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What does a manufacturing team leader do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

The job of a manufacturing team leader is to oversee and ensure the quality and efficiency of assembling manufactured goods. Typical day-to-day duties include ensuring that team members adhere to standard manufacturing processes and procedures, ensuring awareness among team members of the day-to-day responsibilities and targets, and managing the closures of work orders. In addition, you will be responsible for identifying opportunities for business improvement within the organization, conducting root cause analysis, and addressing problems.

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Manufacturing team leader responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real manufacturing team leader resumes:

  • Lead numerous Kaizen blitz efforts to identify and reduce waste.
  • Manage operations in compliance with strict ISO9001 certification and FDA requirements.
  • Manage a team of QC inspectors for inspecting automotive components from manufacturing line
  • Provide technical information to FDA auditor during PAI inspection.
  • Lead the development of a no batch single piece flow cell utilizing the kaizen process.
  • Key player in the transformation of the operations in regards execution and practices of GMP's.
  • Assume the responsibility for the GMP and EHS procedure awareness and compliance within the respective areas.
  • Train operators to run and troubleshoot machinery efficiently and effectively.
  • Work closely with engineering and manufacturing to troubleshoot equipment issues.
  • Leverage ISO methodology simplifying program requirements influencing skills to lead change process.
  • Perform laboratory analysis, maintain ISO quality records and waste treatment area.
  • Communicate directly with USDA official in maintaining proper product handling and sanitation procedures and requirements.
  • Manage a team of QC inspectors for inspecting automotive components from manufacturing line

Manufacturing team leader skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Manufacturing Team Leaders are proficient in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and GMP.

We break down the percentage of Manufacturing Team Leaders that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Continuous Improvement, 13%

    Participated and advised in review of team production performance and provided suggestions to drive continuous improvement.

  • Lean Manufacturing, 12%

    Support Lean manufacturing by performing equipment setup and change-overs in a timely and efficient manner.

  • GMP, 6%

    Supervised and received recognition for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturing.

  • Process Improvement, 4%

    Managed daily manufacturing and logistics activities and implemented process improvement projects in a syrup packaging plant.

  • ISO, 4%

    Recognized by management in creating processes for achieving ISO certification at our facility.

  • Quality Standards, 4%

    Machined parts to specific tolerances meeting targeted production rates and quality standards.

"continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," and "gmp" are among the most common skills that manufacturing team leaders use at work. You can find even more manufacturing team leader responsibilities below, including:

Most common manufacturing team leader skills

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Compare different manufacturing team leaders

Manufacturing team leader vs. 3rd shift supervisor

A 3rd shift supervisor is responsible for monitoring the operations and staff performance of a specific shift. 3rd shift supervisors strategize on effective business techniques to maximize staff's productivity and improve customers' experience. They also analyze sales reports, resolve discrepancies, and identify business opportunities that would generate more resources for revenues and increase the company's profitability. A 3rd shift supervisor addresses customers' inquiries and concerns, as well as resolving their complaints about services timely and accurately.

If we compare the average manufacturing team leader annual salary with that of a 3rd shift supervisor, we find that 3rd shift supervisors typically earn a $6,458 lower salary than manufacturing team leaders make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both manufacturing team leader and 3rd shift supervisor positions are skilled in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and gmp.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between manufacturing team leaders and 3rd shift supervisor. For instance, manufacturing team leader responsibilities require skills such as "iso," "safety standards," "sigma," and "corrective action." Whereas a 3rd shift supervisor is skilled in "customer service," "basic math," "pallet jack," and "cleanliness." This is part of what separates the two careers.

3rd shift supervisors tend to make the most money working in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,104. In contrast, manufacturing team leaders make the biggest average salary, $45,874, in the automotive industry.3rd shift supervisors tend to reach lower levels of education than manufacturing team leaders. In fact, 3rd shift supervisors are 6.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Manufacturing team leader vs. 2nd shift supervisor

A 2nd shift supervisor is responsible for supporting the operations of a department, managing the staff's performance, and assisting the team in achieving maximum productivity. They provide high-quality services for the customers by responding to their inquiries and concerns and resolving complaints. They also implement strategic procedures to achieve production goals, as well as identifying business opportunities that would drive more revenue resources and profits for the company. A 2nd shift supervisor also assists in handling the department's budget, ensuring adequate allocation to support operations.

A career as a 2nd shift supervisor brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a manufacturing team leader. In fact, 2nd shift supervisors salary is $4,925 lower than the salary of manufacturing team leaders per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Manufacturing team leaders and 2nd shift supervisors both require similar skills like "continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," and "gmp" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that manufacturing team leader responsibilities requires skills like "iso," "sigma," "troubleshoot," and "value stream." But a 2nd shift supervisor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "basic math," "pallets," and "work ethic."

On average, 2nd shift supervisors earn a lower salary than manufacturing team leaders. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, 2nd shift supervisors earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $36,245. Whereas manufacturing team leaders have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $45,874.2nd shift supervisors earn lower levels of education than manufacturing team leaders in general. They're 7.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Manufacturing team leader vs. Shift production supervisor

A shift production supervisor is in charge of overseeing business operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around devising strategies to reach production standards and production targets, supervising and assessing staff performance, delegating tasks, managing schedules, and prioritizing customer satisfaction. They may also produce progress reports and presentations, address and resolve any issues or concerns, and train new workforce members. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is essential to lead and encourage team members, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

An average shift production supervisor eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of manufacturing team leaders. The difference in salaries amounts to shift production supervisors earning a $4,263 lower average salary than manufacturing team leaders.By looking over several manufacturing team leaders and shift production supervisors resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," and "gmp." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from manufacturing team leader resumes include skills like "product quality," "value stream," "capa," and "production control," whereas a shift production supervisor is more likely to list skills in "safety procedures," "excellent interpersonal," "develop team," and "hr. "

Shift production supervisors earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $37,043. Comparatively, manufacturing team leaders have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $45,874.shift production supervisors typically earn lower educational levels compared to manufacturing team leaders. Specifically, they're 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Manufacturing team leader vs. Production supervisor

Production supervisors are employees who oversee the production process, usually handling activities directly related to people management. They manage employees by ensuring that the production floor employees are doing their work well and are motivated. Production supervisors guide employees and ensure that everyone is working towards company goals. They properly communicate these goals as well as the strategies to meet the set goals. Production supervisors have a direct hand in the hiring and subsequent training of employees. They should have good communication skills, decision-making skills, and leadership skills.

Production supervisors typically earn higher pay than manufacturing team leaders. On average, production supervisors earn a $24,001 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, manufacturing team leaders and production supervisors both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "continuous improvement," "lean manufacturing," and "gmp. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A manufacturing team leader uses "product quality," "value stream," "capa," and "shipping receiving." Production supervisors are more likely to have duties that require skills in "safety procedures," "customer service," "safety regulations," and "strong problem-solving. "In general, production supervisors earn the most working in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $77,082. The highest-paying industry for a manufacturing team leader is the automotive industry.production supervisors reach similar levels of education compared to manufacturing team leaders, in general. The difference is that they're 3.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of manufacturing team leader

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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