Production Line Leader | Shift Captain, Lean Manufacturing

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

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.