Team Leader

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.; Ridgway (Elk County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Dauch Corporation seeks a Team Leader to oversee a manufacturing module, coordinating workflow, directing and training associates, and ensuring safety, quality, and productivity targets are met. The role collaborates with supervisors and team leaders to support continuous improvement and standardized work across the line.

The position emphasizes adherence to Work Instructions, process control, and efficient problem-solving using methodologies like 5-Why.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; AS preferred in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 1 year of manufacturing operations experience (2 years preferred).
• Working knowledge of all CPM Area positions.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety requirements and environmental rules.
• Coordinate and train manufacturing associates on tasks and processes.
• Assign associates to operations based on production needs.
• Ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently during shifts.
• Promote compliance with policies, PPE, and safety rules.
• Monitor product quality to meet customer requirements.
• Coordinate workflow to meet production schedules and productivity goals.
• Maintain proper identification and segregation of non-conforming material.
• Verify compliance with Work Instructions and standardized work procedures.
• Coordinate setups, changeovers, and process adjustments with supervision.
• Assist with material handling and maintain a clean work area.
• Support process startup, control, and continuity.
• Provide coverage for absenteeism and assist as needed.
• Review and improve standardized work instructions and training records.
• Conduct audits to ensure standardized work is followed and address gaps.
• Support continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Respond to production issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Ensure availability of materials and supplies for production.
• Monitor production systems and communicate issues impacting workflow.
• Maintain OEE tracking and production counts; document downtime and gaps.
• Lead 5S implementation and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist with production plan changes with minimal disruption.
• Comply with all WIs and meet physical demand requirements.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing operations

CPM area knowledge

Safety compliance

Training

Education

High School Diploma

AS in Applied Science (Business/Engineering/Manufacturing) preferred

Tools

CPM Area

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.