Operations Team Leader

Colgate•Morristown, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Team Leader is the frontline driver of technical performance and team engagement. This role manages frontline employees and daily production, and leads critical operational programs, including Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Operational Excellence (OPEX) initiatives, to improve safety, quality, service, and cost. The leader connects closely with employees, promotes continuous improvement to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and optimize yield variances, and ensures key performance indicators and daily performance goals are achieved. The role is accountable for business results and data-driven insights, positive employee relations, team development along defined career pathways, and the efficient operation of the area’s technical assets and workforce. The position directs and coordinates technicians’ production activities, plans work schedules and assignments, tracks performance, and implements process improvements. It leads AM program execution on the production floor, supports OPEX initiatives, coordinates workflow with other departments, and provides coaching and technical training. The role also ensures compliance with environmental health and safety (EHS), quality assurance, food safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and leads incident investigations and corrective actions. This position is based in Morristown, Tennessee. Relocation assistance is offered within the country. It requires work in a manufacturing environment and the ability to work irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with off-hours on-call availability.

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 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 work collaboratively with internal and external partners, communicate effectively with leadership, and facilitate transfer of best practices.
Demonstrate leadership values aligned with the company’s Leadership Principles.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment involving bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, confined spaces, hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and fall protection equipment.
Ability 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.
One or more years 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, including planning work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals and demands.
Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement while adhering to EHS, quality, and operational efficiency standards; maintain KPIs and lead initiatives to optimize plant performance.
Track and analyze KPIs, prepare Plant Performance Reports covering 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 with other supervisors and facility leaders within and between departments to support seamless workflow.
Provide ongoing, real-time coaching and feedback to technicians to build technical competencies and self-sufficiency.
Coordinate technical training, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and ensure timely resolution of labor concerns.
Ensure adherence to EHS standards, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and GMP; lead incident investigations, support corrective action plans, and provide direction on safety and quality issues.

Benefits

Relocation assistance within the country.
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 according to role, location, and applicable local laws.
Salaried employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and profit-sharing.
Long-term incentives for executive-level roles.