Production Lead

Thrive Recruitment Inc. is exclusively recruiting for this role with our innovative and growing client, Industrial Plankton. They design and manufacture photobioreactors used in cutting‑edge biotech applications. They are looking for a Production Lead who can be the heartbeat of the shop floor, someone who keeps production moving, supports the team and maintains a high bar for quality and efficiency. This is role is ideal for someone who leads alongside and when needed, from the back, guiding the team, keeping the rope together, and working with them rather than standing above them. If you are a hands-on leader who takes pride in building high‑quality equipment, and you’re the person others naturally turn to on the shop floor, this is the kind of role where you’ll have a real impact on the operations of the business. The role is located in Victoria B.C. and we are only interviewing local candidates. If you are planning on relocating, please state so in your resume or add a brief cover letter to explain your move. What You’ll Be Doing You’ll be the go‑to person on the floor, supporting the Production Manager and leading the day‑to‑day execution of builds in the assembly area. You will act as the first point of contact for the production team on technical and build‑related issues, keep production moving by prioritizing work and assigning tasks, and help maintain realistic, accurate build schedules. You will support the assembly and fabrication of photobioreactors and subassemblies (mechanical and electrical), ensuring quality standards are met through inspections, calibration, and accurate documentation. You will oversee equipment packing and help coordinate builds across departments, train new hires and mentor existing team members (including co‑op students) and maintain production tools and equipment, including basic scheduled maintenance. You will support inventory flow by helping with receiving, inspection, and stocking of parts, contribute to a clean, safe, organized shop environment and participate in health and safety initiatives, including the Joint Health & Safety Committee. This is a working leadership role. You will not be sitting behind a desk. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, reading the room, and making sure nothing is left half finished. What You Bring: - At least 1 year of experience leading or supervising in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment - Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience with tools and equipment - Experience assembling and testing mechanical and/or electrical systems - Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, and work instructions - Proven troubleshooting skills. You can diagnose issues and fix them quickly - High attention to detail and pride in quality work - Clear communicator who can work across teams - Comfortable working independently and making decisions on the floor - Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a PPE environment - Valid driver’s license and eligibility to work in Canada Nice to have (but not required): - Experience with ERP/MRP systems or inventory management - Forklift certification, exposure to quality assurance processes - Experience in plastics, thermoforming, or light fabrication environments. The Kind of Person Who Thrives at Industrial Plankton: - You lead by example and believe nobody is above any task. - You move with urgency and keep things on track without creating chaos. - You are comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a build environment and take ownership as a problem solver rather than a finger pointer. - You are positive, practical, team‑oriented, and emotionally intelligent. - You can read people, keep the team engaged, and you are the kind of person who pitches in, sweeps the floor when needed, and gets things done. Why This Role Is Worth Considering: - You will have real influence on how production runs, not just execute someone else’s plan. - You will be part of a tight‑knit team where your leadership actually matters and your approach to people will be noticed. - You’ll work in a hands‑on, build‑focused environment that is not overly bureaucratic, with exposure to innovative, specialized work at the intersection of mechanical and electrical systems. - As Industrial Plankton continues its strong growth, the Production Lead role is designed as a succession path into broader production leadership for the right person While we appreciate your interest, only those who meet the qualifications will be contacted. Please do not submit a cover letter, your resume is all that we need.