Team Leader - Fabric Cutting Dept.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
 
Building: New Haven

Hourly Pay Band: 5
 
Leader Name: Lisa Schoenauer
 
Application Deadline Date: 9/7/26

Position Summary:

The Team Leader supports day-to-day operations by providing leadership and instruction to the group/cell to ensure tasks are completely safely, timely and effectively, following standard work and SOPs.  Furthermore, the Team Leader will need to have the ability to learn the jobs performed by their team so they can assist and relieve production workers as needed. This position is an important part of improvement activities with responsibility for on-time delivery of cell schedules, the flow of the cell, and quality assurance. This leader must have a positive and encouraging outlook on safety, team-work and support of leadership. 

• Front line assistance for production employees.
• Ensure safety protocols and procedures to maintain a safe working environment and assisting in safety investigations as needed.
• Execute daily work plans, including assisting in filling in for critical positions on the shop floor due to call-ins or absences.
• Assist in releasing, printing, and reviewing work orders to ensure they are accurate and complete.
• Verify that layouts, drawings, and work orders align with production requirements.
• Train new team members and coach team member in production and processes as needed
• Address and resolve any production issues or conflicts within the team promptly and effectively.
• Assist in ensuring clear and efficient communication between employees, departments, and business units.
• Assist in identify areas for process improvement, participate in continuous improvement activities and assist in implement best practices to enhance productivity, reduce waste and lower costs.
• Assist with audits, including 5S and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to maintain safety and compliance.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and inspect products for defects or deviations from specifications. Implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage and place orders for supplies and materials, ensuring inventory levels meet production needs.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and cycle counts to ensure accuracy and minimize discrepancies.
• Assist with receiving materials.
• Oversee the department in the Production Leader’s absence
• Contribute input for performance evaluations to help assess and improve employee performance.
• Willingness to work across various areas and a desire to progress to a Production Leader role.
• Communicating: Regularly communicating with department managers, team members, and support personnel about issues impacting production, quality, safety, and more

Position Requirements:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Willingness and desire to lead
• Basic computer skills with the desire to continue to learn computer skills
• Ability to work or assist in various positions in the cell or line
• Capability and desire to train other effectively
• Able to lead safety and ensure safety in cell
• Understanding of the job / product knowledge
• Strong skills in communicating with team members and Leadership
• Able to make informed decisions
• Focused on quality and organization
• Understanding of standard work and ability to execute

Experience and Knowledge Required:

• 3-5 years’ related work experience with key responsibilities
• High school diploma or GED required 
• Previous Manufacturing Experience preferred 
• Previous Leadership Experience preferred 
• Strong leadership and team management abilities. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality control standards.

Key Attributes Required:

• A self-starting, goal-oriented, customer-focused individual who takes personal accountability and acts in accordance with the Company’s Values

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and frequently required to walk and sit. Use of hands and fingers will be required for writing, computer use, and phone use.  Work in a manner consistent with standard Sauder safety practices and expectations.  The employee will also be required to walk throughout the plant at various times during a typical day.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Encompasses the full spectrum from factory floor, to personal offices, to executive board rooms.  The noise levels in these work environments are usually low to moderate. Personal protective equipment such as eye protection and ear protection may be required in the shop floor environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sauder Manufacturing Co. is an equal opportunity employer and gives equal consideration for employment to all qualified applicants.