2nd Shift Team Leader, Weld

Challenge Manufacturing; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Team Leader for the 1st shift (6:00AM–2:30PM, M-F) at the Kansas City, MO plant. You will lead day-to-day production, support operators, and help drive safety, quality, and productivity in a fast-paced automotive-grade environment.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in manufacturing with leadership exposure, solid problem-solving skills, and a commitment to 5S and continuous improvement. ESOP benefits and employee-ownership oriented culture.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• Prior lead or informal leadership role is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.
• Ability to follow instructions and ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Works well in a team environment and supports others to achieve common goals.
• Communicates effectively with team members and leadership.
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and good attendance.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support daily production activities within assigned work zone to meet safety, quality, and delivery expectations.
• Assist Group Leaders in coordinating workflow and addressing production needs.
• Train team members on standardized work, processes, and job tasks.
• Provide guidance and support to operators with problem solving and process-related questions.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and promote a safe working environment.
• Monitor part quality and elevate concerns when standards are not met.
• Assist in maintaining accurate production reporting, including hourly boards and tracking systems.
• Validate and record process or inspection data as required.
• Support proper housekeeping and organization of the work area (5S standards).
• Identify abnormal conditions and communicate issues to leadership promptly.
• Participate in root cause investigations for quality or safety incidents when needed.
• Help ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available and functioning properly.
• Encourage teamwork, engagement, and positive morale among team members.
• Assist with onboarding and mentoring new employees.
• Follow company procedures for production identification, traceability, and containment of non-conforming material.

Skills

Leadership experience

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Who We Are:

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

#QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want

The Team Leader is the first level of support within the production floor and serves as a key link between operators and Supervisors. Their purpose is to support daily operations within their assigned area, ensuring processes run safely, efficiently, and according to established standards. The Team Leader assists in driving quality, delivery, and productivity goals while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment. They lead by example and provide hands‑on support to team members.

What You’ll Do

• Support daily production activities within assigned work zone to meet safety, quality, and delivery expectations.
• Assist Group Leaders in coordinating workflow and addressing production needs.
• Train team members on standardized work, processes, and job tasks.
• Provide guidance and support to operators with problem solving and process‑related questions.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and promote a safe working environment.
• Monitor part quality and elevate concerns when standards are not met.
• Assist in maintaining accurate production reporting, including hourly boards and tracking systems.
• Validate and record process or inspection data as required.
• Support proper housekeeping and organization of the work area (5S standards).
• Identify abnormal conditions and communicate issues to leadership promptly.
• Participate in root cause investigations for quality or safety incidents when needed.
• Help ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available and functioning properly.
• Encourage teamwork, engagement, and positive morale among team members.
• Assist with onboarding and mentoring new employees.
• Follow company procedures for production identification, traceability, and containment of non‑conforming material.

When And Where

This will be a 1st Shift / 6:00AM to 2:30 PM, M-F position located at our Plant in Kansas City, Missouri.

What You Need To Have

• High School diploma or GED required
• One to three years of manufacturing or production experience preferred
• Prior experience in a lead or informal leadership role is a plus
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality standards
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
• Demonstrates accountability for actions and work results
• Ability to follow instructions and ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently
• Works well in a team environment and supports others to achieve common goals
• Communicates effectively with team members and leadership
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities
• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and good attendance
• Basic computer skills
• Basic math and measurement skills
• Problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain a positive attitude
• Team-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement