Turning Leader

Job Description

Job Description

Turning Leader

Classification – FT Hourly

Reports to – Machining Supervisor

Job Description

Summary/Objective
The Turning Leader is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Turning department, ensuring efficient workflow, adherence to safety and quality standards, and achievement of production goals. This position plays a key role in driving performance by managing job flow, monitoring ERP data, fostering cross-training, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The Turning Leader partners closely with department and company leadership to deliver quality products on time and within budget, while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Lead by example and enforce all safety procedures, proactively identifying and addressing risks to maintain a safe work environment.
2. Ensure all work meets or exceeds company quality standards, working with relevant departments to address and resolve quality issues.
3. Monitor daily job progress using the Epicor ERP system; analyze performance data to make informed decisions aligned with production goals.
4. Align departmental activities with customer delivery schedules; escalate concerns related to timing, materials, budget, personnel, or equipment capacity.
5. Track and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve departmental productivity and efficiency.
6. Identify and address knowledge gaps by developing and executing cross-training strategies to enhance team flexibility and reduce reliance on individual employees.
7. Collaborate with leaders across departments to create workflow efficiencies and improve job processing strategies.
8. Identify production inefficiencies and implement process improvements to increase throughput and operational performance.
9. Maintain accessibility via cell phone during scheduled hours to support team needs, provide guidance, and resolve operational issues in real time.
10. While the role does not include direct disciplinary authority, the Turning Leader is expected to set and communicate clear performance expectations and escalate concerns to the Machining Supervisor as necessary.

Competencies

1. Proficiency in ERP systems (Epicor preferred) for job tracking, scheduling, and performance analysis.
2. Strong understanding of multi-departmental workflows and production processes.
3. Ability to lead teams through operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
4. Organizational skills to coordinate schedules, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
5. Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
6. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
7. Capability to mentor, train, and develop team members to support organizational goals.
8. Strong commitment to safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct disciplinary authority but provides daily leadership, coordination, and performance guidance to the Turning department.

Work Environment

This role operates in a job shop manufacturing setting with exposure to moving machinery, coolant, and industrial noise. Adherence to safety policies and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This role involves standing, walking, bending, and lifting parts or equipment up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime or weekend hours required to meet production deadlines.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Demonstrated experience leading operations in a machining or manufacturing environment.
3. Proficient in using ERP systems, preferably Epicor.
4. Strong knowledge of machining processes and job routing.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prior experience in a leadership or lead operator role in a machining department.
2. Proven track record of process improvement and team development.
3. Strong understanding of cross-functional production operations.
4. Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement initiatives.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.