Team Lead - Diamond

Timken; Illinois; On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

401(k) & Roth 401(k) with companymatch

Comprehensive benefits: medical,Dental

Paid time off

Job summary

Timken is hiring a Team Lead to oversee production on a shift, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity. You will guide the team, manage daily workflows, and drive continuous improvement while upholding standards and procedures.

Responsibilities include leading meetings, mentoring staff, coordinating with planners and maintenance, and maintaining accurate SAP records. A strong leadership background and hands-on manufacturing experience are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read, write, and speak effectively for general understanding of required documentation, instructions, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shift meetings and act as backup for department supervisor.
• Monitor safety, quality, and productivity through audits and zone walks.
• Ensure compliance with maintenance and cleaning procedures; track performance metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with supervisor and team.
• Oversee training and adherence to standard work and safety procedures.
• Address employee concerns and maintain positive morale through clear communication.
• Collaborate with Planner and Maintenance to resolve capacity and equipment issues.
• Enter and manage transactions using the SAP system and maintain site records.
• Operate forklift as needed; maintain clean, organized work area.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team coordination

Prioritization

Safety focus

Coaching & mentoring

Problem solving

Metrics familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certifications from College/Technical School

Leadership experience

Tools

SAP

Forklift operation

Job description

What Timken makes possible begins with you.
Those who came before us helped land a man on the moon, create the world's infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy alternatives. Now you can join the Timken team to write your own unique story and help drive what's next.

A career at Timken means you can have an immediate impact doing Work That Matters to the world— improving the efficiency of today's industrial equipment and preparing for the future of motion on our planet and beyond. New employees can start contributing right away, and there are many opportunities to advance your career at your own pace. Join our global team of 19,000 people in 45 countries, and start helping our customers push the limits of what's possible in their world of motion.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Team Lead is responsible for ensuring the safety, productivity, and overall performance of production employees on their assigned shift. This role oversees the efficient and high-quality assembly of manufactured goods while maintaining compliance with company standards and procedures.

As a key leadership resource, the Operations Team Lead provides guidance, expertise, and motivation to team members. They foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by offering support, coaching, and advice to ensure associates follow established processes and achieve operational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as backup for department supervisor and lead daily shift meetings.
• Monitor safety, quality, and productivity through Zone Walks and audits.
• Ensure compliance with Preventative Maintenance, Area Maintenance, and Cleaning Inspection Lubrication.
• Track and report performance metrics, including productivity trends and corrective actions.
• Drive problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives with department supervisor and team.
• Oversee training and adherence to standardized procedures (Safety, Quality, Lean, Standard Work).
• Address employee concerns promptly and maintain positive morale through clear communication.
• Collaborate with Planner and Maintenance teams to resolve capacity, equipment, and delivery issues.
• Report and manage safety, quality, and productivity issues using E-Maint. and Zone Control systems.
• Utilize site SAP system to accurately enter and manage transactions.
• Operate forklift as needed to support inventory movement.
• Maintain adequate housekeeping, ensuring clean and organized work area.
• Must practice all safety procedures and complete necessary trainings related to job duty.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and support staff.
• Perform all other relative duties as required or as directed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Required
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak effectively for general understanding of required documentation, instructions, and procedures.
• Preferred
  • Certifications from College or Technical School.
  • Previous experience in a leadership role.
  • Previous leadership experience.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required
  • Strong leadership, communication, and team coordination skills.
  • Ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, and manage daily workflow in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Preferred
  • Ability to coach, mentor, and motivate team members.
  • Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and conflict‑resolution skills.
  • Familiarity with production metrics, inventory systems, or continuous improvement principles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand, sit, use hands and arms
• Must be able to lift/carry weight up to 50 pounds
  • Moving or lifting weight above 50 pounds requires assistance from another employee or a lifting devise/hoist

Hourly compensation for this role is $27.00+ per hour. This full-time position is eligible for a paid time off plan that includes 10 additional company paid holidays, 401(k) and/or Roth 401(k) with company match after one (1) month of employment plus quarterly Core Defined Contributions, and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Timken is a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion. Our expanding portfolio of next-generation solutions helps customers around the world improve efficiency, solve their toughest challenges, and push the boundaries of performance. We employ 19,000 people globally, operate from 45 countries, and posted $4.6 billion in sales in 2025. We have been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 6x by Newsweek and one of the World's Most Ethical Companies 15x by Ethisphere.

Why Choose Timken?

• Over a century of knowledge and innovation
• A culture of top performance
• Products that contribute to a sustainable world
• A conviction to improve communities around us
• Competitive salary and benefits