Material Handling Process Team Leader (1st Shift)

Stryker•Portage, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Material Handling Process Team Leader on 1st shift, you will lead material handling operations to ensure the safe, efficient flow of materials supporting production. You will be responsible for team performance across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, employee engagement, and cost while developing employees and driving continuous improvement. The role includes leading and developing the material handling team, ensuring effective material flow and replenishment, allocating labor and resources, and resolving issues that could affect production. You will partner with cross-functional teams and use data, KPIs, and operational metrics to set priorities and support decision-making. You will also lead process improvement, cost reduction, and standardization initiatives, and promote operational excellence through Lean manufacturing, 6S, and the Managing Daily Improvement process. You will own Leader Standard Work and audit requirements, manage labor matters such as overtime approval and timecards, and support recruiting, onboarding, and workforce planning for temporary and permanent employees. The position also involves promoting employee engagement and ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality, legal, corporate, and human resources policies and procedures. Participation in audits and leading plant tours may be required. The role is onsite and works Monday through Wednesday, plus every other Thursday, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Travel is 0%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or 6+ years of equivalent experience.
4+ years of relevant experience.
Ability to drive team productivity while maintaining high levels of quality, safety, employee engagement, and morale.
Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to teach and coach individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying communication and technical skills.

Nice To Haves

1+ year of people management or leadership experience.
Lean Six Sigma or related experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the material handling team through coaching, performance management, career development, and accountability.
Ensure effective material flow and replenishment to support production schedules and minimize disruptions.
Allocate labor and resources based on production needs, priorities, and operational standards.
Identify and troubleshoot material, equipment, or process issues that could affect production.
Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and support production goals and operational performance.
Use data, KPIs, and operational metrics to identify priorities, forecast business needs, and guide decisions.
Identify and lead process improvement, cost reduction, and standardization initiatives.
Promote continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing, 6S, and other operational excellence initiatives.
Lead and coach the Managing Daily Improvement process through Tier 2 and support Tier 3 as needed.
Own and execute Leader Standard Work and audit requirements, including Quality and 6S.
Manage labor requirements, including overtime approval, timecard management, and workforce planning.
Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning for temporary and permanent employees.
Foster employee engagement and a culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and employee development.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, legal, corporate, and human resources policies and procedures.
Participate in audits and lead plant tours as needed.