Manufacturing Team Lead - Lean Manufacturing & People Operations

Manufacturing Team Lead - Lean Manufacturing & People Operations

• 2+ years of supervisory experience coupled with 4+ years of total production background (6+ years for Level III) is required
• We value your technical expertise.  No degree is required if you hold Six Sigma or Lean certifications, otherwise, an Associate’s Degree is needed
• Pay is highly competitive, ranging up to $114,128 for a qualified candidate
• Must be a United States citizen or Green Card holder
• No remote, this is on-site
• Full-time, permanent, W-2 employee
• Full benefits
• Located in the Wausau, WI area

This full-time, permanent Manufacturing Team Lead - Lean Manufacturing & People Operations is at a trusted and well-established commercial product manufacturer that values its employees, fosters a supportive work environment, and prioritizes professional growth and development. The company is growing immensely, with plans to build new manufacturing facilities over the next five years, driving constant investment in new machinery and custom equipment designed internally. The employer views its people as its number one asset, heavily investing in training and development. This is a solid, conservative company that has only had one layoff in 76 years, offering exceptional job security and stability. You will join a highly collaborative team that directly supports manufacturing, allowing you to own projects from cradle-to-grave and see your custom equipment built and implemented.

The duties and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:

• Directly supervise a team of 15-20 production team members in a job-shop environment, focusing on employee engagement, collaboration, and fostering an "employer of choice" culture
• Execute the daily production plan, monitor key metrics (productivity, schedule attainment), and recommend capacity adjustments to meet or exceed corporate net sales objectives
• Lead and promote continuous improvement (CI/Lean/5S) activities, driving enhanced key performance indicators, improving safety culture, and strengthening team member relations
• Ensure compliance and positive relations within a union environment, utilizing the current labor agreement and applicable government regulations in all supervisory actions
• Conduct interviewing, onboarding, cross-training, and performance reviews, ensuring the team has the necessary equipment and development plans to succeed

The background of the successful candidate must include the following to be considered:

• 4-6 years of Production experience and 2-4 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment are required
• Associate's Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field—OR equivalent years of job experience paired with Six Sigma / Lean certifications is required
• Demonstrated superior soft skills and ability to lead with an engaging, collaborative, and non-militant approach to team leadership
• Experience managing processes and teams in a job-shop or highly custom manufacturing environment is preferred
• Knowledge of SAP or other major ERP systems and experience in continuous improvement methodologies are highly preferred
• Openness to potential short-term travel (up to 2 years) to other domestic facilities for plant startup or operational development assignments is a significant plus
• Possess a solid work history
• Being a US citizen or green card holder
• Having a residence within a 45-minute drive