Team Leader - Lake Forest

Applied Medical; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Training and mentorship opportunities

Education reimbursement program

401(k) with employer match

Generous vacation accrual

Job summary

Applied Medical in Lake Forest, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Team Leader to oversee production operations, guide team members, and ensure the efficient manufacturing of high-quality medical devices. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and uphold the company's operational excellence. Ideal candidates should have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and possess strong leadership and communication skills. Competitive pay and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate work and safety instructions effectively.
• Mechanically inclined with familiarity in basic machinery or hydraulics.
• Proven ability in process improvements and root-cause analysis.
• Experience creating or updating procedural documentation.
• Demonstrated capability in leading meetings and managing projects.
• Resourceful in vendor sourcing and implementing cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily manufacturing tasks to meet production goals.
• Guide team members through manufacturing procedures and quality inspections.
• Monitor production processes to identify issues and support optimal throughput.
• Perform hands-on manufacturing tasks as needed.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges.
• Assist with training new team members.
• Maintain accurate documentation of production activities.
• Promote a safe and clean work environment by addressing concerns.

Skills

Leading teams

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Root-cause analysis

Microsoft Office

SAP

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

4-year degree in Business Administration or Operations

Tools

SAP or similar material management software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

Position Description

The Manufacturing Team Leader plays a vital role in supporting Applied Medical’s production operations by guiding team members, coordinating workflow, and ensuring the accurate and efficient manufacturing of high‑quality medical devices. This position directly contributes to the consistency, safety, and reliability of daily manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Team Leader upholds Applied Medical’s standards for operational excellence by fostering collaboration, promoting continuous improvement, and maintaining a productive, quality‑focused work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily manufacturing tasks to ensure production goals are met while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency standards.
• Guide team members through proper manufacturing procedures, equipment operation, and quality inspection practices.
• Monitor production processes, workflows, and resource allocation to identify issues, minimize downtime, and support optimal throughput.
• Perform hands‑on manufacturing tasks as needed, including equipment setup, material handling, and in‑process inspections.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams such as Production, Quality, and Engineering to implement process improvements and resolve operational challenges.
• Assist with training new team members to ensure consistent adherence to standardized work instructions and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of production activities to support traceability, continuous improvement, and compliance with ISO and Quality System Regulation (QSR) standards.
• Promote a safe and clean work environment by following established safety protocols and promptly addressing any concerns or non‑conformance issues.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Leading a production team that consistently meets output targets while upholding quality and safety standards.
• Proactively identifying and addressing workflow bottlenecks, equipment issues, or training needs.
• Demonstrating strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving abilities that elevate overall team performance.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, product quality, or employee capabilities.
• Contributing meaningfully to Applied Medical’s mission of delivering innovative, high‑quality medical devices that improve patient care.

Position Requirements

This position requires the following skills and attributes:

• Experience leading teams and managing processes in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment; strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent, with the ability to read, comprehend, and communicate work and safety instructions effectively.
• Mechanically inclined with familiarity in basic machinery, pumps, hydraulics, or similar mechanically driven systems.
• Proven ability to develop, refine, and maintain process improvements, along with experience in root‑cause analysis using industry‑standard methods.
• Experience creating or updating procedural documentation such as Training Records, MIs, SOPs, and GAs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using SAP or similar material management software.
• Demonstrated capability in leading meetings, managing projects, delivering presentations, and delegating tasks while aligning team efforts with company goals.
• Resourceful in vendor sourcing and market research to implement cost‑effective, data‑driven solutions and work effectively in a diverse environment.

Preferred

The following skills and attributes are preferred:

• Ability to work onsite in either Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) or Lake Forest, CA, based on business needs
• 4‑year degree in Business Administration or Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Prior experience in SAP or other ERP data management systems
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and production, or process‑driven work environments
• Experience leading in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with Metal Injection Molding
• Expereince with CNC machines

Benefits

• Competitive compensation range: $22 - $28 / hour (California).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• On‑campus wellness activities.
• Education reimbursement program.
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well‑being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.