Assembly Line Lead

About hand2mind:

We bring learning to life! Trusted by teachers for more than 55+ years, hand2mind creates engaging, classroom-tested materials that empower children to learn by doing. We are a 150-person strong, family-owned company that's been voted one of the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces for the last four consecutive years. In addition to building high-quality, hands-on learning materials for the classroom like VersaTiles® and Cuisenaire® Rods, we also develop educational toys for the home that make learning math, reading, social-emotional learning, and STEM fun and interactive. As a company, we are committed to our employee’s personal and professional development. That’s why we offer a competitive benefits package, a supportive culture, and a variety of training and development opportunities. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you’ll come join our award-winning team today!

Team & Position Description: 

We are currently seeking an Assembly Line Lead to join our assembly team.  The Assembly Line Lead is responsible for leading assembly line staff of up to 20 people in building production orders to meet requirements.  The objective of this role is to meet production requirements pertaining to cost, quantity, bill of material, quality, and schedule.  Additionally, this position will work with the Manager, Assembly Operations, to drive improvements in cost and efficiency in production.   The Line Lead is expected to foster an environment of teamwork, trust, and safety: while promoting a culture of accountability with peers and staff.

What We’re Looking For (Key Performance Objectives):  

1. Assembly Cost & Workload Coordination

• Align daily and weekly workload plans with the Manager, Assembly Operations and Sr. Line Lead to ensure production targets are met within budget.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that reduce cost per unit by 5-10% annually.

2. Temporary Labor Training & Leadership

• Train and onboard temporary labor to achieve required quality and productivity standards within h2m Assembly’s: 30/60/90 Day onboarding plan of assignment.
• Maintain a temporary labor productivity rate of 95% of standard output.

3. Multi‑Line Production Leadership

• Successfully lead two or more production lines simultaneously while meeting daily production quotas.
• Ensure on-time completion of production schedules with 98% schedule adherence.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting weekend and 2nd‑shift operations as required.

4. Safety, Cleanliness & Compliance

• Adhere to operational procedures and contribute to a safe, organized warehouse environment.

• Conduct routine safety checks and ensure corrective actions are completed within 24 hours.
• Hold team members accountable for compliance with 5S, PPE, and operational procedures.

5. Work Order Execution & Process Improvement

• Interpret and execute production/work orders with 100% accuracy.
• Identify and recommend improvements to production orders to enhance clarity, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.
• Achieve a reduction in production‑order‑related delays or rework by 5%.

6. Inventory, Kit Auditing & Data Accuracy

• Audit kits with 98% accuracy and resolve shortages/overages within 24–48 hours.
• Complete production orders, enter receipts, and log labor data with zero critical errors.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation to support production traceability and reporting.

7. Equipment Certification & Material Handling

• Obtain onsite certification for powered lift equipment within the required timeframe.
• Safely move pallets and materials with zero handling incidents.
• Support material flow improvements that reduce line downtime due to shortages.

Requirements/Ideal Attributes:

• In-depth, firsthand knowledge and experience with assembly and desktop applications, including MS Dynamics 365 F&O, MS Office - MS Word and Excel.
• High School Diploma or GED required 
• Able to interpret, understand, follow, and communicate instructions. 
• Able to work in a team and independently. 
• Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written (read, write) clearly in English. 
• Bi-Lingual (Spanish) a plus but not required.
• Flexible working weekends and extended periods of time when needed. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Standing, walking, and bending for extended periods.

We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: that this role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.

Compensation Range: $20.00 – $21.50 per hour – Actual compensation may vary due to other factors such as: years of experience, skill set and location. Total compensation includes profit sharing bonus potential, 401k matching, and a variety of other benefits (details can be found here). 

#hand2mind