Production Shift Leader (Sheet Metal Fabrication)

Leads the sheet metal bending and cutting line, delivering production plans, quality, safety and team performance on every shift.

Minth North America, Inc., Gadsden, AL

Salary Range: $52,000 – $66,000 per year

Minth is looking for a Production Shift Leader (Sheet Metal Fabrication Technician) to join the Sheet Metal Workshop of the Production Department. In this position, you will be fully responsible for the sheet metal bending and cutting process line for energy storage cabinets, including production plan execution, personnel allocation, equipment management, quality control, safe production and on-site 5S.

As a frontline manager, you will directly manage the daily operation of the line and be the key position for achieving production plans and quality standards, keeping equipment running stably and maintaining team stability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare daily and shift plans for the bending and cutting line from the production plan issued by PMC, break them down to each workstation and individual, and hold daily pre-shift meetings on tasks, safety and quality.
Monitor progress at each workstation, identify bottlenecks (e.g., CNC bending), and reallocate resources promptly to clear them.
Coordinate sheet material supply with the warehouse and PMC, and handle urgent orders, model changes and other scheduling abnormalities to protect on-time delivery.
Supervise execution of SOPs and process cards, and approve first-piece inspection reports at each batch or model change, releasing only after the part passes.
Handle process quality abnormalities: stop the line for batch defects, organize cause analysis and coordinate solutions.
Promote SPC control of key processes and support Quality with corrective actions in 8D reports.
Supervise the operating status of CNC bending machines, CNC punch presses, shearing machines and laser cutting machines; ensure daily inspection sheets are completed and abnormalities reported.
Coordinate planned maintenance with the equipment maintenance department to reduce unplanned downtime.
Manage the usage, wear status and replacement plan of bending and die tooling, and take part in selection, installation, commissioning and acceptance of new equipment.
Manage line personnel, including scheduling, overtime and attendance, and maintain a skills matrix with multi-skilled backups for key positions (bending, laser cutting).
Train and mentor new employees, conduct monthly/quarterly performance evaluations with reward and penalty recommendations, and resolve team conflicts promptly.
Enforce sheet metal safety procedures and PPE compliance, ensure licensed use of overhead cranes and forklifts, and organize safety training and emergency drills.
In safety incidents, organize rescue, protect the scene, report, and participate in the investigation; maintain workshop 5S with daily cleaning and weekly deep cleaning.
Optimize bending and cutting processes (layout nesting, bending sequence) to improve material utilization, analyze material waste, and control consumption of tools and consumables.
Lead or participate in at least one improvement project per month, and track equipment OEE and downtime losses to drive improvements.

REQUIREMENTS

More than 3 years of sheet metal processing experience, including more than 1 year of production line management experience.
Proficiency in the operation and programming of CNC bending machines, CNC punch presses, shearing machines and similar equipment.
Ability to read sheet metal development drawings, bending drawings and CAD drawings.
Understanding of sheet metal nesting principles, with the ability to guide technicians in optimizing material utilization.
Frontline team management capability, with strong communication, coordination and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to use Excel for production data analysis and understanding of basic SPC concepts.
Familiarity with ERP/MES production module operation.
CNC equipment operation certificate; overhead crane/forklift operation certificate preferred.
Legally authorized to work in the country of the work location.

MINIMUM EDUCATION / FIELD OF STUDY

Technical/vocational school diploma or above; majors related to mechanical manufacturing, mold design, mechatronics or related fields preferred.

KEY TO BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE

A high level of self-motivation and bias for action on the shop floor.
Strong communication, coordination and people leadership skills.
A continuous improvement mindset focused on material utilization, OEE and cost.
Strong commitment to safety and quality discipline.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily on the manufacturing floor, with some office time for planning and reporting; time on the floor requires standing and walking.
Required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and safety footwear.
Frequent use of a computer, ERP/MES systems and Excel, and ability to read drawings and gauges.
Occasional extended or shift-based schedules to meet production needs.
Ability to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WHY WORK FOR MINTH?

Minth Group is a global leader in automotive trim and structural components, with 78 plants worldwide and a North American regional headquarters in Wixom, Michigan.
International development platform – Be part of a fast-growing global company.
Dynamic and efficient team – Join a team that is growing and values ownership and results.
All-round personal improvement – Grow your technical and professional expertise.
Diversified working atmosphere – A multicultural, multinational workplace where different backgrounds and perspectives are valued.
Competitive compensation package.

Minth North America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 and over), disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial or local law. Minth provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, for pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, and for sincerely held religious beliefs, in the application process and in performing the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Production Shift Leader - Sheet Metal Fabrication