Team Lead 1st shift

About Company:

About Tarter

Since 1945, Tarter has been building more than gates and equipment—we’ve been building careers, communities, and a proud legacy of American manufacturing. As the largest manufacturer of farm gates and animal management equipment in North America, our products help farmers, ranchers, hobbyist, and property owners work smarter and safer every day.

Headquartered in Dunnville, Kentucky, we pair small-town values with big opportunities. At Tarter, your ideas matter, your work is valued, and what you do makes a real impact for customers across the country.

Whether you’re on the shop floor, supporting customers, engineering solutions, or leading teams, you’ll find a workplace grounded in integrity, innovation, and teamwork. We believe in doing things the right way—and taking pride in work well done.

Join us and help shape the future of American manufacturing.

About the Role:

The Team Lead for the 1st shift in our manufacturing facility plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient production operations. This position is responsible for leading a team of production associates, coordinating daily activities, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. The Team Lead acts as a liaison between management and frontline employees, facilitating communication and problem-solving to meet production goals. They are instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and accountability. Ultimately, the Team Lead ensures that production targets are met on time while adhering to company policies and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or team lead role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, safety standards, and quality control.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, work orders, and technical documents.
• Proficient in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in manufacturing, engineering, or related field.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Previous experience leading teams in a unionized environment.
• Familiarity with ERP or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Certification in safety or quality management (e.g., OSHA, CQE).

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of production team members during the 1st shift to meet daily production targets.
• Monitor workflow and quality standards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Provide training, guidance, and performance feedback to team members to promote skill development and productivity.
• Identify operational issues and collaborate with management to implement effective solutions and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate production records and prepare reports on team performance, safety incidents, and equipment status.

Skills:

The Team Lead utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to motivate and guide team members toward achieving production goals. Problem-solving abilities are essential for quickly addressing operational challenges and minimizing downtime. Organizational skills help in managing schedules, resources, and documentation efficiently. Technical skills enable the Team Lead to understand manufacturing processes and quality standards, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement. Additionally, proficiency with computer applications supports data tracking, reporting, and effective communication with management and other departments.