Production Team Lead

Job Title: Production Team Lead
Location: Michigan City, IN
Duration: 5 months with potential for extension

Job Overview:
The Production Team Lead is responsible for managing a team of operators to ensure the safe and efficient manufacturing of catalysts in a 24/7 production environment. This role supports Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) programs, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures the production schedule is met. The Production Team Lead supervises 3-10 operators and serves as the primary on-site leader during non-standard business hours, in the absence of other leadership team members. This position requires a rotating shift schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise day-to-day operations to ensure compliance with regulatory and company policies, including client's GOAL ZERO program.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop production staff to meet safety and production goals efficiently.
• Exhibit strong leadership through effective communication, ownership, urgency, and a positive attitude.
• Manage interactions with organized labor in accordance with company policies.
• Communicate plant goals, roles, responsibilities, and priorities to ensure alignment across the team.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and SAP data entries to ensure team compliance.
• Oversee the execution of maintenance, project work, and inspections in production areas.
• Actively participate in safety training, audits, observations, and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet site priorities and goals.

Requirements:
Education:

• Bachelor s degree in Engineering preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in a chemical, industrial, or catalyst manufacturing environment.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting industrial equipment (e.g., valves, pumps).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint); SAP experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and safety standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, goggles, hard hats, safety shoes, and respirators.
• Ability to access all areas of the facility unassisted and work safely in an industrial environment.
• Manual dexterity for operating valves and small hand tools.

Work Schedule:

• Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to cover short-notice vacancies and extended shifts.

Travel:

• Ability to travel for training and business needs.