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 PurposeThe 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 principles and continuous improvement initiatives

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and influence teams
• Excellent communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with a focus on safety, quality, and productivity
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and material handling equipment
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office or manufacturing systems)
• Strong sense of urgency, ownership, and accountability
• Flexibility to work overtime or varying shifts as needed
• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times

Job Conditions

Both office environment and occasionally manufacturing/factory environment.

Subject to noise and temperature changes.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

Must be able to work flexible schedule, including Friday - Sunday 6am -6pm

Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently and/or move up to 35lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.

Must be able to perform continuous, repetitious physical activities. These activities may involve fine movements or large motions.

Must be able to grasp/pinch small items, reach out and up, and turn wrist.

Must be capable of keeping pace with current production speed.

Must be able to push/pull with reasonable force.

Must be able to perform the following requirements of bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time.

Must be able to work in multiple climates including hot/cold temperatures, and dusty environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JCB is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability statute, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws.

EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.

JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S., which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers.

Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.