Shift Manager

Inside the Role

The Shift Manager is responsible for leading operational activities during assigned shifts, ensuring team performance, and maintaining high standards of accountability and efficiency. This role involves daily oversight, monthly performance evaluations, and annual strategic contributions to support organizational goals and continuous improvement.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

What You Drive at DTNA 

Leadership:

• Coach and mentor the daily activities of direct reports

• Support and facilitate a safe and ethical working environment and culture

• Coach, motivate, and develop team members to higher levels of performance

• Clarify expectations, regularly communicate, provide ongoing performance feedback, and counsel assigned employees

• Track and monitor shift performance and drive direct reports to improve team, and individual employee performance

• Guide assigned supervisor(s) in Lean Principles to promote and develop a continuous improvement culture

• Effectively support and follow all policies outlined in the contract, handbook, and/or policy guide

• Lead by example and uphold high standards of accountability within the peer group.

• Review key updates, emails, and performance metrics to identify priorities requiring immediate attention.

• Provide ongoing support to team members by answering questions, offering direction, removing barriers, and ensuring work progresses smoothly and efficiently.

• Conduct one-on-one meetings with supervisors and engage in development discussions to support growth within their teams.

 

Functional (job specific):

• Serve as senior member of management on shop floor for assigned shift

• Direct actions of production and support groups to deliver on time at the lowest possible cost

• Communicate priority and status of work orders across shifts and functions

• Ensure proper escalation of potential or actual disruption events

• Develop and execute mitigating actions to mitigate disruption due to manpower or machinery issues

• Recognize and communicate impact of potential capacity bottlenecks

• Coordinate status and timeline for specific commodities with logistics managers at Gastonia and TMPs

• Develop a team of leaders on your assigned shift

• Actively engage in selection and onboarding of new employees

• Ensure all training and evaluation for team members are completed and documented in a timely manner

• Evaluate team performance against established goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Adjust plans, staffing, or resources as needed to maintain operational effectiveness.

• Contribute to long-term strategy, team development, and organizational success.

• Establish annual goals aligned with company objectives and translate them into actionable plans.

• Drive initiatives that support team growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Knowledge You Should Bring 

• BS/BA and 7 years of relevant experience or 10+ years relevant experience in lieu of a degree

• Prior experience leading teams or projects to achieve elevated levels of performance and engagement in a manufacturing or logistics setting is required

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• Ability to analyze performance metrics and implement improvement strategies.

• Experience in team development and operational management.

• Must be able to work any shift

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Knowledge of or ability to apply Lean/Continuous improvement tools and principles

• Strong understanding of cell based manufacturing / batch production

#LI-TN1 #LI-Onsite

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Gastonia, NC US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Onsite

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.