Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Line Runner
💰 $35,000 - $50,000
ManufacturingProductionOperationsLogistics
🎯 Role Definition
A Line Runner is responsible for supporting production line operations by delivering materials, coordinating workflows, and assisting operators to ensure smooth and efficient production. This role involves monitoring line performance, addressing operational issues, and maintaining communication between team members to meet production targets while adhering to quality and safety standards.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Production Associate
- Material Handler
- Assembly Operator
Advancement To:
- Line Leader
- Production Supervisor
- Manufacturing Coordinator
Lateral Moves:
- Quality Control Inspector
- Logistics Coordinator
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Deliver materials, parts, and components to production lines in a timely manner to avoid delays.
- Support production operators by ensuring continuous availability of required supplies and equipment.
- Monitor line performance, reporting operational issues, downtime, or bottlenecks to supervisors.
- Assist with assembly, packaging, and labeling tasks as needed to meet production goals.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas to comply with safety and operational standards.
- Track inventory usage and communicate shortages or discrepancies to inventory control teams.
- Support setup and changeover of production lines for different products or batches.
- Perform routine inspections of tools, equipment, and machinery to ensure proper functioning.
- Document production activities, material usage, and operational incidents accurately.
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and company policies to ensure consistent production quality.
- Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure products meet quality standards.
- Assist with training new line operators on workflow processes and material handling procedures.
- Participate in safety audits, reporting hazards and suggesting improvements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflow and reduce waste.
- Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth coordination between shifts.
- Transport finished goods or subassemblies between production areas efficiently.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Assist in minor troubleshooting of line equipment under supervision.
- Help prepare production lines for end-of-shift cleaning and maintenance activities.
- Support cross-functional teams during peak production periods or special projects.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and operational performance analysis.
- Contribute to the organization’s production and workflow improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with supervisors and other departments to optimize line efficiency.
- Participate in meetings or briefings to align on production schedules and priorities.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Basic knowledge of production line operations and assembly processes.
- Ability to handle materials, tools, and equipment safely.
- Familiarity with inventory tracking and material handling procedures.
- Competence in documenting production activities and reporting issues.
- Knowledge of safety protocols and operational compliance standards.
- Basic understanding of quality control principles.
- Ability to support equipment setup, changeovers, and routine maintenance tasks.
- Competence in using material transport tools such as carts or forklifts (if certified).
- Understanding of workflow optimization and lean manufacturing concepts.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately.
Soft Skills
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks.
- Physical stamina and dexterity to support continuous line operations.
- Time management and organizational skills to meet production targets.
- Problem-solving ability to address minor operational issues efficiently.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Vocational training or certification in manufacturing or logistics.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Manufacturing Technology
- Industrial Operations
- Logistics and Supply Chain
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 1–3 years in production, manufacturing, or warehouse operations.
Preferred:
- Prior experience supporting production lines, material handling, or assembly operations in a manufacturing environment.