Production Lead Hand

At Hamilton Kent, we are committed to building a better tomorrow by connecting people with water and energy. As a leading provider of advanced plastic piping systems, we value safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

We are currently seeking a Production Lead Hand to join our Manufacturing team in Winchester, TN. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional who enjoys leading by example, supporting team performance, and driving safe and efficient operations in a fast-paced production environment.

Position Summary

Manufacturing | Full-Time | Night Shift (7pm - 7am)

The Production Lead Hand is responsible for leading and coordinating production activities during an assigned shift while supporting the achievement of safety, quality, and productivity objectives. Acting as a key point of contact between operators, supervisors, and management, this role provides leadership on the production floor, assists with problem-solving, and serves as an additional resource to help ensure smooth plant operations. This position is ideal for an experienced manufacturing professional who can provide leadership without direct authority, effectively communicate across teams, and support operational excellence through hands-on floor presence.

What You'll Do

• Support daily production activities and provide the Production Supervisor with an additional set of eyes and ears on the manufacturing floor.
• Coordinate and assign work activities to production team members to meet production goals.
• Monitor equipment, processes, and workflow to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Promote and enforce all safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Conduct effective shift handovers and communicate important production updates.
• Assist in training, mentoring, and supporting production employees.
• Maintain accurate production records, downtime reporting, and incident documentation.
• Identify operational issues and escalate concerns when necessary.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Human Resources, and Production leadership to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Step into operator duties when needed to support staffing requirements and production continuity.
• Lead by example and foster a positive, team-oriented work environment.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Previous manufacturing experience in a production environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing setting, such as Lead Hand, Team Lead, Trainer, or similar role.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to effectively interact with employees and stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety regulations and quality standards.
• Basic computer skills and experience using Microsoft Outlook and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in plastic manufacturing, extrusion, or injection molding.
• SAP experience.
• Leadership training or manufacturing leadership coursework.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This position is based primarily in a manufacturing plant environment and requires:

• Frequent standing and walking throughout a 12-hour shift.
• Exposure to heat generated by manufacturing equipment and finished products.
• Working independently for periods of time while remaining engaged with production activities.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling materials up to 25 lbs.
• Consistent use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Strict adherence to all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality policies and procedures.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting rate of $28.12/hour
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits eligible after 30 days of service
• 401(k) eligibility after 6 months
• Vacation accrual beginning on date of hire
• Company-supported safety and training programs
• Opportunities for growth and development within a global organization

Why Join Hamilton Kent?

At Hamilton Kent, we believe our people drive our success. We offer a collaborative environment where safety comes first, leadership is developed from within, and employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact every day. This role provides a pathway into future manufacturing leadership opportunities, including advancement to Production Supervisor and other operational leadership positions.

If you're a manufacturing professional who enjoys leading by example and helping teams succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and discover your future with Hamilton Kent!