Team Leader

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way.

DRiV is the aftermarket business group of Tenneco - DRiV website

Job Summary:

Leading the team to succeed, the Team Leader has several key responsibilities for their designated work area and assigned shift to include:  serve as a support resource, lead team members to meet production schedules, facilitate the safe and productive manufacture of high quality products, effectively drive and maintain the standardized work process; train team members in the proper method; and help the team to succeed in an environment based on BOS, continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and 5-S. Key characteristics of a successful team leader are problem-solving, coaching and eliminating waste in the organization by responding to abnormalities and following the TMS philosophy.  It is anticipated that this position will devote approximately 95% of scheduled production time on the shop floor.   

Safety: Review [bimonthly] the safety board with all team members. Create a mentally engaged, physical, and professional safe environment.  Champion and promote the plant’s safety policies and procedures by adopting the Tenneco safety culture. Lead by example in promoting safety practices and policies, including but not limited to, initiating start-of -shift stretches, wearing proper PPE, and holding all team members accountable for wearing theirs; following LOTO procedures; reminding the team about the importance of Hazcom labels (present, correct, and legible data) and MSDA information. Surface all team member injuries and/or illnesses to Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical demands, or work environment.

Ergonomics: Observe team members’ techniques as they perform the job functions and reduce overburden by counter measuring any awkward or excessive movements.  Collaborate with the supervisor and/or EH&S coordinator to continuously improve the ergonomics of the work.   

5-S Process: Daily promote the 5-S Process for the cell or value stream. Continually evaluate the 5-S condition by observing the process area and follow–up on abnormalities. Complete any 5-S documentation and records as required by the 5-S plan.

Standardized Work: Team Leaders or their assigned designee train the team members in Standardized Work practices and follow up on any concerns that arise, actively listening for team members’ techniques or methods that potentially improve the standardized work.  Lead by example to ensure consistency of standardized work by all team members. Coordinate the “continuous improvement” of Standardized Work and follow-up to ensure changes are made or abnormalities are resolved. Adhere to the ongoing use of the yellow card audit system Train and audit team members in standardized work, update and revise standardized work (as necessary), and complete the training matrix to document all training.

Job Instruction Training: Train using the standardized work Teaching methodology:

1) Prepare the team member.            

 2) Present the operation to the team member

 3) Allow the team member to try out the operation

 4) provide coaching and follow up.

Validate job breakdown sheets and standardize work processes with the team.

Provide department/new hire orientation as required for replacements.

Communication: Communicate with the next shift all issues/concerns resulting from your shift’s operations. Provide timely and effective feedback to help team members to strengthen specific skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem. Facilitate effective meetings to foster continuous improvement through communication. Discuss in team meetings [huddles] information concerning safety, quality, inventory, production schedules, etc.  Listen and talk to the team members to get a better sense of their concerns and issues. Assure upward communication of the issues and/or successes of the cell on an as-needed basis.  Maintain the glass wall in a neat and organized manner.   Complete required paperwork such as production record charts, quality information and logbook for shift-to-shift communication.

Production Output: Monitor the hourly production board to keep abreast of the current production rate Respond as primary support to team member calls when needed and to avoid a line stop.

Cell Operations (Product, Equipment, Quality): Confirm quality of parts prior to and periodically during the shift, including receiving inspection. Respond immediately when product abnormalities occur, solve the problem or report upward.  Ensure set-up and operation of equipment in accordance with production requirements, procedures, and policies. Provide first response to line problems, document problems, resolve, when possible, follow up with resources to assure that the problem is corrected. Provide direction to team members to maintain compliance with standardized work, plant policies and procedures, including requirements for Quality systems, TS16949, and ISO 14001. Monitor and record efficiency and downtime for the area assigned to assure cell(s) are running to TAKT time. Continuously monitor and manage nonproductive time in the cell (changeover, downtime)

Defects & Scrap: Identify defects and suspect material and confer with the supervisor to coordinate the appropriate disposition and elimination scrap. Facilitate the proper completion of scrap documentation.

Operating Supplies: Monitor the usage of operating supplies.

Problem Solving / Philosophy: Lead actions to countermeasure a problem’s root cause, monitor the results and standardize the changes made to correct the problem. Be proactive in resolving problems in the cell and elevate the need for assistance as necessary.  “Go see” and observe problems firsthand, investigate and ensure an effective understanding of the facts/data. Solve problems utilizing the “scientific method.”  Deepen process learning through rapid low-cost trials/experiments to solve problems.

Continuous Improvement: Lead and mentor the team to continuously improve their processes towards True North and strive to eliminate waste in the process.

Staffing: Coordinate job assignments based on production needs and/or attendance concerns. Frequently analyze work balance to eliminate waste and to maximize efficiency and flexibility.

Teamwork: Develop, support, and monitor activities that foster teamwork within the group. Build strategic working relationships to achieve work and team goals. Support a positive work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or other unlawful practices.  Immediately escalate any unlawful or improper practices to their supervisor and or Human Resources.

Daily Paperwork: Complete required paperwork such as production record charts, quality information and the logbook for shift-to-shift communication.

High school diploma or GED equivalent are required. Working knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, and SAP preferred. Industrial or manufacturing experience with 12-month shop floor operations experience preferred.

Technical Knowledge: Must possess knowledge to read, write, and perform basic math skills (includes basic algebra, fractions, geometry).  Must have the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram forms. The ability to operate, troubleshoot, make minor adjustments and/or perform preventive maintenance on metal bending, welding, forming, fabrication, and assembly equipment would be beneficial.  Demonstrated experience in effective use of quality control gauges/equipment, inventory systems, blueprint interpretation, computer applications, and SPC charting where applicable. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Subject to the needs of the position and boundary area, obtain a valid forklift license, i.e. Shipping. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to interact cooperatively and collaboratively with co-workers and supervision.  Follow all changes, projects, and orders through to full completion.

Characteristics: Must have good facilitation and decision-making skills. Ability to organize work under constant demands and changing priorities. Demonstrated ability to logically reason and apply the problem-solving process.  Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, manage multiple priorities, work effectively alone or in a team environment, adapt to changing work requirements, emulate strong interpersonal skills and effectively interact with people and motivate high performance of work team. Must demonstrate professional and ethical leadership.  Must be willing to accept challenges and opportunities of acting in a leadership role and suggestions/recommendations for professional development. Strong basic math skills in calculations, tracking and analysis. Must possess a desire to champion change and the ability to motivate others to do so as well.

Attendance: Must have excellent attendance and punctuality and comply and good standing with local Attendance Policy. No Employee Warning notices for 90 days. Performance Improvement Plans closed for 90 days. Willingness to work any shift.

OTHER INFORMATION: All Machines, Tools, Software, etc. Used In This Position. Microsoft Office. SAP knowledge a plus.

Physical Demand & Work Environment:

• Often required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Vision ability required include close vision
• Exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.