Production Team-Lead- 1st Shift

Peninsula Plastics; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, LifeInsurance

401K with company match

Paid Holidays & Vacation

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Peninsula Plastics is seeking a Production Team Lead for the 1st shift in Auburn Hills/ Pontiac, MI. You will lead a small team of 2–4 operators, assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting, and coordinate with supervisors to achieve daily production goals while ensuring safety and quality.

The role requires hands-on leadership with experience in thermoforming; injection molding background is a minimum requirement. The shift runs 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, with mandatory overtime on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead a small production team (2–4 operators).
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting capability with manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a small team of machine operators to meet safety, quality, and production targets.
• Train operators on equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Monitor daily production and adjust schedules to minimize downtime and meet goals.
• Collaborate with Production Supervisors to prepare for upcoming orders and optimize workflow.
• Support performance evaluations and provide feedback for team development.
• Assist with setting up, aligning, and fine-tuning thermoforming machinery.
• Identify and resolve equipment or production issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain production records and ensure a safe, organized work area.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and cell layout optimization.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Tools

Thermoforming machinery

Job description

Join Our Team at Peninsula Plastics!

Peninsula Plastics is seeking a motivated, dependable, and experienced Production Team Lead to join our 1st Shift manufacturing team!

As a leader in the thermoforming industry, Peninsula Plastics specializes in manufacturing high-quality, reusable plastic packaging solutions. We are looking for a hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, enjoys working with a team, and is committed to maintaining safety, quality, and production efficiency.

In this role, you will lead a small team of machine operators, assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting, and work closely with production supervisors to ensure daily production goals are achieved.

Important Experience Requirement: Thermoforming experience is preferred; however, previous injection molding experience is required at a minimum.

Position Details

• Shift: 1st Shift


• Hours: 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, Monday–Thursday


• Overtime: Mandatory overtime currently required on Fridays


• Location: Auburn Hills and Pontiac, MI (facilities are approximately one mile apart)


• Compensation: $19.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience


• Reports To: Production Supervisor

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Production Coordination

• Lead and support a team of approximately 2–4 machine operators to ensure safe and efficient production.


• Train and guide machine operators on proper equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.


• Monitor daily production activities to ensure production schedules and quality expectations are met.


• Coordinate with production supervisors to prepare for upcoming production orders and minimize downtime.


• Assist with employee performance evaluations and provide feedback to support team development.

Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting

• Assist with setting up, adjusting, and fine‑tuning thermoforming machinery.


• Operate production equipment according to established procedures and safety guidelines.


• Identify, troubleshoot, and help resolve equipment or production issues in a timely manner.


• Utilize hand and power tools, including routers, drills, scrapers, and deburring tools.


• Load and unload equipment and production materials as needed.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate production records, equipment readings, and required documentation.


• Ensure work areas remain organized, safe, and efficient.


• Assist with organizing and improving work‑cell layouts to support production efficiency.


• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, and overall equipment performance.


• Support production supervisors with additional operational tasks as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in injection molding or thermoforming manufacturing.


• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train, and support a production team.


• Experience working with manufacturing equipment, plant tools, and production processes.


• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and critical‑thinking skills.


• Good organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.


• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to maintain accurate production records.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands‑on thermoforming equipment experience.


• Previous team lead, supervisory, or manufacturing leadership experience.


• Experience with equipment setup, adjustments, and production troubleshooting.


• Background in plant operations or industrial maintenance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.


• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours).


• Ability to perform hands‑on manufacturing tasks in a production environment.

Benefits & Perks

At Peninsula Plastics, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental Reimbursement, Vision, Life Insurance, and more after 60 days


• 401K with Company match 50% up to 6%


• Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick Days, etc.


• Career Advancement Opportunities