Plate Shop Lead

The Plate Shop Lead plays a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating the operations of the plate shop within the manufacturing facility. This role requires a deep understanding of operating various equipment including a plasma burn table, shear, press, and drill operations. The Plate Shop Lead will be responsible for ensuring that production targets are met, quality standards are maintained, and safety protocols are followed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Equipment Operation:

- Operate and oversee the operation of a plasma burn table, shear, press, and drilling equipment.

- Ensure that equipment is properly set up, calibrated, and maintained for optimal performance.

- Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform routine maintenance as needed.

- Train and supervise operators on safe and efficient equipment operation.

2. 5S Standards Implementation:

- Establish and maintain 5S standards (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) within the plate shop area to optimize workflow, minimize waste, and create a safe and organized work environment.

- Lead regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to 5S principles and identify opportunities for improvement.

- Implement initiatives to sustain 5S practices and foster a culture of cleanliness, orderliness, and efficiency.

3. Continuous Improvement:

- Utilize systemic problem-solving methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, or Kaizen to identify root causes of issues and implement sustainable solutions.

- Lead improvement projects aimed at increasing productivity, reducing lead times, improving quality, and reducing costs.

- Facilitate cross-functional teams to brainstorm ideas, implement changes, and monitor results.

4. Production Planning and Coordination:

- Collaborate with production planning teams to schedule and prioritize jobs based on production deadlines and resource availability.

- Monitor workflow and adjust schedules as necessary to meet production targets.

- Coordinate with other departments to ensure timely delivery of materials and components required for production.

5. Quality Control:

- Implement and enforce quality control standards to ensure that products meet specifications and customer requirements.

- Conduct regular inspections of finished products to identify defects or deviations from quality standards.

- Implement corrective actions to address quality issues and prevent recurrence.

6. Team Leadership:

- Lead and motivate a team of plate shop operators to achieve production goals and maintain high standards of performance.

- Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to team members to foster skill development and continuous improvement.

- Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and accountability within the team.

7. Safety and Compliance:

- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and procedures in the plate shop area.

- Conduct regular safety inspections and address any potential hazards or safety concerns.

- Promote a culture of safety awareness and adherence to safety protocols among team members.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
2. Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
3. Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with customers and coworkers and including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
4. Respectfully takes direction from supervisor or manager.

Qualifications

- Proven experience operating plate fabrication equipment, including a plasma burn table, shear, press, and drill operations.

- Experience operating lift trucks and overhead cranes.

- Working experience utilizing and maintaining nesting software such as OmniWin or comparable.

- Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining 5S standards in a manufacturing environment.

- Strong problem-solving skills and experience with systemic problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen).

- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and engage team members.

- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement principles with a team first mindset.

- Associate of Arts or Bachelors of Science degree in manufacturing related fields, preferred

- 2+ years of manufacturing supervisor experience.

Physical Demands

Regularly: Standing, lifting, operating equipment.

Work Environment

Shop environment.