Team Leader

American Axle & Manufacturing; Ridgway (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Metaldyne Sintered Ridgway, LLC (Ridgway Forge and Convent) is seeking a Team Leader to support manufacturing operations within an assigned module, coordinating workflow, directing and training associates, and ensuring production activities meet safety, quality, and productivity goals.

This role works closely with the Shift Supervisor, Area Manager, and teammates to maintain efficient operations and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; AS degree preferred or equivalent experience in QA.
• Minimum of 1 year in manufacturing operations; 2 years preferred.
• Working knowledge of all CPM area positions.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety requirements and coordinate training for manufacturing associates.
• Assign associates to tasks based on production needs and staffing.
• Ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently during shift.
• Promote compliance with policies, PPE, and safety rules.
• Monitor quality and ensure customer requirements are met.
• Coordinate workflow to meet production schedules and productivity goals.
• Maintain non-conforming material identification and report issues.
• Verify adherence to work instructions, PMs, and standardized work.
• Coordinate setups, changeovers, and process adjustments with supervision.
• Assist with material handling and keep a clean, organized area.
• Support process startups, control, and continuity.
• Cover for absenteeism and provide machine/cell support as needed.
• Maintain training records and matrix requirements.
• Lead 5S and continuous improvement activities.
• Escalate complex issues to supervision as appropriate.
• Support production plan changes with minimal disruption.
• Ensure materials and supplies are available for production.
• Monitor production systems and communicate issues.
• Track OEE and production counts; document downtime causes.
• Identify root causes of defects and document corrective actions.
• Lead basic problem-solving using 5-Why; transfer issues to action items.

Skills

Manufacturing operations experience

CPM knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Applied Science in Business, Engineering or Manufacturing preferred

Equivalent work experience in Quality Assurance

Job description

Job Posting Title

Team Leader

Legal Entity

Metaldyne Sintered Ridgway, LLC (Ridgway Forge and Convent)

Job Description Summary

Responsible for supporting manufacturing operations within an assigned module, cell, equipment group, or product line by coordinating workflow, providing direction and training to manufacturing associates, and ensuring production activities meet established safety, quality, and productivity goals. Works closely with the Shift Supervisor, Area Manager, Team Leaders, and associates to maintain efficient operations, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with company procedures and customer requirements. Supports continuous improvement initiatives, standardized work, and employee development while maintaining safe and effective production operations.

Job Description

• Follow all environmental, health, and safety requirements
• Coordinate, direct, and provide hands‑on training to manufacturing associates on assigned tasks and processes
• Assign associates to appropriate operations based on production requirements and staffing needs
• Ensure equipment within the assigned area operates safely and efficiently throughout the shift
• Promote compliance with company policies, procedures, employee conduct standards, PPE requirements, and safety rules
• Monitor product quality throughout the manufacturing process and ensure customer requirements are met
• Coordinate workflow within the assigned area to meet production schedules, quality standards, and productivity goals
• Maintain identification and segregation of non‑conforming material and communicate issues to supervision
• Verify compliance with Work Instructions, PM schedules, standardized work, inspection requirements, and documented procedures
• Coordinate production setups, changeovers, and process adjustments with supervisor guidance
• Assist with material handling activities and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Support process startup, process control, and operational continuity
• Assist with coverage for absenteeism and provide machine or cell support as needed
• Review, maintain, and improve standardized work instructions and procedures
• Maintain employee training records and training matrix requirements
• Conduct audits to ensure standardized work is followed and address gaps as necessary
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency
• Respond quickly to production abnormalities and coordinate corrective actions
• Ensure materials, components, and supplies are available to support production requirements
• Monitor production systems and communicate issues impacting workflow and performance
• Maintain and update OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) tracking and production count boards
• Track planned versus actual production, document downtime causes, and identify performance gaps
• Monitor defects, identify root causes, and document corrective actions
• Transfer unresolved OEE and production issues to appropriate action item tracking systems
• Lead basic problem‑solving activities utilizing methodologies such as 5-Why analysis
• Escalate complex operational, quality, or personnel issues to supervision as appropriate
• Lead and support 5S implementation, audits, sustainment, and continuous improvement activities
• Support production plan changes while minimizing disruption to operations
• Locate, understand, and ensure compliance with all applicable Work Instructions (WI)
• Meet physical requirements as outlined in the Physical Demand Analysis
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree Required (Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business, Engineering or Manufacturing preferred) or equivalent work experience in the Quality Assurance function
• Requires a minimum of 1‑year experience in manufacturing operations (2 years’ experience preferred)
• A working knowledge of all positions required in the CPM Area

About Dauch

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain‑agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.

Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e‑mail [e-mail]. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.