Team Lead, Manufacturing

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Production Team Leader I, you will lead a team of production operators to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) targets that meet customer demand and support Value Stream goals. You’ll drive improvement efforts using the Watlow Business System (WBS) and foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.

• Lead daily production activities to ensure SQDC goals are met in assigned cells.
• Support and drive continuous improvement using Lean and WBS methodologies.
• Manage team performance, attendance, and manpower allocation to meet capacity needs.
• Solve problems quickly using Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methods.
• Foster a safe, organized, and high-performing work environment through 6S and MDI practices.
• Collaborate with leadership, Human Resources, and Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) teams on staffing and safety initiatives.

• High school diploma or GED required;
  Associate’s degree or technical certificate preferred.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or production leadership.
• Leadership training or prior supervisory experience preferred.

• Strong communication, coaching, and team‑building skills.
• Ability to use data to drive decisions and performance improvements.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and WBS tools.
• Proficiency with time and attendance systems and basic computer applications.

• English required; bilingual skills are a plus depending on location.

• Ability to work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and stand or move frequently throughout the shift.

The health, well‑being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career‑enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan with company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward‑thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.