Job Description
Job DescriptionLead Worker – Controls Department
Location: Ashland, MA
Reports To: Production Supervisor, Controls
About KiddeFenwalKiddeFenwal is a global leader in industrial and commercial fire suppression systems and safety controls. Through our trusted brands—Kidde Fire Systems and Kidde Fire Protection—we deliver certified fire detection, suppression, and control solutions across industrial, commercial, and marine sectors. Our Fenwal Controls business supports OEMs with gas ignition, temperature control, and overheat detection products.Headquartered in Ashland, Massachusetts, with operations in the United States, United Kingdom (KFI-UK), and India (KTI-India), we are committed to protecting lives, livelihoods, and iconic assets worldwide. Learn more at www.kiddefenwal.comOur Purpose We protect lives and livelihoods through innovation, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to excellence. Integrity, safety, and teamwork are the foundation of everything we do.About the Role
The Controls Lead Worker is responsible for coordinating daily operations within the Controls production area to ensure schedules, quality, and delivery targets are met. This role involves assigning workloads, supporting employees with training and troubleshooting, and ensuring all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Leadership & Coordination
- Assign daily workloads to employees to meet both repetitive build schedules and dispatch report work order commitments.
- Collaborate with Production Planners to align output with customer and business needs.
- Maintain WIP (Work-In-Progress) inventory accuracy, reconciling discrepancies with Planning, Quality, and Supply Chain.
- Ensure on-time delivery performance for all assigned product lines.
- Lead daily team meetings to review safety, quality, and productivity goals.
- Technical & Operational Support
- Verify readiness of materials, tooling, and equipment at the start of each shift.
- Review route sheets, blueprints, and drawings to determine set-up requirements and run first-piece verification.
- Assign and instruct operators, ensuring understanding of process steps, quality standards, and job safety requirements.
- Monitor operations throughout the shift, making necessary adjustments or minor repairs to maintain quality.
- Coordinate with Process and Quality Engineering for process non-conformance issues.
- Partner with Quality to resolve material or calibration issues promptly.
- Training & Continuous Improvement
- Train and mentor new or less experienced employees on job procedures, safety, and documentation.
- Promote Lean Manufacturing principles by maintaining visual management tools (DMS boards) and supporting cycle counts on high runners.
- Encourage proactive problem-solving and ownership among team members.
- Participate in Kaizen and process improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality.
- Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all employees follow EH&S policies, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements, and 5S/housekeeping standards.
- Verify all calibration tools are brought down before expiration and documented.
- Report unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or defective materials to supervision immediately.
- Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain required production and quality records accurately.
- Perform weekly cycle counts and assist in investigating negative inventory or transaction errors.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety procedures, and quality standards.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED (accredited institution).
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
- Strong computer skills including proficiency in applications such as JDE and Microsoft Excel/Office.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and departmental procedures.
- Capable of performing basic mathematical calculations and using precision measuring instruments.
- Must meet physical requirements including frequent lifting and movement of heavy materials.
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in electromechanical assembly and soldering.
- Background in testing and calibration processes.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
Success Attributes
- Strong leadership presence with hands-on, team-focused approach.
- Ability to balance production priorities under dynamic schedules.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and effective communication across departments.
Kidde-Fenwal is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants
Will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected
characteristic.