Assistant Production Team Lead - Vantage - Standish

Join Our Team and Mold Tomorrow’s Innovations in Plastics Manufacturing

At Vantage Plastics, we are dedicated to becoming a premier employer. Our commitment to achieving this goal is centered on fostering individual development, ensuring world-class safety, and enhancing integration and process automation. We prioritize the growth and career advancement of every team member, creating a safe and healthy work environment. By streamlining our operations and implementing advanced technologies, we drive innovation and efficiency.

Join Vantage Plastics as we create a future where excellence, safety, and innovation thrive.

Location: Standish, MI

Job :262

# of Openings:1

This is a day position. Schedule is 2-2-3.

The Assistant Team Leader supports the Production Team Leader in driving daily operational excellence through safety, efficiency, quality, and performance accountability. A core focus of this role is understanding and applying Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) principles to meet or exceed production targets. This includes reinforcing expectations around cycle time accuracy, minimizing scrap through real-time escalation, and continuously improving machine utilization. The Assistant Team Leader leads by example—conducting Gemba walks, monitoring performance metrics, and motivating team members to align with company goals through teamwork, consistency, and proactive problem-solving.

• Participate in daily production planning and identify safety, quality, or performance concerns; offer immediate and sustainable solutions.
• Lead efforts to track and improve OEE by ensuring machines run at proper cycle times, scrap events are escalated promptly, and setup, production, and downtime hours are accurately measured and documented.
• Conduct Gemba walks to verify part quality, support operator engagement, and maintain a visual presence on the floor.
• Assist in scheduling personnel and job assignments to maximize output and skill utilization.
• Provide hands-on training in basic machine operation, troubleshooting, and OEE awareness to elevate team capability.
• Promote a culture of safety and ensure full compliance with MIOSHA regulations and company standards.
• Support implementation of process improvements and corrective actions based on performance gaps or production challenges.
• Ensure that team members have the right tools, materials, and support to succeed in their roles.
• Perform basic maintenance and confirm TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) activities are completed consistently.
• Report equipment and facility issues to the Maintenance and Production Manager.
• Deliver and support performance reviews and recognition aligned with company values and objectives.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving customer or business needs while keeping the team aligned on expectations.

• Completion of PROD-510 Assistant Team Lead Training or similar programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PLEX (or equivalent ERP systems).
• Strong communication and coaching skills.
• Deep understanding of OEE and how to influence it through cycle time management, scrap control, and downtime tracking.
• Ability to interpret and act on safety, quality, and production metrics.
• Organizational skills to prioritize and guide a team toward consistent performance.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years in a production environment.
• At least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory support role.
• Vacuum thermoforming experience preferred.

Provides guidance and direction to team members and supports production leadership as needed.

• Must be able to work in loud industrial environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stretch, squat, and climb to access equipment and work areas.

This position directly supports safety, environmental compliance, quality, reliability, and productivity through the application of OEE and team leadership principles.