Team Leader, Manufacturing

Work Schedule

• First Shift (Days)
• Environmental Conditions: Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Team Lead is responsible for coordinating daily manufacturing activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. This role supports production execution by organizing workflow, leading team members, and maintaining adherence to quality standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety policies. The Team Lead plays a key role in optimizing production performance, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring accurate documentation and communication across shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Coordination & Execution
• Coordinate daily production activities to meet safety, quality, and delivery targets.
• Organize workflow and assign tasks to optimize efficiency and meet production schedules.
• Execute written and verbal instructions to support manufacturing requirements.
• Review labor reports, production output, scrap, and cycle counts for accuracy.
• Maintain required production and attendance records.
• Perform production duties as needed during absences or operational needs.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for production issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Monitor staffing levels and adjust resources to meet production demands.
• Safety & Work Environment
• Operate in a safe and efficient manner in full compliance with company safety policies.
• Promote a strong safety culture and lead by example.
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions within scope of authority; escalate issues as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and orderly work area (5S).
• Wear required PPE and ensure compliance with all safety and gowning standards.
• Ensure proper care and handling of equipment, tools, inventory, and materials.
• Handle hazardous waste in accordance with company policies and regulations, when required.
• May be assigned other miscellaneous duties (including training) by department supervision/leadership.
• Quality & Compliance
• Cook with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with SOPs.
• Complete all production and quality documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain compliance with GMP (where applicable), safety, environmental, and company standards.
• Conduct routine audits of operations and product quality.
• Perform initial root cause investigations for quality deviations and safety incidents.
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance activities.
• Team Leadership & Communication
• Provide day-to-day guidance, direction, and support to team members.
• Train employees in safety practices, quality standards, and work procedures.
• Support onboarding and development of new employees.
• Provide support to hourly employees through ensuring accuracy in time reporting for payroll.
• Communicate effectively with prior and following shifts to ensure continuity of operations.
• Maintain strong communication with internal customers and cross-functional teams.
• Escalate issues related to safety, quality, production, or employee relations as needed.
• Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
• Advocate and drive LEAN and Practical Process Improvement (PPI) manufacturing principles and continuous improvement culture.
• Lead (Tier 1) and participate in (Tier 2) meetings and contribute to performance discussions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, Maintenance, and other supporting teams on equipment and process issues.
• Support development and documentation of new procedures and work instructions.
• General Responsibilities
• Seek guidance from supervision on issues related to product specifications, quality, safety, equipment, or employee relations.
• Maintain awareness of new methods, procedures, and safety practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by department leadership, including training responsibilities.

Required Basic Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic computer skills.
• Two (2) years of experience in a manufacturing setting within private, public, government, or military sectors.
• One (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic knowledge of machinery.
• Ability to use hand tools and measuring devices.
• Ability to read and interpret Bills of Materials and blueprints.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and ability to provide work direction.
• Ability to act with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.

Preferred

• Vocational training.
• Experience training employees.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

This role requires working in a manufacturing environment with standing for extended periods, operating equipment, and handling materials. Must be able to maintain a safe and organized work area, follow PPE requirements, and perform physical tasks such as lifting materials up to 50 lbs as needed.

Compensation And Benefits

The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Connecticut is $30.14–$38.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
• Retail and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards