Lead Hand - Manufacturing - Full Time
Stemmler's is an award-winning business with a deep tradition of supporting the local community and their farming families. We believe in delivering exceptional quality foods and customer service without compromise. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Lead Hand to support our Manufacturing team at our Waterloo location.
Summary of Role
The Lead Hand supports the daily execution of the manufacturing schedule with a strong focus on workflow, team support, quality, safety, and manufacturing efficiency. This role is hands-on and floor-focused, helping coordinate employees, materials, equipment, and process flow while ensuring work is completed to company standards.
The ideal candidate is reliable, organized, comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment, and able to provide clear direction while supporting team members and escalating issues when required.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations
- Support daily manufacturing activities across assigned areas
- Help coordinate workflow to ensure labour, materials, and equipment are ready to support manufacturing targets
- Monitor manufacturing progress and communicate delays, issues, or bottlenecks to the Manufacturing Supervisor
- Help identify practical solutions to improve flow, reduce downtime, and limit waste
- Work hands-on in manufacturing as required to support the team and daily schedule
Equipment & Process Support
- Monitor equipment and work areas for safe and proper operation
- Report equipment concerns, process issues, or safety risks promptly
- Support changeovers, setup, cleanup, and general organization of tools, materials, and equipment
- Work closely with Maintenance and the Manufacturing Supervisor when equipment issues affect workflow
- Support continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, labour utilization, and process reliability
Leadership & Team Support
- Provide day-to-day floor support to Manufacturing Associates
- Assist with training new and existing employees on procedures, equipment, and work standards
- Provide clear task direction and help employees understand daily priorities
- Lead by example through strong attendance, work ethic, professionalism, and safe work habits
- Reinforce company expectations in a respectful and consistent manner
- Escalate attendance, performance, conduct, safety, or quality concerns to the Manufacturing Supervisor
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Help ensure employees follow company procedures, quality standards, and workplace safety requirements
- Monitor work for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with required standards
- Identify and report quality concerns, process issues, or non-conformances
- Support corrective actions as directed by supervision or management
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the shift
Inventory & Administration
- Assist with material verification, counts, organization, and movement as required
- Support inventory counts and help investigate manufacturing-related discrepancies
- Help ensure required documentation, checklists, and records are completed accurately and on time
- Communicate material shortages, labour concerns, equipment issues, and workflow updates to the Manufacturing Supervisor
- Escalate complex issues as needed
Qualifications
- Experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or processing environment preferred
- Previous lead hand, trainer, team lead, or floor leadership experience is an asset
- Strong understanding of manufacturing workflow, equipment use, and workplace safety expectations
- Ability to support team members and give clear direction in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Reliable, accountable, and comfortable working hands-on
- Basic paperwork, counting, and computer skills are an asset
- Ability to work with different personalities and support a team environment
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to stand, bend, twist, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
- Strong manual dexterity and ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment
Work Schedule
Day shift with flexible start and finish times based on manufacturing requirements.
Compensation
$19 - $20 per hour
Job Types
Full-time, Permanent
Work Location
In person - Waterloo, Ontario
Pay: $19.00-$20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
