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.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Shift Lead to support the management of manufacturing operations. The position is intended for an experienced supervisor who brings hands-on leadership, strong operational knowledge, and a track record of driving team performance in a manufacturing setting. The shift leader takes full command of the shift, ensuring safety, productivity, and quality standards are upheld without interruption.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full scope of shift operations
• Lead, support, and motivate a team of up to 30 production employees
• Maintain high standards in safety, product quality, and production output
• Effectively implement and execute daily production schedules
• Conduct First Piece and in-process product inspections
• Monitor workflow, identify issues, and resolve bottlenecks proactively
• Train and coach team members to meet performance and efficiency goals
• Ensure timely distribution of materials, tools, and work orders to the line
• Collaborate with production leadership and provide input on team performance
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the shift

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supervisory or shift Lead experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of production processes; experience in plastics manufacturing is highly desirable
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certifications or training preferred
• Proven ability to lead teams, troubleshoot operational issues, and ensure compliance with safety standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer applications
• Effective communication and leadership skills with a hands-on, accountable style

Why Schaefer Plastics?

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Leadership development and advancement potential
• A collaborative, inclusive, and safety-first culture
• A mission-driven company contributing to sustainable practices

Ready to lead with confidence-even when you're stepping in?
Join Schaefer Plastics and play a pivotal role in keeping our operations running smoothly

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 or 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.

Applicant Data & Privacy Notice: Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC collects and uses the personal information you provide during the application and recruiting process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you, schedule interviews, make hiring decisions, and, if selected, complete offer and onboarding activities. Applicant information may include your resume, contact information, work history, education, skills, interview notes, references, and other information you choose to provide or that is needed for the position. Please do not submit sensitive personal information irrelevant to the role, such as Social Security numbers, banking information, medical information, copies of identification, or other unnecessary personal documents, unless specifically requested at the appropriate stage of the hiring process. Your information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know for recruiting and hiring purposes, such as Human Resources, recruiters, hiring managers, interview participants, and approved service providers or systems used in the recruiting process. Applicant information will not be forwarded to other departments, locations, or legal entities, or considered for unrelated future openings unless permitted by law or you have provided the required consent. Applicant records will be retained only as long as necessary for recruiting, legal, compliance, and recordkeeping purposes, and then deleted or destroyed in accordance with applicable retention requirements. If we would like to keep your information on file for future opportunities, we will request your consent where required. Questions about how applicant data is handled may be directed to Human Resources or to the appropriate SSI SCHAEFER data protection contact.