Team Lead

Company Profile
80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 22 plants spanning four continents—and countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil—JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac tractors.

JCB people are at the heart of our business and as a family-owned business we answer to our customers, not a group of shareholders. That freedom allows us to concentrate on developing the latest technologies and incorporating them into our equipment. We focus on what our customer needs on the jobsite – a machine that holds up in the toughest environment and increases their productivity.

At JCB, we stand behind our products – and our name.

Position Purpose
The Manufacturing Team Lead is responsible for providing frontline leadership and day-to-day operational support within a heavy-duty manufacturing environment. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of production processes while maintaining an optimal span of control across team members.

The Team Lead serves as a key liaison between production teams and leadership, driving performance, developing people, and reinforcing a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance production demands while actively coaching, training, and supporting team members across multiple manufacturing areas.

Position Type
Full Time, Non-Exempt

Location
Pooler, Georgia

Benefits and Other Compensation
JCB offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401 (k) retirement plan; paid time off and paid holidays.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities
Production & Operational Leadership
• Lead and support a team in a fast-paced heavy equipment manufacturing environment
• Drive daily production activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) objectives
• Monitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and take action to maintain production efficiency and throughput
• Serve as the first point of contact for production issues, escalations, and problem resolution
Hands-On Manufacturing Support
• Perform and support assembly and sub-assembly operations using hand and power tools
• Safely operate and oversee use of overhead cranes, manipulators, and assembly equipment
• Step in to support production during absenteeism or increased demand
Team Leadership & Development
• Provide daily coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members
• Support onboarding and training of new hires, ensuring competency and safety compliance
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Identify skill gaps and support cross-training initiatives to improve team flexibility
Safety & Quality Execution
• Lead and reinforce safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all safety procedures
• Conduct daily safety briefings/toolbox talks and team meetings
• Monitor and enforce adherence to quality standards and work instructions
• Partner with Quality to identify and resolve defects and process inefficiencies
Continuous Improvement
• Actively participate in and promote continuous improvement (CI) initiatives
• Utilize problem-solving tools to identify root cause and eliminate recurring issues
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing principles (5S, waste reduction, process optimization)
Administrative & Reporting
• Track and communicate key production metrics and KPIs (safety, quality, attendance, productivity)
• Document production updates, issues, and team performance
• Ensure accurate completion of required reports and documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned to support manufacturing operations

Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in heavy-duty manufacturing, assembly, or production
• At least 1–2 years of experience in a Team Lead, Lead Operator, or supervisory role
• Proven ability to operate in a hands-on production environment
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain)
• Must pass all pre-employment requirements (drug screen, background check, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment or industrial manufacturing
• Prior experience leading high-volume production teams
• Exposure to lean manufacturing pr