Production

Production Team Leader job description

A Production Team Leader optimizes manufacturing efficiency, manages daily shop floor operations, and ensures safety compliance to meet production targets.

Published February 18, 2025Updated May 17, 20264704 likes

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Job brief

We are looking for a hands-on Production Team Leader to join our manufacturing department and lead our high-output assembly operations. In this role, you will be responsible for balancing production schedules, coaching operators on technical best practices, and driving efficiency projects that directly impact our bottom line. You will work closely with production managers and quality teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges in a fast-evolving facility. If you are a results-driven professional with a background in lean principles and team leadership, we want to hear from you.

Key highlights

Manage daily production schedules to ensure output targets are met while optimizing labor utilization across multi-shift manufacturing operations.
Utilize ERP systems and shop-floor data to track manufacturing KPIs, providing daily reports to management on productivity and scrap rates.
Execute lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to systematically reduce process waste and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Supervise and mentor production staff, providing training on equipment operation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality inspection protocols.

What is a Production Team Leader?

A Production Team Leader is a pivotal manufacturing professional responsible for orchestrating floor operations, driving continuous improvement, and maintaining rigorous quality standards. By leveraging lean manufacturing methodologies and real-time performance data, a Production Team Leader oversees the transition of raw materials into finished goods while minimizing waste and equipment downtime. Their leadership is essential in maintaining high throughput and ensuring that every product meets ISO or relevant industry compliance benchmarks before reaching the customer.

What does a Production Team Leader do?

A Production Team Leader manages the daily workflow of the manufacturing floor, including staffing allocation, equipment maintenance scheduling, and the monitoring of critical KPIs via ERP systems. They facilitate morning huddles to align the team on production goals, troubleshoot mechanical bottlenecks alongside maintenance technicians, and implement process adjustments to optimize yield rates. Furthermore, they are responsible for ensuring that all safety protocols, such as OSHA standards, are strictly followed by staff while maintaining accurate inventory logs and production documentation.

Key responsibilities

Manage daily production schedules to ensure output targets are met while optimizing labor utilization across multi-shift manufacturing operations.
Utilize ERP systems and shop-floor data to track manufacturing KPIs, providing daily reports to management on productivity and scrap rates.
Execute lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to systematically reduce process waste and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Supervise and mentor production staff, providing training on equipment operation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality inspection protocols.
Coordinate with maintenance teams to prioritize preventative maintenance and resolve mechanical downtime issues on high-volume production lines.
Ensure total compliance with OSHA safety regulations and quality management systems by conducting regular floor audits and risk assessments.
Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and consumables, collaborating with procurement to prevent supply chain interruptions in the production cycle.
Facilitate root-cause analysis sessions to resolve recurring quality defects and implement corrective actions for continuous process improvement.

Requirements and skills

Proven experience as a Production Team Leader or Supervisor in a high-volume manufacturing or industrial environment.
Deep technical proficiency with ERP systems, such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365, for production planning.
Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies and their application in shop-floor environments.
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Advanced knowledge of OSHA workplace safety requirements and ISO 9001 quality management standards.
Capability to analyze production data, identify performance variances, and communicate technical insights to both operators and senior leadership.
Successful track record in reducing manufacturing downtime and improving production yield through proactive equipment and workflow management.
Professional certification such as CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is highly preferred.

FAQs

What does a Production Team Leader do on a daily basis?

A Production Team Leader is responsible for the frontline supervision of manufacturing activities, which includes managing staff assignments, monitoring production lines for efficiency, and verifying that quality control standards are met. They spend their time troubleshooting operational bottlenecks, analyzing production metrics in real-time, and communicating status updates to operations managers. Ultimately, they serve as the bridge between technical processes and the workforce to ensure shifts run safely and productively.

What are the most important Production Team Leader skills?

Key skills for a successful Production Team Leader include a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, proficiency with ERP and inventory management software, and strong problem-solving abilities. Equally important are leadership capabilities, such as the ability to coach diverse teams, enforce safety compliance, and facilitate effective training on complex machinery. The ability to interpret technical data and translate it into actionable improvements is also a high-value competency.

Who does a Production Team Leader work with in a factory?

The Production Team Leader works across several functions, collaborating daily with floor operators to ensure production targets are hit, and coordinating with the maintenance department to address mechanical failures. They also partner with the Quality Assurance team to ensure compliance with product standards, work with the procurement department on inventory levels, and report performance outcomes to Plant or Operations Managers.

Why is the Production Team Leader role critical to manufacturing success?

The Production Team Leader is the primary driver of operational efficiency and safety on the factory floor. By identifying and eliminating waste through process improvement and maintaining strict equipment reliability, they directly reduce the company's cost-per-unit. Their proactive management prevents downtime, ensures the team remains productive and safe, and directly influences the organization’s ability to meet critical customer delivery deadlines.