Summary

The Team Leader supports production operations by coordinating daily shop floor activity, ensuring efficient machine operation, and promoting a safe, high-quality work environment.  This is a working lead position responsible for guiding, supporting, and directing work of operators while actively performing production operator duties.

What You'll Do:

• Operate and monitor molding and automated equipment to produce quality parts.
• Perform start-ups, shutdowns, and basic troubleshooting.
• Prepare production area for start of shift (staffing, materials, equipment readiness).
• Assign and coordinate daily work to ensure smooth production flow.
• Provide real-time direction, coaching and floor support to operators.
• Supports the training and onboarding of new team members on processes and safety.
• Ensures compliance with quality standards and inspection requirements.
• Promotes safety policies, PPE requirements, and 5S practices.
• Model company values, policies, and expected behaviors.
• Maintain production records and communicate issues to leadership.
• Support production goals and continuous improvement efforts.
• Remove finished parts and perform trimming or secondary operations.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections using gauges, calipers, and templates.
• Document production counts and inspection results accurately.
• Follow all required safety procedures, PPE guidelines, and lockout/tagout practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation following 5S principles.
• Perform basic equipment cleaning, clearing jams, and assisting maintenance or technicians when needed.
• Report equipment or quality issues to Supervisors promptly.
• Work collaboratively with the Plant Manager, Supervisors, Quality, and Maintenance teams to meet production goals.
• Conforms to scheduled hours including overtime; complies with time and attendance policy

What You'll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2-3 years’ experience in automotive manufacturing or injection molding (or similar environment).  Prior experience as a trainer or lead desired.

What We Value

• Ability to provide clear direction to others, providing support and coaching
• Professional demeanor, calm and controlled style.
• Ability to coach and guide a group consisting of different personalities and work styles
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use measurement tools such as calipers and gauges.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
• Collaborative, team-oriented attitude.
• Must be reliable, have good attendance, and maintain a dependable and efficient work ethic.
• Safety and Quality oriented.

Preferred

• Familiarity with automated machinery and robotics.
• Familiarity with automotive PPAP, APQP, IATF or ISO/TS quality requirements.
• Knowledge of plastic materials, molding parameters, and basic machine troubleshooting.  Ability to read work instructions
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with sofit trim parts and finesse
• An interest in developing within the company (learning new skills or growth opportunities)
• Ability to operate forklift

Physical and Work Requirements        

• Work performed in a manufacturing plant with exposure to noise, heat, and industrial chemicals; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• Ability to walk, bend, reach, lift, sit or stand for extended periods, use small hand tools and lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with robotic and molding equipment.

Work Environment

This environment includes molding presses, automated handling systems, robotic equipment, and inspection tools. The plant operates under automotive quality standards including IATF 16949 and ISO 9001.

Career Path Possibilities (with success and time in role): Tracks to Plant Supervisor, Production Manager, Plant Manager