Manufacturing Team Leader

PepsiCo; Latham (NY); On-site; USD 54,700 - 82,050; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability

Life insurance

Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

Job summary

PepsiCo is seeking a Team Leader (Captain) to guide day-to-day execution on a manufacturing line in New York. You will coordinate people, materials, and resources to deliver safe, high-quality, and efficient performance, training and motivating a 7-8 person team and acting as the line's key decision-maker.

You will lead DDS meetings, manage line performance, and drive continuous improvement while upholding safety and quality standards in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma experience preferred.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems desired.
• At least 2 years of leadership and coaching experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in high-speed manufacturing, packaging or warehouse environments.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment required.
• Strong understanding of safety, quality and operational standards.
• Ability to lead peers and influence performance without formal authority.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to take accountability for shift performance.
• Prior experience in a lead operator, team lead or similar front-line leadership role.
• Experience with daily management systems (DDS, tier meetings or similar).
• Knowledge of continuous improvement or IWS / Lean manufacturing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary coordination point for the manufacturing line during the shift.
• Set the pace and priorities, ensuring the team is positioned to succeed.
• Monitor total line performance and adjust execution as needed to meet daily targets.
• Lead the line‑level Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meeting.
• Present the top three issues from the shift, articulating risks, actions and needs.
• Ensure team member input and voice are represented in daily discussions.
• Navigate challenges during the shift and elevate when necessary.
• Support problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts on the line.
• Maintain a culture of ownership, accountability and teamwork.
• Encourage team member participation and engagement through structured systems.
• Serve as a role model for safe, quality‑focused, and disciplined execution.
• Elevate issues that impact safety, quality or output in a timely manner.
• Operate all manufacturing equipment efficiently and safely, performing preventative maintenance.
• Maintain a clean work area through good housekeeping practice.
• Keep daily records of downtime and machine operations.
• Ensure reliable, predictable attendance.
• Create a positive team dynamic that encourages learning and supports successful on‑the‑job training for new team members.

Skills

Leadership & coaching

Communication

Problem solving

Safety focus

Team motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

DDS / daily management

Job description

Overview

We are PepsiCo, a global leader in food and beverage with operations in 200 countries. We are committed to Win with Purpose—blazing new trails, celebrating success, and never settling for second best. Our culture values individuality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Role Summary

The Team Leader (Captain) is an elevated team member role responsible for leading day‑to‑day execution on a manufacturing line. Acting as the quarterback of the shift, the Team Leader coordinates people, materials and resources to deliver safe, high‑quality, and efficient performance. A hands‑on team member, the Leader trains and motivates a team of 7‑8 members to meet daily production goals and serves as the key decision‑maker in the line leadership triad.

Responsibilities

• Shift Leadership & Execution:
  • Act as the primary point of coordination for the manufacturing line during the shift
  • Set the pace and priorities, ensuring the team is positioned to succeed
  • Monitor total line performance and adjust execution as needed to meet daily targets
• Direction Setting & DDS Leadership:
  • Lead the line‑level Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meeting
  • Present the top three issues from the shift, articulating risks, actions and needs
  • Ensure team member input and voice are represented in daily discussions
• Solving & Collaboration:
  • Navigate challenges during the shift and elevate when necessary
  • Support problem‑solving and continuous improvement efforts on the line
• Team Engagement & Culture:
  • Support a culture of ownership, accountability and teamwork
  • Encourage team member participation and engagement through structured systems
  • Serve as a role model for safe, quality‑focused, and disciplined execution
  • Elevate issues that impact safety, quality or output in a timely manner
  • Operate all manufacturing equipment efficiently and safely, performing preventative maintenance
  • Maintain a clean work area through good housekeeping practice
  • Keep daily records of downtime and machine operations
  • Ensure reliable, predictable attendance
  • Create a positive team dynamic that encourages learning and supports successful on‑the‑job training for new team members

Compensation and Benefits

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $54,700 – $82,050.
• Location, confirmed job‑related skills, experience and education will be considered in setting the actual starting salary. Your recruiter will share more details during the hiring process.
• Paid time off, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave and bereavement, is subject to eligibility.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support employees and families, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Accident, Group Legal and Life insurance, and a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma experience preferred.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems desired.
• At least 2 years of leadership and coaching experience required.
• At least 2 years of experience in high‑speed manufacturing, packaging or warehouse environments required.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment required.
• Strong understanding of safety, quality and operational standards.
• Ability to lead peers and influence performance without formal authority.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to take accountability for shift performance.
• Prior experience in a lead operator, team lead or similar front‑line leadership role.
• Experience with daily management systems (DDS, tier meetings or similar).
• Knowledge of continuous improvement or IWS / Lean manufacturing concepts.

EEO Statement

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901‑4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.

If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents.

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.