Team Lead, Manufacturing - Weekend Shift

Watlow Recruitment Team • Winona, MN

5d • $65,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Team Leader, Manufacturing provides frontline leadership for a manufacturing team, ensuring the safe, efficient, and consistent production of quality products that meet customer expectations. The role drives daily performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP), while fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. The Team Leader coaches and develops team members, removes barriers to performance, and applies the Watlow Business System (WBS) to support operational excellence.

The position leads daily safety activities, production operations, quality problem-solving, workforce planning, and continuous improvement. It also collaborates with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and other teams to resolve issues and improve operations.

Requirements

• Strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze operational metrics and drive performance improvements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships across departments.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience leading or supervising employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with production scheduling, workforce planning, and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with safety policies and procedures.
• Lead daily safety activities, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure team members receive required safety training and follow safe work practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop production team members to achieve strong performance and engagement.
• Conduct performance discussions, provide timely feedback, and recognize accomplishments.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, respect, and inclusion.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees and develop cross-functional capabilities within the team.
• Ensure products meet customer and quality requirements.
• Lead problem-solving using Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies.
• Drive adherence to standardized work and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and waste.
• Direct daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules and customer commitments safely.
• Manage staffing, attendance, and labor resources to optimize productivity and meet capacity requirements.
• Monitor production performance and resolve issues affecting throughput or delivery.
• Use visual management and daily operating systems to improve performance.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve operational performance.
• Participate in and lead Kaizen events and other continuous improvement activities.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve processes, and enhance productivity.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and share business objectives with the production team.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and other functional teams to resolve issues and improve operations.
• Support organizational initiatives.

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan with company match and an annual company contribution tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision, short-term disability, 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: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED