Manufacturing Lead

Summary:  As a Manufacturing Lead, you will take charge of overseeing our production operations, ensuring that all manufacturing processes run seamlessly and efficiently. You will lead and mentor a team of dedicated production workers, manage production schedules, and maintain the highest standards of quality. Your leadership will be crucial in driving productivity, ensuring workplace safety, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the facility.

What you will be doing…

Supervision and Leadership

• Lead, manage, and supervise a team of production workers, from Leads to general labor, ensuring clear direction and support.
• Assign tasks and actively monitor daily production activities to ensure efficient operations.
• Provide consistent coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to develop team members and ensure high performance.

Production Management

• Ensure that production schedules and targets are met for the assigned sub-department.
• Continuously monitor production processes and adjust schedules to meet demand, making real-time decisions to optimize output.
• Collaborate with other sub-departments to maintain smooth workflow and ensure the overall efficiency of the production process.

Quality Control

• Implement and enforce robust quality control standards and procedures for your assigned sub-department.
• Regularly inspect products to ensure they meet all quality specifications.
• Identify and swiftly resolve any production or quality issues within the required timeframe for the department.

Safety and Compliance

• Lead the enforcement of all safety policies and procedures, ensuring the wellbeing of all employees in the sub-department.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and manage ongoing safety training to maintain compliance.
• Ensure that the sub-department meets all regulatory and company standards for operational processes.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead efforts to identify and address areas for improvement within your sub-department's production processes.
• Champion the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee cost reduction and efficiency improvement projects to drive better performance.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of production activities, including output, quality, inventory levels, and process improvements.
• Prepare and submit detailed operations reports to management, providing insights on production performance.
• Document any incidents, accidents, or quality issues and take corrective actions as needed.

Resource Management

• Manage the allocation of materials, machinery, and workforce to ensure optimized production efficiency and resource utilization.
• Ensure that all necessary materials and supplies are readily available to maintain uninterrupted production.

Training and Development

• Identify skill gaps and provide ongoing training and development opportunities for production staff to enhance capabilities.

Collaboration and Communication

• Maintain open and transparent communication with your direct manager regarding production status, personnel issues, or any planned/unplanned leave.
• Foster strong collaboration within the production team and across other departments to ensure alignment and smooth operations.

Equipment Maintenance

• Oversee the routine maintenance and repair of production equipment to ensure it runs at optimal performance.
• Work closely with the maintenance team to schedule downtime for equipment repairs, minimizing production disruptions.

Performance Metrics

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and use the data to drive continuous improvements in production for your assigned sub-department.
• Use performance data to identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency.

Conflict Resolution

• Address and resolve any conflicts or issues within the production team in a timely and effective manner.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment where team members feel supported and motivated.

What you will bring…

• Associate’s Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Related Field (preferred) with specialized knowledge in manufacturing processes, quality control, and technical skills and a readiness for further training and development.
• Desired Certifications:
  • Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
  • Lean Manufacturing Certification
  • Six Sigma Certification
  • Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
• Minimum 3-5 Years in a Manufacturing or Production Environment: Demonstrates familiarity with manufacturing processes, workflows, and hands-on experience.
• Previous Supervisory or Leadership Experience (1-2 years preferred): Proven ability to manage teams, resolve conflicts, and provide guidance to ensure a high-performing, engaged workforce.

A bit more about the manufacturing environment…

To be successful in this role, candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic manufacturing environment and meet the following general expectations:

Vision & Visual Acuity

• Able to distinguish between colors.
• Capable of reading fine print on screens and documents.
• Possesses depth perception necessary for safely operating equipment.
• Note: Reasonable accommodations will be provided to support individuals with disabilities.

Mobility & Movement

• Comfortable with standing and walking for extended periods across the facility.
• Frequent movement to support and supervise production operations.

Lifting & Carrying

• Able to lift up to 35 pounds regularly.
• Occasionally handle heavier items with support from equipment or team members.

Flexibility & Positioning

• Tasks may involve bending, stooping, kneeling, or working in lower/confined spaces.
• Must be able to reach overhead and below shoulder height.

Manual Dexterity

• Precise handling of tools, materials, and small components is required.

Pushing & Pulling

• Will need to push or pull carts and materials as part of daily responsibilities.

PPE & Safety

• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
• Adherence to all safety standards is expected.

Work Conditions & Stamina

• Work may involve exposure to varied temperatures, noise, dust, or strong odors.
• Should be prepared for extended shifts, occasional weekends, or holiday work as needed.
• Ability to stay focused and alert in fast-paced or high-pressure scenarios.

EMPLOYER’S RIGHTS:

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified.  Management retains the right to add to or change the duties at any time.

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally. 

Fanatics Collectibles is a new model and vision for the hobby, fundamentally changing the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many U.S. and international professional and college sports. The organization has long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports and entertainment properties, including MLB, MLBPA, the Premier League, MLS, UFC, Formula 1 as well as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, among others. In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, establishing the preeminent licensed trading card brand as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business, and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards