Job Description

Press Assistant Department Leader
Location: Bowling Green, KY

Position Overview
A premier heavy metalforming manufacturer is seeking an experienced Press Assistant Department Leader to help direct the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations of its Press Department. Working alongside the Department Leader, this individual will oversee high-volume production schedules, lead and mentor shift supervisors and production personnel, and champion improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and equipment reliability. The ideal candidate brings a proven record of leadership in heavy stamping environments, strong problem-solving capabilities, and deep technical knowledge of press shop and tooling systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production planning, scheduling, and floor execution to consistently satisfy customer delivery requirements.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate shift supervisors and department personnel while cultivating a culture of accountability and high engagement.
• Manage equipment, materials, and department staffing to optimize productivity and support plant cost-control goals.
• Uphold strict environmental, health, and safety standards, actively promoting a safety-first mindset and 5S principles.
• Collaborate closely with Tool & Die, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to minimize machine downtime and address production bottlenecks.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies to reduce scrap, eliminate defects, and optimize press run efficiency.
• Maintain operational, safety, and production records, leveraging plant data to guide decisions and improve overall performance.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of leadership experience within a heavy metal stamping manufacturing environment.
• Strong, hands-on working knowledge of heavy metal stamping operations and press shop workflows.
• Demonstrated background leading production teams and shift supervisors within a high-volume manufacturing plant.
• Practical knowledge of stamping presses, tooling systems, manufacturing processes, and equipment maintenance practices.
• Demonstrated track record of improving safety, operational quality, uptime, and productivity metrics.
• Degree in Engineering, Tooling, or Maintenance, OR 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in a similar position.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in an industrial manufacturing setting and support overtime or weekend schedules as production demands require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical background or hands-on experience in Tool & Die or press tooling systems.
• Direct experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, and Six Sigma root cause problem-solving.

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