About this role
Job Title: Finishing/Bindery Department Lead
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
PrideStaff is actively recruiting a dedicated Finishing/Bindery Department Lead for a premier manufacturing client. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for coordinating daily finishing operations to guarantee the safe, accurate, and efficient production of customer orders. The ideal candidate will blend technical machinery operation with employee development and departmental accountability.
Essential Responsibilities
Production & Equipment Operation
Set up, operate, and maintain machinery such as die cutters, digital flatbed cutters, CNC routers, guillotine cutters, laminators, and laser cutters.
Execute precision cutting, laminating, assembly, and routing based on work orders and technical drawings.
Troubleshoot production, equipment, and mechanical issues to minimize downtime.
Perform routine preventative maintenance, equipment inspections, and minor repairs.
Team Leadership & Workflow
Provide daily direction, guidance, and hands-on support to Finishing Department staff.
Coordinate schedules, prioritize work orders, and allocate resources to meet production commitments.
Train, mentor, and develop team members to improve technical proficiency, versatility, and consistency.
Monitor employee performance and proactively adjust workflow alongside the Production Manager and other leads.
Quality Control & Safety
Ensure all finished products meet customer requirements and established company quality standards.
Utilize appropriate measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges, to verify dimensional accuracy.
Promote and reinforce strict compliance with workplace safety policies and mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE).
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focusing on workflow, equipment reliability, safety, and waste reduction.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
A minimum of 5 years of experience operating industrial finishing, cutting, routing, or comparable manufacturing equipment is required.
Proven prior experience leading, training, or supervising employees in a manufacturing or production environment is required.
Preferred experience includes operating CNC routers, digital flatbed cutters, laser cutting equipment, and precision die cutting.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
Skills & Abilities
Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot production equipment.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, tolerances, and work orders.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Flexibility to work overtime, adjusted schedules, or occasional Saturday shifts as dictated by business needs.
Ability to pass a required background check.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Continuously remain on your feet throughout the shift by standing or walking.
Regularly lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds.
Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Lift heavier materials up to 99 pounds utilizing team lifting or approved material-handling equipment.
Continuously use vision, balance, and hearing to inspect materials, perform precision measurements, and identify defects.
Work is primarily conducted in a manufacturing production site featuring exposure to moving mechanical parts, loud noise, extreme heat/cold, and airborne dust/particulates.
The position may be stressful at times due to deadlines and multi-tasking responsibilities.
Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $28.00 - $32.00