Thermoplastic Compounding Production Lead

Ready to lead where it matters most—on the production floor?

Teknor Apex is a global, privately held leader in custom compound solutions with nine locations across the U.S. and international operations in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China. We’re looking for a Thermoplastic Compounding Production Lead to elevate Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and Morale at our South Carolina plant.

Your mission

• Drive a proactive safety culture—identify hazards, correct unsafe behaviors, enforce HR and safety policies, and ensure the team is fit for duty.
• Ensure ISO 9001 discipline—SOP compliance, documentation accuracy, process conditions in control, and robust scanning/labeling.
• Keep uptime above goal by coordinating seamlessly with Maintenance and plant support teams.
• Develop Crew Leads and operators through coaching, mentoring, and cross-training against standard work.
• Model our Core Values: Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Sustainability, Innovation & Partnership.

What you will be accountable for

• Spending 40–50% of the shift on the floor, recognizing wins, auditing processes, and coaching in the moment.
• Leading daily injury-prevention stretching and enforcing LOTO and PPE standards (steel toes, eye/hearing protection, long sleeves, dust masks) and a no-earbuds/no-phones-on-floor rule.
• Championing 5S and continuous improvement throughout the department and plant.
• Learning the compounding process, equipment, and roles to better support the team.
• Ensuring timely training completion and strong cross-training coverage; maintaining backup Leads and operators for absences.
• Running effective shift turnovers—clear, complete, and collaborative.
• Participating in meetings and staying responsive via email/phone; being accessible by company cell phone.
• Supporting integrated systems and management tools; verifying accurate, consistent use.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of production experience; Lead or higher-level leadership preferred.
• GED or above; knowledge of a mechanical/technical or business field typically attained through up to 18 months of post–high school education or training.
• Proven change agent with strong communication skills across levels and shifts.
• Strategic and analytical mindset with attention to detail; adept at preventing repeat issues.
• Lean manufacturing principles experience (required); familiar with 5S and CI.
• Ability to prioritize production work when equipment problems arise.
• Proficient with computers and operational systems.

You’re proficient in

• Leadership / People Management
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Supervisory Experience
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Operational Metrics & KPI Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Perks & benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision with very low deductibles and low cost—80% company-paid.
• Benefits eligibility within 30 days of hire.
• Company-paid wellness programs: smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss.
• On-site medical clinic at no charge for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
• Up to 7% employer 401(k) contribution plus free financial planning assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 13 Paid Holidays.
• Annual merit increases.
• Weekly on-site food trucks.
• Employee recognition points for perfect attendance, service milestones, and more—redeem for a wide variety of products.
• Discounts on gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, auto, and more.
• Regular employee appreciation activities: meals, giveaways, contests.
• Free income tax filing assistance for eligible associates.
• Community involvement and volunteer opportunities; Family Day celebration.
• Recognition for years of service.

Why Teknor Apex

Founded in 1924 and still privately held, Teknor Apex is led by the founder’s grandson and built on enduring relationships with employees and customers. We deliver customized compound solutions—and we do it as one team.

Teknor Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any protected status under state or federal laws. Must be 18 years of age to work at Teknor Apex.