Production Lead

Value Added Distributors, LLC in Rockford, IL is looking for a driven, hardworking, and enthusiastic Production Lead to join our team of experts where we have custom hose assembly and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) delivery. If you enjoy assisting others and are detailed to maintain standards, then apply today!

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00am-3:30am and overtime as needed. Schedule may adjust to accommodate the needs of the facility and customers.

Status: Full time, nonexempt

Company Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, PTO, holiday pay and more

Company: For 25 years, Value Added Distributors, and our family of companies has been a leading provider of hydraulic components in the industrial marketplace. Headquartered in Wisconsin, we take pride in our midwestern work ethic and our team of employees, providing outstanding products and unparalleled service to our valued customers. Operating in eight states with eighteen locations throughout the mid-western, southern, and eastern United States, we utilize state of the art equipment and employ the newest techniques allowing us to offer advancement opportunities in a continually growing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) landscape.

Job Overview:

The Production Lead is responsible for ensuring the production team is trained, organized and set for the day to meet production demands. The production team assembles hydraulic hoses and assorted production kits, such as assembly kits. Duties include cutting hoses, attaching fittings, crimping and cleaning hoses, and ensuring they are packaged for shipment. The Production Lead determines the various unit structures, allocates resources and participates in regional planning. A Production Lead enforces safe work practices by communicating safety policies and practices with the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with the Production Supervisor and Branch Manager, monitor production requirements / capacities and monitor workforce daily activities, ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures are followed.
• Addresses quality issues and support actions necessary to reduce the number of non-conformances.
• Assists production of orders, prepare goods for shipment and other day-to-day activities.
• Enters data into workplace systems.
• Maintains a sense of urgency with self and the team to support customer quality and delivery expectations while achieving profitability targets.
• Ensures training is completed by the team to maximize operations.
• Builds effective working relationships with customers, direct reports, peers, managers, vendors, etc.
• Embrace continuous improvement activities and promote employee empowerment, while working to achieve company goals and objectives.
• Responsible either directly or indirectly for the procuring of materials, supplies or any other items necessary for the daily operation.
• Ability to achieve and exceed production goals.

• Identifies and solves quality concerns in a timely manner. Possess and leads with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.

• Participate in a culture that works with a sense of urgency and disciplined adherence that supports customer quality and delivery expectations while achieving profitability targets.
• Identify and address any issues or delays that may disrupt production, ensuring timely delivery.

• Participate in safety practices and policies.

• Participate in training and lead by example, including but not limited to quality standards, safety practices and compliance.
• Follows safety standards, policies, and updates.
• Responsible for assisting with opening and closing duties associated with maintaining the facility for quality and safe operations.

• This is not an all-encompassing description of duties, and one should anticipate additional tasks will be assigned.

Competencies (Skills & Qualifications):

• Strong mechanical aptitude for determining how objects work and move in a manufacturing environment. Ability to troubleshoot and establish best practices with fellow leaders.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) enhance the team culture that is open, respectful and transparent, which leads to excellent customer service.
• Sense of urgency in fast paced environment to meet customer needs.
• Solid judgment and decision-making skills to assess situations or circumstances using relevant information and apply experience to conclude or decide next steps.
• Ability and desire to train others in proper procedures, safe work practices, and adhering to quality standards.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities at once by focusing on one task while keeping track of another.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to utilize and read tape measures and digital calipers (length, width, thickness, diameter or depth of an object or hole).
• Ability to apply basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and use a tape measure.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and prioritize tasks.

Education and Experience:

• 21+ years of age for driving.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Application and troubleshooting experience with fluid power and systems preferred.
• Prior leadership experience is a plus.
• Prior experience in working with quality control standards is a plus.
• Skilled in basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and use a tape measure.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems, especially Epicor is a plus.

• Type 25 wpm or greater.

Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Valid driver's license with a clean record is required.

• Forklift driver certified is a plus. We will provide training.

Workplace Environment:

In this production facility, it is essential to use vision, hands, fingers, and arms frequently while standing, bending, turning, etc. for long periods of time. Additionally, speaking often with coworkers to troubleshoot and complete tasks. The individual will require fine motor skills, using fingers to operate small tools such as a tape measure and calibration tools or other controls specific to the position. Everyone must wear required personal protective equipment which may include safety glasses, gloves, ear plugs, shoes, and other items as it pertains to the job duties. Able to see details or objects at a close range will be necessary for tasks while safely operating equipment, reading product labels, documents, or identifying specific items. The manufacturing environment is not climate controlled and may become warm in the summer and cooler in the winter.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The mental and physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Value Added Companies comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants, candidates, and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

Job Location: 1595 Northrock Ct, Rockford, IL 61103

Value Added Distributors: https://vadtek.com/

An Equal Opportunity Employer