2nd Shift Production Lead

Job Title: 2nd Shift Production Lead (Die Cutting & Print Finishing)
Company: Larkin Industries (DFC Manufacturing Group)
Location: St. Paul, MN
Shift: Second Shift
Job Type: Full-time | Hourly (Non-exempt)

About Larkin Industries

Larkin Industries is a premier print finishing and converting partner in the Twin Cities. We transform printed sheets into high-impact finished products through precision die cutting, folding & gluing, embossing, foil stamping, and specialty finishing. If you take pride in craftsmanship, speed-to-quality, and keeping production moving under deadlines-this is a role where your leadership will matter every day.

Position Summary

The 2nd Shift Production Lead provides day-to-day direction and hands-on support to production employees on the shop floor. This is a working lead role-meaning you'll lead by example while coordinating workflow, supporting training, troubleshooting issues, and helping ensure safety, quality, and schedule commitments are met. You'll partner closely with the Production Supervisor/Manager and serve as the first point of contact for questions and guidance on shift.

Key Responsibilities

Production Support & Coordination

• Help assign daily work and priorities to meet production schedules for die cutting and finishing operations

• Ensure operators and helpers have the correct job tickets, materials, tooling, and instructions to start and complete work

• Act as the first point of contact on shift for process questions, job issues, and troubleshooting

• Jump in on equipment or production tasks when needed (coverage, make-ready support, overloads, urgent jobs)

• Monitor workflow, waste, spoilage, and downtime; escalate issues quickly to leadership and support teams

• Maintain accurate production records (time logs, load tags, skid logs, job tickets, quality documents)

Training & Development

• Train and coach team members on job-specific tasks, safe work practices, and standard operating procedures

• Provide hands-on support during make-readies and changeovers (die cutters, folder gluers, and related equipment)

• Encourage cross-training and team flexibility to support changing priorities and customer demands

• Help maintain training documentation and share performance feedback with the supervisor

Quality & Safety

• Promote and model safe work practices; ensure PPE compliance and correct machine safety behaviors

• Conduct in-process quality checks and verify jobs meet customer and company standards

• Identify recurring quality issues and support root-cause problem solving with operators and leadership

• Maintain housekeeping, organization, and 5S expectations to support a safe, efficient floor

Communication & Team Leadership

• Attend shift huddles/production meetings and communicate priorities clearly to the team

• Communicate effectively across shifts for smooth handoffs and continuity

• Support employee morale through respectful leadership and consistent expectations

• Provide input to the supervisor on performance, training needs, scheduling, and process improvements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience preferred (printing, converting, packaging, or print finishing strongly preferred)

• Demonstrated technical expertise in at least one production area (die cutting, press/finishing, folding & gluing, stripping/blanking, or similar)

• Prior experience training, mentoring, or leading others preferred

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

• Basic math skills and comfort with documentation, logs, and computer entry

• Clear communication skills and a steady, lead-by-example approach

• Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet customer deadlines

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with moderate-to-high noise and moving equipment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (with assistance for heavier items)

Why Join Larkin (2nd Shift)

• Be the go-to leader on the floor-your decisions help keep jobs on time and quality on point

• Work with respected print finishing capabilities and equipment in a high-craft environment

• Stability and growth as part of the DFC Manufacturing Group

• A team-focused culture where strong leads are valued and developed