The Moulder Lead is responsible for the setup, operation, optimization, and oversight of one or more woodworking moulders used in the manufacturing of high-quality millwork products. This role combines technical machine expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring safe operations, efficient workflow, product quality, and team support on the production floor.

The Moulder Lead plays a key role in meeting daily production targets, maintaining department KPIs, minimizing waste, troubleshooting equipment issues, and promoting a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is hands-on, mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and capable of leading by example in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up, calibrate, and operate moulders for a variety of wood profiles and production runs.
• Load and align cutter heads, knives, and tooling accurately to specification.
• Perform knife setup, measurements, balancing, and adjustments as required.
• Monitor machine performance and make operational adjustments to maintain product quality and efficiency.
• Inspect finished products to ensure conformance to quality standards, specifications, and tolerances.
• Troubleshoot machine issues and work proactively to minimize downtime.
• Identify worn or damaged knives/tooling and coordinate replacements as necessary.
• Operate lifting assist devices and material handling equipment safely and effectively.
• Feed stock through moulding, shaping, sanding, and planing machinery to produce finished components.

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and support to Moulder Operators and production team members.
• Assist with onboarding and mentoring new employees on safe operating procedures and quality expectations.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and productivity within the department.
• Support Production Supervisors in achieving production goals, schedules, and departmental KPIs.
• Communicate production concerns, equipment issues, and quality matters effectively to leadership.

Quality & Production

• Follow production schedules and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
• Conduct regular quality inspections using gauges, rules, calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Maintain high standards for product quality while reducing scrap and material waste.
• Accurately prepare, bundle, and label completed orders in accordance with company procedures.
• Read and interpret production specifications, drawings, work orders, and verbal instructions.

Safety & Maintenance

• Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with company policies, the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and workplace safety procedures.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices within the department.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs on equipment.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and hazard-free work environment.
• Report safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or incidents promptly.

Additional Duties

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization efforts.
• Assist other departments as required to support overall production operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• WHMIS certification and Health & Safety Awareness Training (HSAT) required.
• Additional woodworking or manufacturing certifications are considered an asset.

Experience

• 3–5+ years of experience operating woodworking moulders in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous lead hand, trainer, or supervisory experience is considered a strong asset.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting and adjusting machinery.
• Previous woodworking, millwork, or wood manufacturing experience required.
• Experience working within KPI-driven production environments preferred.

Physical Abilities:

Abilities

Definition

Lifting

The ability to lift 50lbs or more repetitively.

Bending

The ability to bend at the knees and waist.

Walking/Standing

The ability to walk/stand for long periods of time.

Grasping

The ability to grasp objects with your hands.

Twisting

The ability to twist at your hips.

Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move hand, hand together with arm, two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Pull / Push

The ability to pull and push raw / finished material.

Balance

The ability to maintain balance while lifting and moving product.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes:

• Strong understanding of woodworking machinery, tooling, and moulding processes.
• Knowledge of production methods, raw materials, quality standards, and manufacturing best practices.
• Familiarity with hardwood species, wood defects, and profile specifications.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance practices and machine troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of workplace safety regulations, including the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Ability to read measuring tools, production drawings, and work instructions accurately.
• Strong mathematical and measurement skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Reliable, dependable, and accountable with a strong work ethic.
• Adaptable and flexible in changing production environments.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and safety awareness.