Polymer Extrusion Production Leader

Job Description

Job Description

Be the catalyst for safer, smarter, faster manufacturing

We’re a privately held innovator that grew from a 1924 Rhode Island tire store into a global custom compounder. Today, we operate nine U.S. facilities with additional operations in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China—still led by our founder’s family and grounded in long-term relationships.

Your mission

• Champion Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and Morale across your area while upholding our Core Values.
• Ensure consistent process execution and implement new standards that raise quality and reduce variation.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and support groups to sustain uptime above target.
• Build capability through on-time training and robust cross-training to standard work.

What success looks like

• Visible leadership: on the floor 40–50% of the shift coaching, recognizing wins, auditing adherence, and correcting gaps.
• Flawless handoffs: clear, comprehensive end-of-shift turnovers between leaders and teams.
• Zero compromise on safety: immediate action on suspected alcohol, smoking, or substance use; verify team members are fit for duty.
• PPE and safe practices modeled every day: always LOTO; steel-toe shoes; eye and hearing protection; no earbuds or phones on the floor; long sleeves; dust masks when appropriate; daily pre-shift stretching.
• 5S routines embedded and continuously improved.
• Deep process knowledge so you can support operators and Crew Leads effectively.
• ISO 9001 conformance: SOPs maintained and followed, paperwork complete, process conditions in control, scanning and labeling done right.
• Crew Lead development focused on Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and morale.
• Open-door culture with non-retaliation at its core.
• Responsive communication via meetings, email, and phone; accessible by company cell.
• Active participation in leadership and management training.
• Consistent use of integrated systems and tools across the department.
• Planned coverage with trained backups for Leads and operators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core values you live by

Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Sustainability, Innovation & Partnership.

Qualifications Skills

• Empathetic leadership and the ability to drive change; excellent communicator with all levels.
• Proactive, systems-level thinker with strong analytical and detail skills.
• Required: hands-on Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Capable of synthesizing data from multiple inputs to resolve issues.
• Knack for moving teams from reactive to proactive while handling daily disruptions.
• Strong prioritization when equipment challenges affect the schedule.
• Comfortable using computers and operational systems.

Experience

• 4–6 years in a production environment; prior Lead or higher leadership experience preferred.

Education

• GED or higher.
• Mechanical/technical or business knowledge typically gained through up to 18 months of post–high school education or training.

Rewards and benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision with low deductibles; ~80% company-paid.
• Eligibility kicks in within 30 days of hire.
• Company-paid wellness: smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss.
• No-cost on-site clinic for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
• Up to 7% employer 401(k) contribution and complimentary financial planning.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 13 paid holidays and annual merit increases.
• Weekly onsite food trucks.
• Recognition points redeemable for great products—awarded for perfect attendance, service milestones, and more.
• Discounts at gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, automotive, and more.
• Frequent appreciation events with meals, giveaways, and contests.
• Free income tax filing support for eligible associates.
• Community service opportunities, Family Day celebration, and service recognition.

Proficiencies

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

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.