Team Leader

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Team Leader is responsible for overseeing daily production operations, leading associates, and ensuring process achievements while promoting a customer-focused culture. This weekend-shift role (Saturday-Sunday, 6:00 AM-6:00 PM) involves managing line operations, monitoring quality and productivity, performing appropriate levels of machine maintenance, and investigating safety issues. The ideal candidate brings strong front-line leadership skills, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure process achievements and promote customer focus throughout the organization.
• Lead associates and provide feedback to managers for evaluations.
• Verify proper startup and shutdown of line machinery under all circumstances (e.g., normal, emergency, special conditions).
• Maintain proper machine control settings for area of responsibility.
• React to, investigate, and resolve all abnormalities in line operations.
• Establish and/or maintain inventory control.
• Assign daily duties for associates; evaluate direct reports utilizing standard evaluation forms.
• Recognize the need for discipline and assist the Supervisor in disciplinary meetings concerning associate-related issues.
• Perform appropriate level of maintenance on machines.
• Monitor area manning and performance to evaluate and manage productivity.
• Monitor quality of production to minimize defects and overall costs.
• Meet productivity and yield goals in assigned area.
• Investigate safety issues and accidents as necessary.
• Suggest and participate in continuous improvement opportunities.
• Maintain required systems within production (TPM, Lean Manufacturing, SPC, Inventory Control, etc.).
• Promptly report to Supervisor when production schedules are in danger of not being met.
• Notify Supervisor when product quality is compromised.
• Interface effectively with other departments, suppliers, and customers.
• Operate machinery as necessary to meet production needs.
• Provide departmental training and communication as required.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping in assigned area.
• Adhere to Niterra policies and procedures and ensure direct reports are compliant.
• Function as a member of the First Responder team per the WVSM Manual.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace in accordance with 5S standards.
• Successfully complete all assigned training.
• Assist in the development of effective operating procedures.
• Promptly report any abnormalities to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Overtime, varying shifts, and weekends often required to meet production needs.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures which include IATF, ISO, ISMS, TISAX, QMS, and Safety related policies.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Combination of post-secondary education and/or previous associated work experience commensurate to two years required.
• Will be required to complete continuing education courses as mandated by management.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to repair machines.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem identification and resolution skills with the ability to respond immediately.
• Front-line leadership experience.
• Effective communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Strong recordkeeping abilities.
• Able to multitask and manage multiple priorities.
• Highly tactful and diplomatic with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Committed to adherence to procedures and safety rule compliance.
• Effective time management of self and direct reports.
• Driven by continuous improvement.
• Capable of coping with stressful situations.
• Must adhere to strict attendance policy.
• Associate's degree preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to see and hear (correctable).
• Able to communicate verbally.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Able to lift 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Able to withstand long periods of sitting, standing, and repetitive motion.
• Able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Potential Hazards:

• Hazards associated with business operations.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.