Production Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Lead

Job Description

The Production Lead oversees daily operations on the production floor, ensuring smooth flow on extrusion lines, consistent product quality, and adherence to safety standards. This role delegates tasks, supports and guides production staff, and acts as the primary lead in the absence of other leadership. The Production Lead drives process improvements, maintains accurate documentation, and supports training and development to keep the team operating efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production floor activities and maintain a steady flow on extrusion lines to meet production targets.
• Act as the lead on the floor when other leadership is unavailable, providing direction and support to the team.
• Delegate tasks and assign operators to appropriate lines and workstations based on production needs.
• Enforce quality control standards by monitoring profiles, performing inspections, and approving finished products.
• Troubleshoot production issues and bottlenecks on extrusion lines and coordinate timely resolutions.
• Train new hires on standard operating procedures, extrusion equipment, line adjustments, and safety practices.
• Provide ongoing coaching and guidance to production staff to improve performance and maintain consistency.
• Enforce the proper use of personal protective equipment and ensure adherence to all safety protocols.
• Assist with safety and quality audits by providing documentation, answering questions, and supporting corrective actions.
• Complete shift-related paperwork accurately, including production records, logs, scrap reports, and attendance.
• Maintain detailed handoff notes to support clear communication between shifts and ensure continuity of operations.
• Identify process inefficiencies, recommend improvements, and support implementation of process optimization initiatives.
• Support scheduling flexibility by staying late or working overtime as needed to meet production demands.
• Collaborate with other departments and facilities as needed to support production requirements and process alignment.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with extrusion experience strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience working in a fast-paced production or industrial environment.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds safely and repeatedly as part of daily duties.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including the ability to create and maintain logs, reports, and documentation.
• Proven ability to lead and support teams in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Comfort with staying late and working overtime as needed to support production schedules.
• Availability to work on Saturdays during peak seasons.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to enforcing quality control and safety standards.
• Effective communication skills for directing staff, training team members, and supporting shift-to-shift communication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 1–2 years of experience as a lead, team lead, or supervisor in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with plastic extrusion processes and equipment.
• Experience training operators specifically on extrusion lines and line adjustments.
• Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to travel between facilities as needed to support production and training.
• Experience in production management, supervision, and process improvement.
• Strong operational and industrial skills, including familiarity with production workflows and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a 401(k) plan featuring a 50% employer match to support long-term financial security. The organization emphasizes work-life balance by typically operating on a straightforward 40-hour workweek, with overtime required only as needed during peak periods. Team members join a stable, fast-paced manufacturing environment where their contributions to process improvement and quality are valued, and where there are opportunities to grow leadership and technical skills over time.

Work Environment

The work environment is a fast-paced manufacturing setting centered around plastic extrusion processes. Employees spend most of their time on the production floor, working in proximity to extrusion machines that can make the area warmer than a typical office environment, though conditions remain manageable. The role requires frequent standing, walking, and lifting up to 50+ pounds, as well as regular interaction with machinery and production lines. Team members use standard industrial equipment and computer systems, including Microsoft Office, to complete logs, reports, and shift documentation. Personal protective equipment is required, and safety protocols are strictly enforced to maintain a safe and efficient production environment. Work schedules generally follow a standard 40-hour week, with occasional overtime and Saturday work during peak seasons.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lincolnwood, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $66560.00/yr.

medical, dental, vision, 401k

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lincolnwood,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company DescriptionWe know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.