Sheet Metal Forming Team Lead (CNC Press Brake)

Company: JIREH METAL PRODUCTS | Location: Grandville, MI

Reports To: Production Manager

Collaborates With: Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance

Why Jireh and why this role

Lead a high-impact forming cell where precision, safety, and teamwork drive results. You’ll shape how work flows, how operators learn, and how parts meet spec the first time.

What you’ll lead

• Safety & 5S Leadership: Model safe behaviors, enforce PPE and safeguards, and keep the area audit-ready.
• Team Direction: Plan and assign daily work based on schedule, staffing, tooling, and materials.
• Training Engine: Cross-train operators on programming, setups, blueprint reading, inspection, and quality expectations.
• Capability Building: Evaluate skills, identify gaps, and establish backup coverage for critical jobs and equipment.
• Communication: Keep the Production Manager informed on progress, delays, quality concerns, and resource needs.

How you’ll execute

• Press Brake Mastery: Program, set up, and operate CNC press brakes per work instructions and schedule.
• Technical Clarity: Read drawings, work orders, bend data, and specs; choose and verify punches, dies, and tooling.
• Complex Setups: Tackle tough jobs, troubleshoot, and fine-tune processes.
• Quality at Source: Perform first-piece and in-process inspections; adjust to maintain quality and throughput.

Process & documentation ownership

• Create and maintain programs, tooling lists, setup sheets, and inspection requirements.
• Standardize repeatable setups so trained operators produce conforming parts consistently.
• Organize and control revisions for programs and documents.
• Update content for engineering changes, tooling updates, production issues, and lessons learned.

Assets & equipment

• Conduct routine checks; confirm required maintenance is performed.
• Maintain tooling condition; report wear or damage.
• Diagnose machine, programming, setup, and tooling problems.

Systems you’ll use

• Complete accurate production records and required paperwork.
• Leverage Plex, Job Web, machine programming systems, and related manufacturing software.
• Capture quantities, labor, scrap, downtime, setup times, and quality data with precision.

Continuous improvement

• Lead initiatives in safety, quality, setup reduction, productivity, tooling organization, and error prevention.
• Support new product launches, process development, and readiness.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Material Handling to elevate performance.
• Take on other tasks as needed to meet customer and business objectives.

Required qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Hands-on experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC press brakes.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
• Experience with precision measurement and inspection tools.
• Demonstrated ability to direct work, train others, and provide technical support.
• Commitment to safe work in a manufacturing setting.

Preferred qualifications

• Five or more years of CNC press brake experience.
• Background as a lead, supervisor, or trainer.
• Experience developing programs, setup documentation, and standardized work.
• Experience in metal fabrication manufacturing.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Safety- and quality-first mindset.
• Expertise in CNC press brake programming, tooling, setups, and forming methods.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Organized with the ability to set priorities and coordinate a small team.
• Aptitude for writing clear, repeatable job documentation.
• Reliable attendance and work habits.

Physical demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching.
• Good hand–eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Continuous visual attention while operating and inspecting.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks throughout the day.

Work environment & PPE

• Manufacturing environment with moving machinery and equipment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, oils, grease, sharp metal edges, and varying temperatures.
• Strict adherence to safety procedures is required.
• Safety glasses and hearing protection required; additional PPE as tasks dictate.

How success is measured

• Safety performance.
• Team leadership, training, and development.
• Quality performance and first-pass yield.
• Productivity and schedule attainment.
• Setup efficiency and machine utilization.
• Accuracy and completeness of job documentation.
• Scrap, rework, downtime, and recurrence reduction.
• Housekeeping and 5S compliance.
• Adherence to work instructions and procedures.

Proficiencies

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Packaging Experience
• Machine Geometry & Alignment
• Precision Measurement & Inspection
• Meets Physical Requirements
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
• Blueprint Reading

Tools & technologies

• 2D Drawings (SolidWorks)
• Press Brake
• CAD Software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• ERP Software (Plex)
• Measurement Gauges
• Calipers and Micrometers