Manufacturing Shift Team Lead

Back Manufacturing Shift Team Lead
Technical Services New Castle , Delaware Full-Time Nov 2, 2026

Join a critical leadership role within a continuous chemical manufacturing operation where you will lead shift activities, support safe and efficient plant performance, and serve as the primary resource for operational decision-making. As the Shift Team Leader, you'll work closely with operators and laboratory personnel to troubleshoot process challenges, optimize production, and drive operational excellence. This hands‑on position is ideal for a technical leader who enjoys mentoring teams while remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day plant operations.

TAI brings together engineering, construction, systems integration, on‑site services, and technical services — combining proven execution with trusted expertise to support clients across the entire project lifecycle. Team members at TAI are capable, well‑rounded, flexible, and optimistic. We have found that the best employees are the ones who recognize the importance of what they do and the ones who let that guide them in the actions they take.

More than any skill, we seek people who make decisions that support the common good. We work for our clients, and we work for one another.

• We are seeking a Shift Team Lead to provide frontline leadership for a 24/7 continuous manufacturing operation.
• This role is responsible for leading shift personnel, ensuring safe and compliant operations, driving production performance, and supporting operational excellence.
• The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, refinery operations, or other continuous process industries, along with strong leadership skills and a proven commitment to safety.
• Promote and reinforce safe work practices and a strong safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with site safety procedures, environmental requirements, and operating standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and unit safety requirements.
• Conduct safety observations, facility inspections, and compliance audits.
• Prepare and coordinate safe work permits for maintenance and contractor activities.
• Support incident investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure shift activities comply with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the lead resource during assigned shifts and coordinate daily operational activities.
• Assist operators in troubleshooting process, equipment, and product quality issues.
• Support achievement of production targets while optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Coordinate shift priorities and ensure effective communication during shift handoffs.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to operations and laboratory personnel.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new technicians and operators.
• Promote accountability to established operating procedures and safety standards.
• Foster teamwork and effective communication across shifts and departments.
• Share best practices and serve as a technical resource for shift personnel.

• 3+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, refining, specialty chemicals, industrial gases, or other continuous process manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience operating and troubleshooting process equipment in a 24/7 continuous manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in Process Safety Management (PSM) facilities, including permit‑to‑work systems, LOTO, MOC, incident investigations, and regulatory compliance.
• Previous supervisory experience as a Shift Lead, Lead Operator, Senior Operator, Operations Supervisor, or…