Material Handling Team Lead – 1st Shift, Onsite

Stryker; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 89,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Stryker in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Material Handling Process Team Leader on 1st shift to lead material handling operations, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of materials that support production and drive continuous improvement.

You will coach and develop the team, manage labor and resources, and use KPIs to forecast needs, resolve issues, and partner with cross-functional teams to meet production goals while upholding safety, quality, and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 6+ years of equivalent experience, in addition to the below requirements.
• 4+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the material handling team, providing coaching, performance management, career development, and accountability.
• Ensure effective material flow and replenishment to support production schedules and minimize production disruptions.
• Allocate labor and resources based on production needs, priorities, and operational standards.
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot material, equipment, or process issues that could impact production.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, support production goals, and drive operational performance.
• Use data, KPIs, and operational metrics to identify priorities, forecast business needs, and drive decision-making.
• Identify and lead process improvement, cost reduction, and standardization initiatives.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing, 6S, and other operational excellence initiatives.
• Lead and coach the Managing Daily Improvement (MDI) process through Tier 2 and support Tier 3 as needed.
• Own and execute Leader Standard Work (LSW) and audit requirements, including Quality and 6S.
• Manage labor requirements, including overtime approval, timecard management, and workforce planning.
• Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning for temporary and permanent employees.
• Foster employee engagement and a culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and employee development.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, legal, corporate, and human resources policies and procedures.
• Participate in audits and lead plant tours as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Quality & safety

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 6+ years of equivalent experience

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Stryker in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Material Handling Process Team Leader on 1st shift to lead material handling operations, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of materials that support production and drive continuous improvement.

You will coach and develop the team, manage labor and resources, and use KPIs to forecast needs, resolve issues, and partner with cross-functional teams to meet production goals while upholding safety, quality, and cost targets.