Operations Team Leader

Colgate • Morristown, TN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Team Leader is a frontline leader responsible for technical performance, team engagement, frontline employees, and daily production. The role leads operational programs—including Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Operational Excellence (OPEX)—to improve safety, quality, service, and cost. By engaging employees and promoting continuous improvement, the Team Leader works to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), optimize yield variances, and consistently achieve key performance indicators and daily goals. The position is also accountable for business results, data-driven insights, positive employee and labor relations, team development along defined career pathways, and the efficient operation of people and technical assets.

This is a night-shift role with a 12-hour schedule from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., following a 2.2.3 schedule. The role is based in a manufacturing environment and may require irregular shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability during off hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a business-related field is preferred.
• Ability to manage production activities, resource allocation, shift coordination, and schedule management to meet production goals.
• Ability to ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Quality Assurance, Food Safety initiatives, safety policies, and environmental health standards.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, listen to others, and promote efficient information flow.
• Ability to manage conflict, seek mutually beneficial solutions, and handle labor relations issues effectively.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners, communicate effectively with leadership, and facilitate the transfer of best practices.
• Demonstrate leadership values aligned with the company's Leadership Principles.
• Able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working in confined spaces and hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Able to wear required personal protective equipment and fall protection equipment.
• Able to work irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and be on call during off hours.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in SAP systems and FP&R Standards.
• Proficiency with Google Suite applications.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• At least one year of working knowledge of production and process equipment, preferably in a processing industry such as food, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate Technicians engaged in production; plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals and demands.
• Drive OPEX and continuous improvement, follow EHS, Quality, and Operational Efficiency standards, maintain KPIs, and lead initiatives to optimize plant performance.
• Track and analyze KPIs, prepare Plant Performance Reports on inventory loss/gain and formula or yield variances, and identify and implement process improvements.
• Lead the Autonomous Maintenance program on the floor, maintain action plans, ensure tools are used correctly, advance program steps, and eliminate technical losses.
• Coordinate operations and activities within and between departments with other supervisors and facility leaders to ensure seamless workflow.
• Provide Technicians with ongoing, real-time coaching and feedback to build technical competencies and self-sufficiency.
• Coordinate technical training, coach and provide feedback to team members, and resolve labor concerns in a timely manner.
• Ensure adherence to EHS standards, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices; lead incident investigations, support corrective action plans, and provide direction on safety and quality issues.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions, subject to eligibility requirements
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days for salaried employees
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave, adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws
• Potential eligibility for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles
• Relocation assistance within the country

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager