Build safe, reliable operations—and a team that loves to win
Imagine stepping onto a production floor where your leadership impacts every metric that matters: Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and Morale. At Teknor Apex—an international custom compounder with nine U.S. facilities and global operations in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China—you’ll lead people, processes, and improvements at our South Carolina plant while living our Core Values of Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Sustainability, Innovation & Partnership.
How you’ll lead
- Spend 40–50% of your time where value is created—on the floor—coaching, recognizing successes, and auditing ISO 9001–aligned SOPs, process control, and scanning/labeling accuracy.
- Set uncompromising safety standards: Always LOTO; require steel-toe shoes, eye and hearing protection, long sleeves, and dust masks; no earbuds or phones on the production floor.
- Kick off each shift with injury-prevention stretching and clear expectations.
- Address hazards and unsafe behaviors immediately; ensure team members are fit for duty and uphold HR policies, including policies on alcohol, smoking, and substance use on company property.
- Coordinate with Maintenance and plant support teams to exceed uptime goals and hit department/site targets.
- Coach, mentor, and develop Crew Leads to amplify performance in Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and morale.
- Drive 5S and continuous improvement across the department and plant.
- Learn the compounding process, equipment, and roles to better support day-to-day operations.
- Ensure training is completed on time and cross-training is strong against standard work; maintain backup Leads and operators for coverage.
- Run crisp shift turnovers with accurate, complete information flow between leaders and team members.
- Engage in meetings; stay responsive via email and phone; be accessible by company cell phone.
- Invest in your growth by attending scheduled leadership and management trainings.
- Support integrated systems and management tools; ensure accurate, consistent usage.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
What you’ll need to succeed
- 4–6 years in production; prior Lead or higher-level leadership preferred.
- GED or higher; foundational knowledge in a mechanical/technical or business field, typically gained through up to 18 months of post–high school education/training.
- Ability to influence and drive change with clear, timely communication across shifts and functions.
- Strategic problem-solver with strong attention to detail; prevents repeat issues through root-cause thinking.
- Experienced in Lean manufacturing principles; confident facilitating 5S and continuous improvement.
- Moderate analytical skills to gather and interpret multi-source data.
- Steady prioritization when equipment issues arise; adept at keeping production moving.
- Comfort using computers and operational systems.
Core proficiencies
- Leadership / People Management
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Supervisory Experience
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- Operational Metrics & KPI Management
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
What’s in it for you
- Medical, Dental, Vision with very low deductibles and low cost—80% covered by the company.
- Benefits eligibility within 30 days of hire.
- Company-paid wellness programs: smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss.
- No-cost on-site medical clinic for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
- Up to 7% employer contribution to 401(k) and free financial planning assistance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- 13 Paid Holidays.
- Annual merit increases.
- Weekly on-site food trucks.
- Employee recognition points redeemable for a wide range of products—earned for perfect attendance, service milestones, and more.
- Company discounts on gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, auto, and more.
- Employee appreciation activities throughout the year—meals, giveaways, contests.
- Free income tax filing assistance for eligible associates.
- Community involvement and volunteer opportunities; Family Day celebration.
- Recognition for years of service.
Who we are
Since 1924, Teknor Apex has grown from a small Rhode Island tire store into a global custom compounder. Still family-led by our founder’s grandson, we succeed by building strong, long-term relationships with employees and customers—and by working together as one team.
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.