign tasks to production technicians and monitor progress to ensure timely completion and accountability.

  • Proactively detect product issues in production and immediately involve the right stakeholders to resolve them and minimize disruption.

  • Collaborate with the Logistics Manager, Systems Engineer, and other leads to anticipate inventory constraints and make informed production decisions that support delivery timelines and cost control.

  • Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and NSF/ANSI regulatory standards, supporting audit readiness and risk mitigation.

  • Maintain accurate production records and prepare performance reports for management and executive stakeholders.

  • Monitor and maintain production KPI targets, promptly notifying the appropriate stakeholders if targets are at risk and contributing to root cause analysis.

  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and implementing solutions that positively impact KPI trends and operational scalability.

  • Train and mentor production staff, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.

  • Support lean initiatives and participate in process optimization projects, including layout redesign, automation efforts, and digital transformation.

  • Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and detailed work instructions to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient production operations.

  • Contribute to cross-functional initiatives such as mission-based automation and post-mission analysis to support strategic growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience implementing and sustaining Kaizen and 5S methodologies in a manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement environment.

  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in a production environment, including proven success in a lead or supervisory role within scalable manufacturing operations.

  • Ability to translate complex processes into clear, actionable steps for frontline teams.

  • Strong understanding of production workflows, equipment operation, and safety standards.

  • Familiarity with ERP systems and inventory management tools.

  • Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and implement corrective actions.

  • Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams in identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., Fishbone analysis, PDCA).

  • Strong change management skills and the ability to influence others toward a culture of continuous improvement.

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with automation systems and industrial equipment.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production planning software.

  • Certification or training in Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Operational Excellence methodologies.

  • Familiarity with visual management systems (e.g., Andon, Kanban) and their role in real-time issue resolution.

  • Experience implementing automation and digital tools to support lean transformation and reduce waste.

  • Ability to coach and mentor team members in continuous improvement practices and foster a proactive problem-solving culture.

  • Experience managing teams in electronic production environments, with a solid understanding of staging and scripting processes.

Physical Requirements

  • Mobility: Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods throughout the shift.

  • Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift, move, or carry objects weighing between 30 to 75 pounds or more as needed.

  • Repetitive Tasks: Frequent operation of equipment and tools requiring grasping, twisting, and precision movements of the wrists and hands. Must be able to reach overhead and laterally with control and force.

  • Working Posture: Tasks may require stooping, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance in various positions.

Salary - depends on experience

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