Vehicle Assembly Line Lead - Rear Entry

Job Title: Vehicle Assembly Line Lead

Job Category: Full-Time, Hourly Position

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Position Overview

The Production Line Lead supports the daily operations of the Production department. This working lead position assists the Production Supervisor by providing day-to-day leadership to Assembly Technicians while actively participating in vehicle assembly and production activities.

The Production Line Lead serves as the department's primary technical resource, helping assign daily work, coordinate workflow, support employee training and development, support departmental leadership, maintain quality standards, and promote a safe and productive work environment. This role leads by example and works collaboratively with Engineering, Materials, Production, and Quality to ensure departmental objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

• Assist the Production Supervisor in coordinating the daily operations of the Production department by assigning work, overseeing workflow, providing technical guidance, supporting employee development, and helping ensure production, quality, and safety expectations are consistently achieved.
• Lead by example while actively participating in vehicle assembly and production activities.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assign work based on production priorities and production schedules.
• Assist the Production Supervisor in maintaining adequate departmental coverage by communicating attendance, scheduling, and staffing concerns.
• Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and hands-on support to Assembly Technicians.
• Assist with onboarding, cross-training, and mentoring new and existing employees.
• Reinforce company policies, safety expectations, quality standards, and departmental procedures.
• Monitor workflow, productivity, and workmanship throughout the shift.
• Communicate staffing, equipment, material, production, and safety concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
• Provide day-to-day operational support during the Supervisor's absence by coordinating workflow, answering employee questions, and helping maintain production continuity.

Production Operations

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, build sheets, work orders, and production documentation.
• Perform and assist with vehicle assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and production activities as required.
• Coordinate workflow between Assembly, Engineering, Materials, and Quality to maintain efficient production flow.
• Utilize work order and production management systems to monitor jobs, materials, and workflow status.
• Verify materials, components, hardware, and tooling are available prior to production.
• Safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks to transport materials, components, and completed assemblies throughout the facility in accordance with company safety procedures.
• Safely operate company vehicles within the facility and between designated work areas as required to support production operations.
• Monitor inventory levels of production supplies, hardware, and departmental tooling, communicating replenishment needs to minimize production interruptions.
• Monitor the condition of production equipment, hand tools, power tools, fixtures, and workstations, reporting maintenance or repair needs promptly to minimize downtime.
• Assist with developing and improving departmental procedures, standardized work instructions, and production processes to improve safety, efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve production flow, reduce waste, and enhance operational performance.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure completed work meets engineering specifications, customer requirements, and company quality standards.
• Partner with the Quality department to promptly address quality concerns and support corrective actions.
• Promote compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Identify quality concerns, equipment issues, and safety hazards and communicate them promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment consistent with company housekeeping standards.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the department.

Job Categorization

This position is a full-time, hourly, FLSA non-exempt position.

This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive Position.

Safety Sensitive positions are subject to post-offer and random drug/alcohol screenings. All positions at FR Conversions are subject to at-cause and post-incident drug/alcohol screenings.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as business needs require.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical, manufacturing, automotive, or vocational education preferred.

Experience

Minimum three (3) years of manufacturing, vehicle assembly, or related production experience.

Previous Lead, Trainer, or supervisory experience preferred.

Experience training or mentoring employees in a manufacturing environment preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of vehicle assembly processes and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, blueprints, and production documentation.
• Experience using manufacturing work orders, ERP systems, or production tracking software preferred.
• Working knowledge of hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, measuring devices, and production equipment.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts; forklift certification preferred or ability to become certified upon hire.

Leadership Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing production demands.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and commitment to quality workmanship.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
• Forklift certification preferred or ability to become certified upon hire.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, twist, kneel, and lift throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and heavier materials with assistance.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial noise, moving equipment, varying temperatures, and production activity.
• Ability to safely operate production equipment and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Screenings Required

• Pre-Employment Drug Test
• Pre-Employment Physical
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check conducted prior to employment and annually thereafter.