At Ice River Sustainable Solutions, we’re a Canadian, family-owned company turning 100% recycled plastic into sustainable products and leading the way in innovation. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top Greenest Employers, we’re driven by creativity, passion, and the belief that together, we can build a cleaner future. We’re looking for self-motivated, hands-on doers who love to learn, work hard, and make things happen—if that’s you, you belong on our team.
Position Summary
The Production Team Lead plays a key leadership role on the production floor, supporting the Production Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations and leading a team of Production Operators to meet safety, quality, and performance targets.
This position is ideal for a strong and experienced production professional who is ready to take the next step in leadership. The successful candidate will demonstrate proven ability to lead a team, manage shift operations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. While this position begins as a Team Lead, it is designed for individuals capable of quickly taking on broader supervisory responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and motivate Production Operators to achieve safety, quality, and production goals.
Act as the primary point of contact for daily production activities, ensuring adherence to established schedules and targets.
Conduct shift start-up meetings and communicate performance expectations, production priorities, and safety reminders.
Monitor production lines and processes to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with company standards.
Support and coordinate with the Maintenance team to address equipment issues and minimize downtime.
Track and report production results, efficiency metrics, and downtime causes; provide shift hand-off reports.
Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and environmental standards.
Train, coach, and develop new and existing team members to build skill depth and support cross-training initiatives.
Provide input into staffing plans and scheduling to ensure adequate manpower coverage across shifts.
Assist the Production Manager in identifying performance gaps and implementing corrective or improvement actions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to efficiency, waste reduction, and employee engagement.
Maintain a visible presence on the floor, leading by example and reinforcing a culture of accountability and teamwork.
Step in to operate production equipment as required during breaks, absences, or high-volume periods.
Education, Skills, and Experience
3+ years of leadership or lead hand experience in a manufacturing environment (recycling, plastics, or packaging preferred).
Strong understanding of production processes, safety practices, and quality control standards.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop team members.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with strong interpersonal skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using production tracking or ERP systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage shift priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility to work 12-hour continental shifts (days and nights).
Working Conditions
Ability to stand for extended periods; frequent bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling may be required.
Must wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, bump cap, etc.) on the production floor.
Exposure to noise, heat, and typical conditions of an active recycling/production facility.
Compensation and Benefits
Wage increase after 3 months
12-hour continental shifts (days and nights)
Company-paid life, health, and dental benefits
RRSP company match
Uniforms and safety shoe allowance
On-the-job training and skill development opportunities
Clean, safe, and team-oriented work environment
Please let Ice River Sustainable Solutions know if you require accommodation during the hiring and selection process and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements. Ice River Sustainable Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, we welcome applications from women, racially visible individuals, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.
Note to Recruiting Agencies:
Ice River Sustainable Solutions does not respond to unsolicited emails from third party recruiters acting on behalf of job seekers. All candidates are encouraged to create their own online profile, allowing us to reference resumes effectively and advise when opportunities match your knowledge and skills. Any profiles created by recruiters on behalf of job seeking candidates will be deleted. This practice threatens future interactions between third party recruiters and Ice River Sustainable Solutions recruitment.
