Machine Shop Lead Hand

Position Summary

The Lead Hand is a hands-on operational leader responsible for guiding the day-to-day work of the production team, ensuring priorities are clear, quality standards are met, and the shift runs safely and efficiently. This role requires active ownership of issues, strong decision-making, and a visible presence on the shop floor.

This position works alongside the team while providing direction and support, opening and closing the shop, coordinating with other departments, and building a disciplined, high-performing work environment. This position is accountable for keeping production moving, resolving bottlenecks, and reinforcing standards around safety, quality, and housekeeping.

They own shift-level reporting and communication, ensuring production status, quality issues, and delays are clearly documented and communicated to management. This is a fast-paced, hands-on leadership role requiring daily engagement with machining, fabrication, and shop floor activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Work alongside the team while providing daily direction and support.
• Monitor employee attendance, performance, and workplace behaviour, addressing concerns promptly.
• Assist with training and mentoring employees.
• Promote a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Production and Quality Oversight

• Ensure production priorities are understood and met.
• Maintain quality standards and ensure work meets drawing and customer requirements.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks and equipment issues.
• Take ownership of issues and follow them through to resolution.
• Encourage continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and housekeeping.
• Documentation & Reporting
• Complete and verify production documentation, inspection records, and shift reports.
• Communicate production status, quality issues, and delays to management.

Shift Coordination

• Open the shop by preparing equipment, staffing, and daily priorities.
• Close the shop by ensuring documentation is complete, work areas are clean, and equipment is left in a safe condition.

Cross – Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Programming, Quality, Maintenance, and Production to keep work flowing.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships across departments to support on-time delivery.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in a machine shop or heavy manufacturing environment, with prior lead hand or informal leadership experience considered an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of shop floor operations, production scheduling, and workflow coordination.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Hands-on, shop-floor-focused leadership style with the ability to make decisions and solve problems in real time.
• Demonstrated ability to manage attendance, performance, and workplace behavior issues fairly and consistently.
• Strong understanding of safety, quality, and housekeeping standards in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with production documentation, inspection records, and ERP or shift-reporting systems.
• Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours as required to support production schedules and customer commitments.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with management, other departments, and shop personnel