Recycling Team Lead (Bilingual English & Spanish)

Position Overview

Polytech Fibers is seeking a hands-on Recycling Team Lead to support daily operations while driving a strong culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability. This role works closely with the Recycling Manager to meet production goals, support team development, and ensure efficient, high-quality operations.

This is a working leadership role, meaning you will actively participate in material handling, machine operation, and quality control alongside your team.

Position Details

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Schedule: TBD; must be flexible to work weekends and overtime (approximately 60 hours per week)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead shift start-up meetings to communicate goals, expectations, and safety priorities
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all procedures and PPE requirements
• Foster a team-oriented environment built on communication, respect, and accountability
• Assign tasks and coordinate workflow to meet production and quality targets
• Monitor team performance, provide coaching, and support employee development
• Assist with training and onboarding of new team members

Hands-On Operations:

• Inspect and evaluate incoming raw materials for quality, contamination, and usability
• Sort, stage, and prepare materials for processing
• Operate forklifts to move raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility
• Feed materials into recycling machines and monitor output quality
• Identify and address material or process issues in real time
• Maintain accurate production logs and communicate operational updates
• Ensure work areas remain clean, organized, and safe

Required:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement
• Experience in a hands-on manufacturing, recycling, or warehouse environment
• Ability to assess material quality and make sound decisions
• Comfortable performing physical work and operating equipment in a fast-paced setting
• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Preferred:

• Previous supervisory or team lead experience
• Forklift experience or certification
• High school diploma or GED

Work Environment

Industrial warehouse setting with exposure to heat, cold, dust, and noise. Role requires standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and repetitive physical activity.

Polytech Fibers Benefit Package (Eligibility Requirements Apply)

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, Short-term Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Discretionary Bonus Program