Team Lead

Position Purpose

The Manufacturing Team Lead is responsible for providing frontline leadership and day-to-day operational support within a heavy-duty manufacturing environment. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of production processes while maintaining an optimal span of control across team members. The Team Lead serves as a key liaison between production teams and leadership, driving performance, developing people, and reinforcing a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities

• Lead and support a team in a fast-paced heavy equipment manufacturing environment

• Drive daily production activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) objectives

• Monitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and take action to maintain production efficiency and throughput

• Serve as the first point of contact for production issues, escalations, and problem resolution

• Perform and support assembly and sub-assembly operations using hand and power tools

• Safely operate and oversee use of overhead cranes, manipulators, and assembly equipment

• Step in to support production during absenteeism or increased demand

• Provide daily coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members

• Support onboarding and training of new hires, ensuring competency and safety compliance

• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement

• Identify skill gaps and support cross-training initiatives to improve team flexibility

• Lead and reinforce a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all safety procedures

• Conduct daily safety briefings/toolbox talks and team meetings

• Monitor and enforce adherence to quality standards and work instructions

• Partner with Quality to identify and resolve defects and process inefficiencies

• Actively participate in and promote continuous improvement (CI) initiatives

• Utilize problem-solving tools to identify root cause and eliminate recurring issues

• Support implementation of lean manufacturing principles (5S, waste reduction, process optimization)

• Track and communicate key production metrics and KPIs (safety, quality, attendance, productivity)

• Document production updates, issues, and team performance

• Avoidance of repetitive tasks and physical exertion

• Ensure accurate completion of required reports and documentation

• Perform other duties as assigned to support manufacturing operations

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in heavy-duty manufacturing, assembly, or production

• At least 1–2 years of experience in a Team Lead, Lead Operator, or supervisory role

• Proven ability to operate in a hands-on production environment

• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain)

• Must pass any drug screens, background checks, and any pre-employment tests, which will be conducted in accordance with applicable law

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment or industrial manufacturing

• Prior experience leading high-volume production teams

• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and influence teams

• Excellent communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills

• High attention to detail with a focus on safety, quality, and productivity

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and material handling equipment

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office or manufacturing systems)

• Strong sense of urgency, ownership, and accountability

• Flexibility to work overtime or varying shifts as needed

• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times