The Converting Team Lead / Trainer is both a skilled operator and a frontline leader in the converting department. This person keeps production moving when the supervisor is unavailable — stepping in, communicating with cross-functional teams, driving on-time delivery, and holding the floor accountable to daily shipping goals. At the same time, they remain a hands-on operator who is cross-trained across all converting functions and ready to fill any role when team members are absent.

This is not a purely supervisory position. The right candidate earns team trust on the floor first and communicates with confidence second. They don't wait to be told what needs to happen — they see what's behind schedule, they speak up, and they get it moving.

Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Supervision (When Supervisor Is Absent)

• Represent the converting department in cross-functional meetings, providing clear production updates
• Communicate priorities, daily goals, and any order status changes to the team at the start of each shift
• Drive accountability for on-time shipping — actively tracking order status and escalating bottlenecks before they become problems
• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, and other departments to keep orders moving through production on schedule
• Maintain production flow without waiting for direction; exercise judgment on task prioritization

Operator Responsibilities

• Operate all converting department equipment with proficiency, including:
• MAXIEM 2040 Waterjet cutter
• Die Presses (Hudson & Preco)
• Digital Cutters (Zünd G3 & Atom)
• TTARP Laminator
• Step in as an operator in any function when team members are on vacation or absent
• Maintain quality standards: inspect work in process, catch issues before they pass downstream
• Follow all work order specifications, routers, and travelers; document accurately
• Maintain a clean, safe, 5S-compliant work area

Training & Development

• Train and certify new operators across converting functions as they progress through their onboarding plan
• Provide real-time coaching and feedback on technique, quality, and production standards
• Identify skill gaps on the team and surface training needs to the supervisor

Communication & Escalation

• Communicate production status clearly and directly — no pivoting, no softening hard messages when deadlines are at risk
• Escalate quality issues, machine problems, or staffing gaps quickly and accurately
• Provide written shift handoffs and notes when required

What Success Looks Like

In the first 60–90 days, a successful Team Lead will have been cross-trained across all converting functions and demonstrated the ability to step in on any machine. They will have earned the team's trust by working alongside them — not just directing.

At six months, orders are moving on time when the supervisor is out. Cross-functional teams know exactly who to call in the converting department when they need an update. The team is receiving coaching, not just instructions.

Long term, the Team Lead is a stabilizing force: the floor runs predictably under their watch, new operators get up to speed faster because training is consistent, and the supervisor has full confidence stepping away from the floor.

What We’re Looking For:

Required

• 2+ years of manufacturing operator experience in a converting, die cutting, waterjet, or related environment
• Demonstrated ability to operate and set up production equipment independently
• Strong verbal communication skills — comfortable delivering priorities to a team, giving updates in meetings, and pushing back when needed
• Ability to read and execute work orders, routers, and travelers accurately
• Willingness to be cross-trained across all functions in the department
• Reliable attendance and punctuality — the team depends on this person being there

Preferred

• Experience in die cutting, waterjet cutting, or lamination processes
• Prior experience in a lead, trainer, or informal leadership role
• Background in precision manufacturing serving aerospace, defense, or medical device industries

The Leadership Difference

We have great operators. What we need in this role is an operator who can also lead — and leading in the converting department means something specific: it means walking up to someone and saying, “I need this order out by 2pm,” and meaning it. It means calling engineering before the supervisor asks you to. It means telling the team where they stand on daily goals without being told to have that conversation.

This role is not right for someone who executes well when given a list but waits for direction between tasks. This role is for someone who sees what needs to happen and drives it — while still being a trusted, capable operator on the floor.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a full production shift
• Manual dexterity for handling sheet materials, thin films, adhesives, and precision-cut components
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required for production
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with standard noise and equipment

What We Offer

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience and leadership contribution
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Clear advancement path into supervisory and department leadership roles
• A culture that rewards initiative, ownership, and execution — not just tenure

Pay: $34.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Are you able and willing to work the following shift: Monday - Thursday 5:00am - 3:30pm?

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person