Production Team Lead: Safety & Continuous Improvement

Sterling Industries; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Industries in Kalamazoo, MI, is seeking a production leadership professional to oversee manufacturing operations. The role focuses on delivering 100% on-time, high-quality output while managing resources, safety, and continuous improvements.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of people management in manufacturing, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and strong analytical and communication skills to coordinate across departments and train staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of people management in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; certifications preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and technical analysis abilities.
• Ability to lead multiple team members in production.
• Excellent communication with admin, operations, quality and engineering.
• Experience developing and implementing continuous improvement.
• Flexible schedule and adaptability in a production setting.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Forklift license and ability to train others for licenses.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Ensure 100% on-time, complete, and quality metrics.
• Lead safety committee and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Mentor a small group of production team leaders.
• Meet or beat budgeted costs for labor, materials and equipment.
• Maintain compliance with the quality management system.
• Schedule production using ERP/MRP to optimize resources.
• Onboard/offboard production staff with GM approval.
• Handle HR tasks: postings, interviews, hiring, reviews, discipline, payroll, training.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and resolve equipment issues.
• Manage material handling, shipping/receiving, and flow.
• Drive continuous improvement via area improvement teams.
• Coordinate with materials, engineering, quality, and operations.
• Address quality issues in collaboration with QA.
• Launch new equipment/process training for business development.
• Maintain cleanliness of the production area.

Skills

People management

Manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Continuous improvement

Team leadership

Scheduling

Microsoft Office

Forklift license

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Forklift certification preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Sterling Industries in Kalamazoo, MI, is seeking a production leadership professional to oversee manufacturing operations. The role focuses on delivering 100% on-time, high-quality output while managing resources, safety, and continuous improvements.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of people management in manufacturing, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and strong analytical and communication skills to coordinate across departments and train staff.