Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
Coordinate staffing, materials, equipment, and support resources to maximize operational effectiveness and minimize downtime.
Ensure compliance with customer requirements, product specifications, quality standards, and applicable management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
Partner with cross-functional teams including Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Engineering, Human Resources, and Supply Chain to achieve operational and business objectives.
Lead shift communication processes, including Tier meetings, production reviews, escalation of critical issues, and execution of action plans.
Develop talent through coaching, performance management, succession planning, employee engagement, and workforce development initiatives.
Serve as the primary operational leader and decision-maker for all plant floor operations during the assigned shift.
Leadership Scope
Direct Reports
Production Supervisors
Team Leads
Indirect Responsibility
All hourly production associates working during the assigned shift
Reporting Relationship
Reports directly to the Operations Manager and/or Plant Manager
Accountability
The Shift Leader is accountable for
Plant floor safety performance
Product quality and customer satisfaction
Production output and schedule attainment
Labor utilization and productivity
Employee engagement and team development
Operational discipline and execution
Continuous improvement results
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education, training, and manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including at least 3 years leading supervisors, team leads, and/or large production teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, scheduling, workforce allocation, KPI management, and resource optimization to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
Experience utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, continuous improvement methodologies, root cause analysis, and problem-solving techniques to drive operational excellence.
Working knowledge of quality management systems, audit processes, and ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.
Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, accountability, employee development, and succession planning.
Strong leadership capabilities, including decision-making, conflict resolution, change management, strategic thinking, communication, emotional intelligence, and organizational effectiveness.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational metrics and implement effective corrective actions.
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Additional Information
This position requires regular interaction with Operations, Human Resources, Safety, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful execution of plant objectives. The Shift Leader is expected to maintain a strong presence on the production floor, provide visible leadership, and proactively address issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce performance.
This position may be assigned additional responsibilities based on operational needs and business requirements.
