The Production Team Lead supports the Production Supervisor by directing day-to-day work on an assigned Steering production line. The role coordinates operator assignments, provides training and coaching, and supports safe, efficient production that meets quality and delivery requirements. The Team Lead leads by example and escalates employee and operational issues to the Supervisor, who retains responsibility for formal people management and overall shift performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promotes a safe working environment by following company safety and environmental policies, reporting hazards and near misses, and ensuring required PPE is used on the assigned line.
• Provides day-to-day leadership and work direction to full-time and temporary employees. Trains and coaches operators follow established safety, quality, and work-instruction standards and escalates employee issues to the Supervisor.
• Coordinates line staffing in response to absences and production needs; creates and executes operator module assignments and shift rotations.
• Executes the production plan and completes assigned work within established standard times; explains specifications, blueprints, and job orders to operators.
• Completes first- and last-piece inspections in accordance with quality policies and procedures and reports discrepant materials or components to the Supervisor verbally and in writing.
• Assists with root cause investigations and implementation of countermeasures for quality defects.
• Ensures assigned production equipment is operational and ready for production; sets up machines for changeovers according to the build schedule.
• Responds promptly to abnormal conditions, takes corrective action within training and authorization, and reports problems to the Supervisor; requests technical support when needed.
• Ensures assigned preventive maintenance tasks are completed at designated intervals.
• Maintains established 6S housekeeping standards for the assigned line and surrounding work area.
• Reviews daily production output, quality issues, and equipment downtime and accurately records shift results in the manufacturing execution system (MES).
• Supports S2QDC activities, communicates line performance and issues, and completes assigned follow-up actions.
• Contributes to process improvements and problem-solving activities with operators and the Supervisor.
• Completes extended on-site training and knowledge transfer at manufacturing locations supporting assigned product lines. Documents best practices, process standards, lessons learned, and critical operating requirements to support a successful launch in Hamilton.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams under high production volumes or customer demand, including providing direction, coaching, and effective feedback.
• Stable work history, preferably in manufacturing, and a strong commitment to safe work practices. Reliability, initiative, integrity, and accountability, with a focus on quality and customer needs.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, working independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques, with experience improving work processes for teams and customers.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to following established processes without taking shortcuts.
• Availability to work required overtime, which may be substantial during peak customer production periods.

Education

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Ability to read with comprehension at a ninth-grade level.

Computer and Technology Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and basic use of computers running Windows.
• Knowledge and experience using SAP or a related ERP system, and ability to understand measuring gauges and sensors.

Language and Communication Skills

Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to read, understand, and create work instructions, correspondence, and memos and communicate effectively in one-on-one and group settings.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to understand or learn the metric system; add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; calculate rates and percentages; and interpret simple graphs.

General Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8–12 hours per shift, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and ascend or descend stairs or ladders as needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements and fine motor tasks, with sufficient grip strength and dexterity to safely use assembly tools.
• Sufficient vision to inspect steering columns and identify defects, and awareness of surroundings near moving equipment and production processes.

Work Environment and Sensory Conditions

• Exposure to paint fumes, airborne particles, and industrial noise; an engineered exhaust system in the area prevents the requirement for a respirator.

The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bilstein has great benefits to offer!

• A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.

We only accept online applications submitted through the 'Apply Now' button on this job posting. You can find all current job openings on our career site at: https://jobs.thyssenkrupp.com/en Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

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