Team Lead, Manufacturing - US

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company seeks a Team Leader, Manufacturing to guide a production team in a safe, efficient environment, ensuring quality and timely delivery. You will drive SQDCP results, coach staff, and apply the Watlow Business System to sustain continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include safety leadership, coaching, problem solving with RCCA, Lean manufacturing, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to meet customer

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities to guide a production team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across levels.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to analyze operational metrics and drive improvements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.

Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture and training adherence.
• Lead, coach, and develop production team members for engagement.
• Ensure products meet customer and quality requirements; RCCA when needed.
• Direct daily operations to achieve production schedules and commitments.
• Monitor performance, resolve issues impacting throughput and delivery.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.

Skills

Strong leadership

Coaching

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Lean manufacturing

Time management

Prioritization

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

High school Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Team Leader, Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Team Leader, Manufacturing provides frontline leadership for a manufacturing team, ensuring the safe, efficient, and consistent production of quality products that meet customer expectations. This role is responsible for driving daily performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. The Team Leader coaches and develops team members, removes barriers to performance, and applies the Watlow Business System (WBS) to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Safety

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
• Lead daily safety activities, risk identification, and corrective actions.
• Ensure team members receive required safety training and consistently follow safe work practices.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop production team members to achieve high levels of performance and engagement.
• Conduct regular performance discussions, provide timely feedback, and recognize accomplishments.
• Foster a culture built on teamwork, accountability, respect, and inclusion.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees while developing cross-functional capabilities within the team.

Quality

• Ensure products consistently meet customer and quality requirements.
• Lead problem-solving activities using Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies.
• Drive adherence to standardized work and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and waste.

Delivery & Operations

• Direct daily manufacturing operations to safely achieve production schedules and customer commitments.
• Manage staffing, attendance, and labor resources to optimize productivity and meet capacity requirements.
• Monitor production performance and quickly resolve issues impacting throughput or delivery.
• Utilize visual management and daily operating systems to drive performance improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve operational performance.
• Participate in and lead Kaizen events and other continuous improvement activities.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve processes, and enhance productivity.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and other functional teams to resolve issues and improve operations.
• Support organizational initiatives and effectively communicate business objectives to the production team.

Qualifications

Preferred Education

• High school Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience leading or supervising employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with production scheduling, workforce planning, and performance metrics.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze operational metrics and drive performance improvements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships across departments.