Abrasives Department Lead
Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Country: United States
Category: Engineering
Workplace Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Direct Hire/Perm
Posted Date: September 29, 2026
Job ID: 652279
Job Description
An Abrasives Department Lead responsible for overseeing daily operations and workflow within the Abrasives Department to ensure production goals, quality standards, and customer requirements are consistently met. This role leads and develops department employees, coordinates production schedules, ensures proper handling and processing of raw materials and drives continuous improvement across safety, quality, efficiency, and documentation practices.
Required:
- High School diploma or GED required. Technical, vocational, or manufacturing related education is preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on manufacturing experience may be considered.
- Minimum of five years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
- Experience in abrasive manufacturing, diamond tooling, material mixing/formulation, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, with strong communication and mechanical, and computer skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to understand and troubleshoot manufacturing processes.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple production requirements in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work effectively with management and other departments.
- Ability to work independently while also being team-oriented leader.
- Oversee daily operations and workflow within the Abrasives Department.
- Lead, train, coach, and support department employees to ensure production goals and quality standards are met.
- Plan and coordinate daily production activities-based customer requirements and production schedules.
- Ensure raw materials, including bond, diamonds, and other materials, are properly handled measured, mixed (using weight scales), and processed according to established specifications and procedures.
- Monitor production processes to ensure consistency, quality and accuracy.
- Troubleshoot production and material related issues and work with employees and management to find effective solutions.
- Monitor department supplies, materials, and inventory needs and communicate shortages or concerns to management.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
- Generate in-process work orders.
- Enter new work orders based on sales orders.
- Review replenishment reports - Abrasives (below min quantities).
- Generate in-process work orders based on Tooling Rework requests.
- Generate new master work order.
- Creating designs for new stone configurations.
- Updating Technical Specification Sheets (i.e., bond type, crystal type, pressure type, density type, etc.).
- Oversee and control documents that drive the sinter press process.
- Training Sinter Press Operators.
- Abrasive Department Maintenance.
- Sinter Press Calibration.
- Scheduling the daily workflow.
- Sintering - slotted stones, hard stones, small sticks, high scrap jobs.
At The Planet Group, we connect Manufacturing experts with opportunities that match their skills, goals, and ambition. From fast-moving startups to global enterprises, we partner with top organizations across industries--giving you access to roles where your contributions make a difference. Explore flexible options including contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire, all supported by a team that puts people first.
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The Planet Group and our companies are equal opportunity employers. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.
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About The Planet Group
The Planet Group is a global professional services firm delivering strategic staffing and advisory solutions. We operate at the intersection of talent and transformation – connecting the right people with the right opportunities in the areas of technology, engineering, accounting & finance, digital marketing, and manufacturing.
As one of the largest staffing companies in the US, we operate with a global reach and a performance-first mindset. We partner with clients to move fast, stay agile, and drive measurable results – building high-impact teams that fuel transformation and growth.
