Team Leader

The Production Team Leader (Extrusion Area) is a working, hands-on leader responsible for supporting and participating in the daily operation of the Extrusion Department. This is not a supervisory-only position.

Leader is expected to work alongside production team members and be capable of performing the core production jobs and tasks within the department when needed.

Leader coordinates daily production activities, provides direction and coaching to team members, responds to production issues, and helps maintain safe, consistent and efficient operations. This position requires the ability to work effectively in a physically active manufacturing environment and to step into production assignments as staffing and operational needs require. Key Responsibilities: (including but not limited to) 1. Leadership & Communication · Lead by example in safety, quality, attendance, and work ethic · Communicate daily priorities, changes, and production needs · Provide clear shift updates on performance, issues, and actions · Coordinate activities between operators, support teams, and leadership · Promote teamwork and a positive work environment 2. Safety & Compliance · Support safe operation of equipment and material handling · Reinforce PPE, LOTO, and general safety practices · Identify and address safety concerns or escalate as needed 3. Production & Operational Leadership · Actively participate in daily production activities and work alongside team members as needed. · Be trained and capable of performing the core production jobs and tasks within the Extrusion Department. · Provide production coverage when staffing shortages, breaks, call-ins, or other operating needs require. · Perform and support line startup, shutdown, changeovers, material handling, and basic troubleshooting. · Monitor production performance, material flow, staffing and equipment issues throughout the shift. · Balance labor and work assignments to meet production requirements. · Respond to downtime, quality concerns, material issues, and other production interruptions. · Operate material-handling equipment, including a forklift/hi-lo, as required by the operation. 4. Quality & Process Control · Verify product quality meets standards · Reinforce standard work and consistent processes · Support containment and escalation of defects or issues · Participate in basic problem solving and follow-up actions 5. Continuous Improvement · Support team involvement in process improvements · Help identify downtime, scrap, or inefficiencies · Maintain organization and workplace standards (5S) 6. Coaching & Development · Train and support team members in daily tasks · Reinforce proper operation, safety, and work practices · Provide feedback and support performance improvement 7. Daily Management & Leader Standard Work · Participate in daily team meetings and shift handoffs · Communicate key updates and issues to leadership · Support standard daily checks, audits, and follow-ups Qualifications & Requirements: · High School Diploma or equivalent · Manufacturing experience required; plastics or extrusion experience preferred. · Previous team lead or informal leadership experience preferred. · Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. · Mechanical/process aptitude and willingness to learn all Extrusion production functions. · Must be willing and able to operate a forklift/hi-lo. Previous experience is preferred but not required; company training and qualification will be provided. · Must be willing and able to work as a hands-on member of the production team and perform the core jobs within the Extrusion Department. Must be able to: · Regularly stand, walk, bend, reach , twist, push, pull and work above and below waist level throughout the shift. · Frequently lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs. · Safely perform the physical requirements associated with the core