Production Team Leader - Plastics

Overview

The Production Team Leader for Plastics leads all aspects of their assigned shifts, including associate training, work assignments, safety, quality, productivity, mold changeover improvement, OEE processes, and requirements. They coordinate and supervise activities across all 3 shifts within the Plastics operation, set shift direction, assist in work centers as needed, and deliver operational excellence in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The role drives continuous improvement, offers technical support, addresses safety/quality/downtime issues, and coaches team members while partnering with Plant Engineering, Quality, Planning, Maintenance, and Warehousing.

• Leads associates in the performance of daily operations.
• Owning and accountability for structured continuous improvement, changeover initiatives, and OEE plant-floor focus.
• Responsible for daily staff machine assignments, first‑article quality inspections, addressing immediate machine outages for resolution, and promoting safety and quality. Ensures KPI’s for floor metrics are observed including run rates, efficiency, and data collection.
• Communicates with inbound or outbound shifts on line status, quality or production issues, or any safety matters that occur.
• Works in conjunction with the Facilities & Safety team on all safety aspects related to the production of products, driving BBS observations and ensuring all safety policies are followed.
• Works in conjunction with the Quality Assurance team on all quality aspects related to the production of quality products, ensuring all monitoring is conducted and products meet standards.
• Coordinates with the Planning team on all production needs to meet schedule requirements and optimize personnel and equipment usage.
• Works in conjunction with the Maintenance Department to maintain equipment and facilities, acting as the maintenance contact to resolve issues.
• Partners with Plant Engineering to drive process improvements, data collection & visibility, tooling and equipment obsolescence plans, new capital projects, and training events.
• Administrates company policies and procedures, provides real‑time feedback, documents conversations, and works within progressive discipline.
• Responsible for associate time tracking, reviewing timecards, and approving vacations.
• Participates in new associate interviews and provides input to Plant Leadership on new hires.
• Works with Human Resources and Plant leadership on all associate performance appraisals, merit and promotional increases, and disciplinary actions.
• Identifies training needs and coordinates training activities, working with training staff to allocate required time.
• Works overtime as required to support customer requirements and vacation coverage for other team members.
• Coordinates with the leadership team on temporary staffing needs, positioning of temporary staff, and performance of team members.
• Assists floor associates in set‑up duties, problem‑solving, and periodic role coverage as needed.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

• Degree minimum:
  High School Diploma or equivalent
• Specific concentration:
  Manufacturing environment
• Experience level: 2‑4 years

• Education:
  
  Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Business, Science, or Engineering
• Experience in Plastics extrusion or injection molding
• Familiarity with Oracle software, data collection, and analysis software – Preferred

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel
• Organizational development experience
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Hilo (Forklift) Certification/License (BISSELL will provide if needed)