Production Team Leader I

Watlow
parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Missouri, Columbia
2101 Pennsylvania Drive (Show on map)
Jan 06, 2026
Working at Watlow Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility. Production Team Leader Location: Columbia, MO Position Summary The Production Team Leader is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations within assigned production cells to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met. This role supports customer demand and value stream objectives by coaching team members, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement using the Watlow Business System (WBS). This position plays a key role in creating a safe, engaged, and high-performing production environment while developing team capability and sustaining operational excellence. Key Responsibilities Production & Performance Leadership Lead daily production activities to meet Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) goals. Manage labor and capacity using time and attendance data to meet production requirements. Utilize daily operating systems and Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI) to drive performance at the cell level. Ensure standard work and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed consistently. Team Leadership & Development Coach and support team members to build skills, accountability, and engagement. Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive team environment. Support the deployment of Watlow's Leader Behaviors and Coaching Forward practices. Train team members across multiple processes and work areas as needed. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving Lead and participate in root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) efforts. Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve processes. Support and participate in Lean and Continuous Improvement (CI) events. Apply Watlow Business System tools and techniques to drive sustainable improvements. Troubleshoot issues related to processes, equipment, and product quality. Safety & Workplace Organization Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Ensure 6S standards are developed, deployed, and sustained. Support safety training and compliance with all safety practices. Qualifications & Skills Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply root cause analysis tools. Effective communication and interpersonal skills; approachable and credible leader. Ability to coach, develop, and influence others. Experience with Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or similar systems preferred. Comfortable working with data, metrics, and performance tracking tools. Ability to make sound decisions and know when to escalate issues appropriately. Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits: Annual Incentive Program 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance Wellness incentives Employee Personal Assistance Program Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation Parental leave Tuition reimbursement Diversity & Inclusion We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.