Production Team-Lead- 1st Shift

Peninsula Plastics is seeking a motivated, dependable, and experienced Production Team Lead to join our 1st Shift manufacturing team!

As a leader in the thermoforming industry, Peninsula Plastics specializes in manufacturing high-quality, reusable plastic packaging solutions. We are looking for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys working with a team, and is committed to maintaining safety, quality, and production efficiency.

In this role, you will lead a small team of machine operators, assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting, and work closely with production supervisors to ensure daily production goals are achieved.

Important Experience Requirement: Thermoforming experience is preferred; however, previous injection molding experience is required at a minimum.

Position Details

• Shift: 1st Shift

• Hours: 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, Monday–Thursday

• Overtime: Mandatory overtime currently required on Fridays

• Location: Auburn Hills and Pontiac, MI (facilities are approximately one mile apart)

• Compensation: $19.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience

• Reports To: Production Supervisor

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Production Coordination

• Lead and support a team of approximately 2–4 machine operators to ensure safe and efficient production.

• Train and guide machine operators on proper equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.

• Monitor daily production activities to ensure production schedules and quality expectations are met.

• Coordinate with production supervisors to prepare for upcoming production orders and minimize downtime.

• Assist with employee performance evaluations and provide feedback to support team development.

Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting

• Assist with setting up, adjusting, and fine-tuning thermoforming machinery.

• Operate production equipment according to established procedures and safety guidelines.

• Identify, troubleshoot, and help resolve equipment or production issues in a timely manner.

• Utilize hand and power tools, including routers, drills, scrapers, and deburring tools.

• Load and unload equipment and production materials as needed.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate production records, equipment readings, and required documentation.

• Ensure work areas remain organized, safe, and efficient.

• Assist with organizing and improving work-cell layouts to support production efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, and overall equipment performance.

• Support production supervisors with additional operational tasks as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in injection molding or thermoforming manufacturing.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train, and support a production team.

• Experience working with manufacturing equipment, plant tools, and production processes.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and critical-thinking skills.

• Good organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to maintain accurate production records.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on thermoforming equipment experience.

• Previous team lead, supervisory, or manufacturing leadership experience.

• Experience with equipment setup, adjustments, and production troubleshooting.

• Background in plant operations or industrial maintenance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours).

• Ability to perform hands-on manufacturing tasks in a production environment.

Benefits & Perks

At Peninsula Plastics, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental Reimbursement, Vision, Life Insurance, and more after 60 days
• 401K with Company match 50% up to 6% 
• Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick Days, etc. 
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Apply Today!

If you are an experienced manufacturing professional with strong leadership skills and a background in thermoforming or injection molding, we encourage you to apply!

Join Peninsula Plastics and help lead a team dedicated to safety, quality, and manufacturing excellence!