Job Title: Production Team Leader
Department: Production / Manufacturing
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Production Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: INOX Solar USA

POSITION SUMMARY

The Production Team Leader provides day-to-day leadership and direction to Production Operators and supports the Production Supervisor in achieving safety, quality, productivity, and production goals.

The Team Leader is a hands-on position that works directly on the production floor. This role helps coordinate employee assignments, monitor production activities, identify quality and equipment issues, train employees, and communicate production information to the Supervisor.

The Production Team Leader is expected to lead by example and promote a safe, respectful, and productive work environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and support Production Operators during the assigned shift.
• Assign employees to production stations based on production requirements and employee qualifications.
• Monitor production activities to ensure work is completed according to established procedures.
• Communicate daily production goals and expectations to team members.
• Assist the Production Supervisor with managing daily production operations.
• Monitor production output, quality, efficiency, and downtime.
• Ensure employees follow SOPs, work instructions, and production procedures.
• Ensure employees properly use required PPE and follow all safety requirements.
• Monitor production lines for equipment problems, quality issues, and process concerns.
• Report equipment problems to the Production Supervisor and Maintenance Department.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting within the scope of training and authorization.
• Identify production bottlenecks and communicate issues to management.
• Perform quality checks and ensure employees follow established quality procedures.
• Immediately report defective or non-conforming materials or products.
• Assist with production changeovers, line start-ups, and shutdowns.
• Assist with training and onboarding of new Production Operators.
• Demonstrate proper production procedures and safe work practices.
• Provide coaching and feedback to employees regarding work performance.
• Communicate attendance, performance, safety, quality, and conduct concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Assist with maintaining accurate production records and documentation.
• Monitor material availability and report shortages to the appropriate department.
• Maintain a clean and organized production area.
• Support 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement activities.
• Promote teamwork and positive communication among employees.
• Conduct or assist with shift handoff communication.
• Assist the Supervisor with meeting daily production targets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Production Team Leader is expected to promote a strong safety culture and lead by example.

• Follow and enforce applicable company safety procedures.
• Ensure team members use required PPE.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Report accidents, injuries, and near misses to the Supervisor.
• Ensure employees do not bypass machine guards or safety devices.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout requirements when applicable and authorized.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Assist with safety meetings and training.
• Stop and report work that presents an immediate safety concern.

QUALITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure employees follow quality procedures and work instructions.
• Monitor production for defects and quality concerns.
• Perform required quality checks.
• Identify and report defective materials or products.
• Ensure defective materials are properly identified and separated.
• Communicate quality concerns to the Production Supervisor and Quality Department.
• Support corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Promote a culture of quality and accountability.

EMPLOYEE LEADERSHIP

The Production Team Leader will:

• Lead by example.
• Provide direction and support to Production Operators.
• Help employees understand production expectations.
• Assist with training new employees.
• Provide feedback regarding employee performance.
• Recognize employees who demonstrate strong performance.
• Communicate employee concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Promote teamwork and respectful workplace behavior.
• Help resolve minor day-to-day production issues.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling employee concerns.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• Previous team lead, lead operator, senior operator, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to understand and follow SOPs and work instructions.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse production team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or different shifts when required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in solar or photovoltaic manufacturing.
• Experience with automated production equipment.
• Experience with conveyors and production lines.
• Experience with manufacturing quality inspections.
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or 5S.
• Experience training production employees.
• Experience using production tracking systems.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Leadership: Provides direction and support while maintaining a positive team environment.

Communication: Clearly communicates production goals, changes, and concerns.

Safety: Consistently demonstrates and promotes safe work practices.

Quality: Understands the importance of producing quality products and following procedures.

Productivity: Helps the team meet daily production goals.

Problem Solving: Identifies production problems and communicates solutions or concerns to the Supervisor.

Teamwork: Works effectively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other departments.

Accountability: Holds themselves and team members accountable for following procedures and meeting expectations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Production Team Leader must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently move throughout the production area.
• Bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.
• Occasionally lift and move materials within established safety limits.
• Work around conveyors, production machinery, forklifts, and automated equipment.
• Wear required PPE.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with noise and temperature variations.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Production Team Leader must be available to work the assigned shift and may be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or extended hours based on production requirements.