Production Lead
Description
Overview:
Hayden Industrial, a leading manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, is seeking an experienced Production Leader. The Production Lead will be responsible for overseeing daily CRAH manufacturing operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-quality environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
· Lead, coach, and mentor production personnel including operators, brazers, assemblers, and technicians.
· Assign daily tasks and responsibilities to ensure production goals are achieved.
· Monitor employee performance and provide guidance, training, and support.
· Foster a positive team environment focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Production Oversight
· Coordinate and oversee the fabrication and assembly of CRAH units.
· Monitor workflow, staffing, and production schedules to maximize efficiency.
· Ensure daily production targets and deadlines are consistently met.
· Communicate production status, issues, and priorities with management and team members.
Quality Assurance
· Ensure all products meet engineering specifications and company quality standards.
· Conduct inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
· Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve quality-related issues in a timely manner.
· Support corrective actions and continuous quality improvements.
Safety & Compliance
· Enforce company safety policies and procedures in accordance with OSHA standards.
· Conduct routine safety observations and promote a strong safety culture.
· Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.
· Maintain compliance with all applicable manufacturing and workplace regulations.
Process Improvement
· Lead and support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
· Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize workflow.
· Assist with implementation of process improvements and standardized work procedures.
Technical Execution
· Provide hands-on support with brazing, piping, coil installation, and mechanical assembly as needed.
· Troubleshoot manufacturing and equipment issues to minimize downtime.
· Ensure equipment and tools are properly maintained and operational.
· Support production startups, changeovers, and operational troubleshooting.
Qualifications
· High school diploma or GED required.
· 3–5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in HVAC or mechanical assembly environments.
· Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions.
· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, safety standards, and quality practices.
Required Skills
· Strong leadership and team-building abilities
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
· Strong organizational and time-management skills
· Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence
Working Conditions
· Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, tools, and production equipment.
· Requires standing, walking, lifting, and other physical activity throughout the shift.
· Overtime and flexible scheduling may be required based on production demands.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
· Production output and schedule attainment
· Product quality and defect reduction
· Safety performance and compliance
· Manufacturing efficiency and productivity
· Downtime reduction and process improvement results
Hayden Industrial has determined this position involves safety-sensitive job duties and will be considered a safety-sensitive position for purpose of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act (“The Unity Bill.”) effective August 29th, 2019.
Education and Experience:
· High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school certification preferred.
· Minimum 3–5 years of experience in mechanical or manufacturing assembly, preferably in heat exchangers or pressure equipment.
· Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
· Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and assembly documentation.
· Skilled in using hand tools, torque wrenches, pneumatic tools, and measuring equipment.
· Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
· Proven ability to motivate and lead a diverse production team in a fast-paced environment.
· Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Supervisor Responsibility:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment:
Non-temperature controlled environment with loud noises, dust, dirt, and metal particles that are usually associated with metal fabrication shops. All employees are required to wear personal protective equipment to include noise/hearing protection, safety glasses with side shields, (paint masks, respirator, when required) and OSHA compliant safety boots/shoes within the manufacturing facility.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing duties of this job, the employee in this position is regularly required to stand for long periods of time. This position requires walking, the ability to reach, ascend/descend ladders, bend, kneel, and stoop. The employee occasionally will lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel:
No travel is required for this position.
Benefits:
Hayden Industrial offers a generous benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, a generous paid time off schedule, and professional development opportunities.
AAP/EEO Statement:
Hayden Industrial is an equal employment opportunity employer. Hayden Industrial recognizes and embraces federal legislation on equal employment opportunity and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination. All applicants for employment and all employees will be afforded equal opportunity and treatment, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, national origin, disability status or other protected status. All employees are responsible for complying with all applicable Federal, State and Local Laws, rules and regulations regarding non-discrimination practices.