Production Lead

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

The Production Lead (PL) is a dedicated role responsible for supervising and supporting operations on the Stratford afternoon production shift. The PL reports directly to the Plant Manager and works closely with the Quality Supervisor, who provides directions on all quality related activities.

This role includes providing supervision for the facility during the afternoon shift. The PL ensures that all products meet required specifications before release to customers, including activities such as raw material testing, method development, validation, equipment calibration, environmental monitoring, stability testing and final product testing.

Responsibilities

Production Responsibilities

1. Provide direction and coordinate activities for the hourly workforce on the afternoon shift while maintaining daily production schedules in accordance with the Plant Manager’s expectations.
2. Promote safe work practices, ensuring adherence to safety procedures, participating in safety investigations and taking immediate action to address unsafe behaviors or conditions.
3. Other supervision responsibilities include:
   a) Ensure quality and production standards are consistently met.
   b) Assisting operators with production changeovers.
   c) Supporting the resolution of production issues.
   d) Troubleshooting production problems and making necessary adjustments. Contact maintenance support when required.
   e) Supporting a positive work environment through effective communication of company policies and procedures while adhering to the Bargaining Unit Contract.
4. Perform other Safety Program duties as required including safety training activities.

Quality Responsibilities

1. Support and maintain compliance with procedures and metrics that influence quality throughout the organization.
2. Under the direction of the facility’s Quality Supervisor, assist with the quality program through:
   a) Performing complex quality analyses and inspections and monitoring the effectiveness of processes using data and internal auditing programs.
   b) Preparing flowcharts, forms, communications and audits to support the implementation and maintenance of the quality system.
   c) Working with external vendors and suppliers to ensure their materials or services meet company quality standards.
   d) Participating in the quality training of employees.
   e) Assisting with the planning, organization, control and regular review of projects and processes related to quality to ensure both short term and long term targets are met.

Material Management Responsibilities

1. Assist with maintaining the accuracy of raw material inventory within the area including participation in cycle counting.
2. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Training or certification in ISO, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen or similar methodologies is an asset.
• Experience as a supervisor or direct report lead in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Skill with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
• Experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
• First Aid certification required. The company will provide training.
• Willingness to obtain Forklift Certification is an asset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education

Physical Requirements

We Offer

Competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

ADA Statement & EEO Statement

A.O. Smith Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For more information on our Accessibility Plan, please visit www.hotwatercanada.ca