Team Leader - 1st Shift

Donaldson is committed to solving the world's most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

The Team Leader oversees daily production activities on the plant floor, guiding and supporting team members to ensure efficient operations. They coordinate fabrication and assembly tasks, monitor performance, and maintain compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental standards while driving continuous improvement and high-quality output. This role is on 1st shift, with hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and is located on-site at our manufacturing facility in Greeneville, TN.

Roles Responsibilities:

• Assist the Production Supervisor in achieving departmental goals and key performance indicators (safety, quality, delivery, cost).
• Distribute and align manpower to optimize production efficiency.
• Coordinate material flow to meet daily production requirements.
• Troubleshoot machine downtime, process issues, and production variances.
• Communicate goals, challenges, and updates effectively with team members, engineers, production control, and plant leadership.
• Train employees on PPE, standard procedures, equipment use, problem-solving, blueprints, programming, and quality standards.
• Identify and implement lean improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Monitor key performance indicators and use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Verify first-piece inspections and oversee scrap reports, investigating root causes and supporting corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate data entry in Oracle and complete quality documentation as required.
• Investigate near misses/incidents and ensure proper reporting.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, HAZMAT, and environmental regulations.
• Manage departmental resources, identify inventory constraints, and adjust as needed to meet production targets.
• Promote a culture of safety, 6S principles, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead by example, occasionally performing production tasks alongside the team.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and respect while supporting overall department success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Fork truck certification (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and routings.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Oracle and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a team while maintaining productivity standards.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Consistent and punctual attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or technical certification in manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field.
• Prior leadership or team lead experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools (5S, Kaizen, etc.).
• Knowledge of Oracle ERP systems beyond data entry (reporting, tracking, analysis).
• Experience in troubleshooting machinery and supporting maintenance activities.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:

• Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).
• Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.
• International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Keywords: Manufacturing, Team Leadership, Production, Lean, Safety, Continuous Improvement, Computer Proficiency

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.