T/F Lead Operator

Job Location: Portage, WI

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.

SUMMARY: The Production Lead is responsible to assist and / or represent the Supervisor by coordinating activities of production workers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Inspects products to verify conformance to specifications and directs setup & adjustments of machines.
  • Interprets company policies, specifications, blueprints, and job orders to workers, and assigns duties. Enforces safety policies and procedures.
  • Monitors workers participation to ensure the training provided is being put into use and to see if any additional training is needed.
  • Establishes or adjusts work procedures to meet production schedules.
  • Recommends measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product.
  • Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crew.
  • Analyzes and resolves problems, or assists workers in solving problems.
  • Initiates or suggests plans to motivate workers to achieve work goals.
  • Maintains production records and distributes reports to appropriate personnel.
  • Performs activities of workers within the department.
  • Performs all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures.
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
  • Performs other job duties and assignments as requested or as business needs require.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists / fill-in for Production Supervisor when needed.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High school or equivalent education required. No advanced degree required. Minimum of three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in the plastics industry including extrusion, thermoforming or blow molding a plus. Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other departments and the ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple projects.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents. Ability to effectively present information to all levels of employees including top management in a variety of settings. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

Mathematical And Computer Skills:

Use of basic mathematic skills including fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Ability to operate a variety of office equipment with basic to intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to high. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required in many areas. The use of additional safety equipment may be required.

Must have the ability to periodically work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work.

***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***

KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Published: July 16, 2026