Production Team-Lead- 1st Shift

Join Our Team at Peninsula Plastics!

Peninsula Plastics is seeking a motivated, dependable, and experienced Production Team Lead to join our 1st Shift manufacturing team!

As a leader in the thermoforming industry, Peninsula Plastics specializes in manufacturing high-quality, reusable plastic packaging solutions. We are looking for a hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, enjoys working with a team, and is committed to maintaining safety, quality, and production efficiency.

In this role, you will lead a small team of machine operators, assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting, and work closely with production supervisors to ensure daily production goals are achieved.

Important Experience Requirement:
Thermoforming experience is preferred; however, previous injection molding experience is required at a minimum.

• Shift: 1st Shift
• Hours: 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, Monday–Thursday
• Overtime: Mandatory overtime currently required on Fridays
• Location: Auburn Hills and Pontiac, MI (facilities are approximately one mile apart)
• Compensation: $19.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience
• Reports To: Production Supervisor

Team Leadership & Production Coordination

• Lead and support a team of approximately 2–4 machine operators to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Train and guide machine operators on proper equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Monitor daily production activities to ensure production schedules and quality expectations are met.
• Coordinate with production supervisors to prepare for upcoming production orders and minimize downtime.
• Assist with employee performance evaluations and provide feedback to support team development.

Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting

• Assist with setting up, adjusting, and fine‑tuning thermoforming machinery.
• Operate production equipment according to established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and help resolve equipment or production issues in a timely manner.
• Utilize hand and power tools, including routers, drills, scrapers, and deburring tools.
• Load and unload equipment and production materials as needed.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate production records, equipment readings, and required documentation.
• Ensure work areas remain organized, safe, and efficient.
• Assist with organizing and improving work‑cell layouts to support production efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, and overall equipment performance.
• Support production supervisors with additional operational tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in injection molding or thermoforming manufacturing.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train, and support a production team.
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment, plant tools, and production processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Good organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to maintain accurate production records.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands‑on thermoforming equipment experience.
• Previous team lead, supervisory, or manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience with equipment setup, adjustments, and production troubleshooting.
• Background in plant operations or industrial maintenance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours).
• Ability to perform hands‑on manufacturing tasks in a production environment.

At Peninsula Plastics, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental Reimbursement, Vision, Life Insurance, and more after 60 days
• 401K with Company match 50% up to 6%
• Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick Days, etc.
• Career Advancement Opportunities