Production Team Leader I

Watlow Recruitment Team • Columbia, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Team Leader is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations within assigned production cells to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met. This role supports customer demand and value stream objectives by coaching team members, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement using the Watlow Business System (WBS). This position plays a key role in creating a safe, engaged, and high-performing production environment while developing team capability and sustaining operational excellence.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply root cause analysis tools.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; approachable and credible leader.
• Ability to coach, develop, and influence others.
• Comfortable working with data, metrics, and performance tracking tools.
• Ability to make sound decisions and know when to escalate issues appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or similar systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities to meet Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) goals.
• Manage labor and capacity using time and attendance data to meet production requirements.
• Utilize daily operating systems and Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI) to drive performance at the cell level.
• Ensure standard work and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed consistently.
• Coach and support team members to build skills, accountability, and engagement.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive team environment.
• Support the deployment of Watlow’s Leader Behaviors and Coaching Forward practices.
• Train team members across multiple processes and work areas as needed.
• Lead and participate in root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) efforts.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve processes.
• Support and participate in Lean and Continuous Improvement (CI) events.
• Apply Watlow Business System tools and techniques to drive sustainable improvements.
• Troubleshoot issues related to processes, equipment, and product quality.
• Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Ensure 6S standards are developed, deployed, and sustained.
• Support safety training and compliance with all safety practices.

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees