Team Leader

The Team Lead is responsible for providing leadership and operational support within a high-performance manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Shift Supervisor, this position plays a key role in ensuring daily production activities meet established expectations for safety, productivity, quality, cost performance, and operational efficiency. The Team Lead oversees assigned production activities, coordinates staffing and scheduling, supports inventory management, and works closely with Production, Quality, Scheduling, and Customer Service teams. This position also helps develop employees through coaching and training while driving continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen overall department performance. Shift: Second Shift, 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily production activities for assigned departments, equipment, or machinery; Provide direction and support to production employees to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations; Monitor department performance and help ensure production goals, customer requirements, and operational expectations are met; Communicate directly with Plant Scheduling, Customer Service, and Quality regarding production status and finishing department activities; Proactively communicate potential production or shipping delays to appropriate teams; Coordinate staffing and scheduling for assigned departments to maintain adequate production coverage; Schedule department employees and assign machine coverage to accommodate vacations, absences, and overtime; Support daily operational decisions to maintain production efficiency and minimize disruptions; Coordinate inventory requirements, material orders, and cycle-counting activities; Provide leadership, coaching, and training to department employees; Support employee development through education, teamwork, and ongoing performance guidance; Encourage employee involvement and promote a positive, collaborative work environment; Motivate team members through positive reinforcement, engagement, and clear communication; Help establish and maintain high expectations for safety, quality, productivity, and overall performance; Work closely with Senior Operators and other team members to support department priorities; Support department safety initiatives and help maintain a safe working environment; Make quality-related decisions in collaboration with Quality Technicians when production concerns arise; Work with the Quality/Customer Service Development (CSD) Pillar Leader to develop and revise procedures that accurately document department processes; Lead Daily Team Maintenance (DTM) and 5S activities in collaboration with Senior Operators; Propose and co-lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing machine speeds, improving throughput, reducing labor requirements, and strengthening operational performance; Apply continuous improvement methodologies and Lean tools to identify opportunities for efficiency and process improvement; Encourage employees to participate in improvement initiatives and maintain organized, efficient work areas; Support efforts to improve department quality, productivity, and cost performance; Perform additional leadership and production-related responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

5+ years of experience within the department or a related manufacturing environment; Strong knowledge and understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and Lean manufacturing tools; High sense of urgency, initiative, and self-motivation; Ability to provide leadership, direction, and support to production employees; Ability to effectively coordinate staffing, scheduling, and production priorities; Ability to motivate others through employee involvement, positive reinforcement, and teamwork; Comfortable making operational decisions and working collaboratively to resolve quality or production concerns; Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills; Continually challenges self and team to raise performance expectations and identify opportunities for improvement; Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and productivity; High school diploma or GED preferred but not required; Candidates must demonstrate the necessary manufacturing experience and the required literacy, numeracy, and technical skills

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources; Paid time off and holidays; Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans including life, accident, and disability coverage; Tuition reimbursement