Team Lead, Manufacturing

Watlow; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

401(k) plan with company match

Wellness incentives

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Watlow is seeking a Manufacturing Team Lead to guide a group of production operators in St. Louis, MO. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

You will coach the team, use data to improve processes, and coordinate with HR and HS&E to meet capacity and staffing needs. The role requires hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or production leadership.
• Leadership training or prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication, coaching, and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities to ensure SQDC goals are met in assigned cells.
• Support and drive continuous improvement using Lean and WBS methodologies.
• Manage team performance, attendance, and manpower allocation to meet capacity needs.
• Foster a safe, organized, and high‑performing work environment through 6S and MDI practices.
• Collaborate with leadership, Human Resources, and HS&E teams on staffing and safety initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Coaching

Lean manufacturing

WBS tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree or technical certificate preferred

Tools

WBS (Watlow Business System)

Job description

12001 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

At Watlow’s Global Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we combine a rich legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 1922 in the heart of St. Louis, Watlow has grown from a small heating element manufacturer into a global leader in thermal systems. Our headquarters is more than just an office, it's a hub for collaboration, advanced engineering, and customer focused solutions.

#PoweredByPossibility

We are hiring a: Team Lead, Manufacturing

St. Louis, MO

As a Manufacturing Team Lead, you will lead a team of production operators to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) targets that meet customer demand and support Value Stream goals. You’ll drive improvement efforts using the Watlow Business System (WBS) and foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.

We are looking for a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about operational excellence. You’ll use problem-solving and coaching skills to build team capability, improve processes, and deliver superior results.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily production activities to ensure SQDC goals are met in assigned cells.
• Support and drive continuous improvement using Lean and WBS methodologies.
• Manage team performance, attendance, and manpower allocation to meet capacity needs.
• Foster a safe, organized, and high‑performing work environment through 6S and MDI practices.
• Collaborate with leadership, Human Resources, and Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) teams on staffing and safety initiatives.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or technical certificate preferred.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or production leadership.
• Leadership training or prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Ability to use data to drive decisions and performance improvements.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and WBS tools.
• Proficiency with time and attendance systems and basic computer applications, preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and stand or move frequently throughout the shift.

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well‑being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. T he Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits :

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at [e-mail] .

12001 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA