Team Lead

Hitachi, Ltd.; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Global Air Power in Michigan City, Indiana, seeks a Materials Team Lead to oversee front-line production resources and daily operations. You will work under the Value Stream Leader – Rotor Shop and ensure safe, on‑time, cost‑effective output.

The role requires leadership experience, strong communication, and the ability to train others while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years shop-floor manufacturing experience.
• 1–3 years of leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to read basic engineering drawings and P&ID would help.

Responsibilities

• Assist Supervisor in allocating resources to meet production targets.
• Identify and implement best practices in safety, quality, on‑time delivery, and cost reduction.
• Ensure the team has parts, tools, and instructions needed.
• Report barriers to production with urgency and escalate.
• Use root-cause analysis to resolve production issues.
• Assist in training on weekly safety topics and ensure compliance.
• Read and follow drawings, specs, and BOMs; train others accordingly.
• Develop and train others to perform production tasks in their area.
• Maintain inventory control and proper material handling practices.
• Promote teamwork and a culture of inclusion.
• Work at least 50% of the day on production tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Supply Chain certification (CLA/CLT)

Job description

Hitachi Global Air Power:

We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power, a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer driving the innovations that keep the world moving.

From our headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe: from food and beverage to life‑saving pharmaceuticals and cutting‑edge semiconductor chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production.

We are a team of innovators, engineers, and quality experts with a shared vision to create the next generation of efficient, environment‑forward compressed air solutions that meet the demands of today, while boldly contributing to a sustainable, circular economy.With more than 58 years of legacy and trusted performance through our brands -Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), we are proud of our reputation for reliability, durability, and performance and groundbreaking engineering.

Join us in building a future where your work has an impact. At Hitachi Global Air Power, you will be part of a global network that is shaping the future of industrial power.

Summary of the position:

The Materials Team Lead is a highly visible front‑line role on the Team, which will require leadership skills and relationship management responsibilities.

This position is located at Hitachi Global Air Power in Michigan City, Indiana, and reports to the Value Stream Leader – Rotor Shop.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Assist Supervisor in, and lead in Supervisor’s absence, the day‑to‑day allocation of resources to achieve production targets.

• Identify, develop, and implement best practices in safety, quality, on‑time delivery, and cost reduction.
• Understand and communicate work priorities based on customer needs and resource availability.
• Ensure the team has all necessary parts, tools, information, and instructions in their area.
• Report all barriers to production with a sense of urgency.
• Use problem‑solving skills and root cause analysis to resolve and/or mitigate operational issues.
• Assist in training employees on the weekly safety topics and ensure compliance to all safety policies.
• Read, interpret, and follow basic engineering drawings, P&I, assembly drawings, WD drawings, specifications, work instructions, bills of materials, and other written instructions.
• Have the aptitude to learn, perform, and then ultimately train others to perform all production tasks in their assigned area.
• Understand quality specifications and inspection criteria in the work areas and train others to the same.
• Identify product defects and complete appropriate documentation when defects are identified.
• Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and overhead cranes.
• Ensure use of proper material handling practices and maintain inventory control through accurate transactions.
• Promote a culture of inclusion and teamwork to ensure a high performing team.
• This position is required to perform production work at least 50% of their workday.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate’s degree or other post high school training (2 years duration) preferred
• Supply Chain Management certification, such as CLA and CLT, a plus

Professional experience:

• 3-5 years shop floor manufacturing experience
• 1-3 years of leadership experience preferred
• Ability to work as a team member and lead a team requiring minimal supervision
• Must possess good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to determine root causes of problems and prevent reoccurrences
• Willingness to cross‑train and train others

Key behaviors:

• Lifting up to 35 lbs. lifting over 35 lbs. requires a lifting device, crane, or assistance from another associate
• Standing and walking minimum of 8 hours, must be able to bend/stoop, squat/crouch, kneel and twist
• Forklift, crane, and other material handling operations
• Must understand and comply with Hitachi Safety Standards
• Ability to work flexible shifts and overtime
• Assertive; Critical Thinking; Process Driven
• Good Communication Skills; Team Oriented; Passionate

Direct reports:

• N/A

The successful candidate is responsible for complying with Hitachi Global Air Power US Code of Ethics and related policies. In performing the job, the incumbent shall take all steps necessary to comply with our safety rules and requirements and must actively support the organization’s efforts to meet and exceed its goals of creating and maintaining a safe workplace.

This description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company's discretion.

Hitachi Global Air Power US is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other protected categories under applicable law, whether in recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, compensation, or other conditions of employment.