Shift Leader (Plastics Manufacturing)

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn.

We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Schaefer Plastics is seeking an experienced and hands-on Shift Lead to help drive safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations during an assigned shift. This role is ideal for a proven leader who can confidently oversee day-to-day production activities, support team performance, and maintain operational continuity in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Shift Lead is responsible for leading the shift from the floor, ensuring production goals are met while upholding safety, quality, and performance standards. This individual will provide directions to production employees, address operational issues in real time, and help create a productive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day shift operations to support safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency goals
• Lead, coach, and support a team of up to 30 production employees
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety procedures, and quality standards throughout the shift
• Execute daily production schedules and adjust priorities as needed to meet business demands
• Perform First Piece and in-process inspections to verify product quality and process consistency
• Monitor workflow and staffing needs, identify issues proactively, and resolve production bottlenecks
• Coordinate the timely movement of materials, tools, and work orders to keep production running smoothly
• Train and develop team members on processes, expectations, and best practices
• Partner with production leadership to communicate shift performance, challenges, and staffing needs
• Reinforce accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the operation
• Support a clean, organized, and safe production environment 

Qualifications

• 3 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in a supervisory or shift lead capacity
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production workflows; plastics or injection molding experience strongly preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certifications are a plus
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, solve problems, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of safety practices, quality standards, and production performance expectations
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and other standard business applications
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to motivate teams and drive results

Why Schaefer Plastics?

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunities for leadership development and career growth
• Collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment
• A stable, family-owned company with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, efficiently supporting team success, we encourage you to apply for the Shift Lead opportunity at Schaefer Plastics.

Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.