Associate Shift Leader

embecta is a global medical device company with a 100-year legacy in insulin delivery and diabetes care. Driven by innovation, purpose, and a commitment to improving lives, we are expanding our portfolio of solutions to serve even more patients, healthcare providers, and communities around the world.

The Associate Shift Leader provides on‑shift leadership and direction to associates to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations within assigned areas. This role is responsible for supporting, coaching, and engaging associates to achieve production, quality, and performance targets while helping facilitate shift start‑up activities, coordinating resources and product flow, and reinforcing standard work. The Associate Shift Leader assists with training and cross‑training to ensure associates are adequately prepared for their roles, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as a point of contact for day‑to‑day issue resolution. This position ensures adherence to embecta quality systems, policies, procedures, and all applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations.

While the primary focus is shift-leadership and operational oversight, the Associate Shift Leader may also perform departmental job duties as needed, including machine operation, inspection, packaging, inventory, salvage, and utility functions, to support team and business needs.

• Provide leadership, direction, and ongoing support to on‑duty associates to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.  

• Lead shift-start‑up activities, communicate daily priorities, and align the team to production, quality, and operational goals.  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for production and operational issues during the shift, ensuring timely resolution and escalation when appropriate.  

• Manage associate attendance during the shift, including call‑ins, late arrivals, and coverage adjustments; monitor attendance trends and escalate call‑offs or tardiness to the Safety Glide Shift Lead as needed.  

• Ensure associates take breaks and lunches in accordance with company policy and operational requirements.  

• Provide real‑time guidance, coaching, and support to associates to drive performance, accountability, and engagement.  

• Assist with troubleshooting equipment downtime and operational issues, coordinating with technical, maintenance, or electrical support as necessary to minimize production impact.  

• Lead root‑cause analysis for safety, quality, or operational issues using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys) and ensure corrective actions are implemented and sustained.  

• Prepare and deliver a clear and accurate shift pass‑down, including production status, issues encountered, corrective actions, and required follow‑up.  

• Communicate shift outcomes, concerns, and follow‑up items via email to the Safety Glide Shift Lead and appropriate stakeholders.  

• Provide operational coverage across departmental functions, including assignments ranging from Packaging through Setup Operator, as business needs require.  

• Earn and maintain certification on assigned lines and all department operations within one (1) year of beginning the position; routinely cover higher‑graded jobs when required.  

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, standards, and procedures, including safety policies (lockout/tagout) and embecta quality systems and specifications.  Complete required inspections, SAP/OEE transactions, documentation, and paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.  

• Prioritize activities using sound business judgment to support shift objectives and production flow.  

• Maintain a productive, respectful work environment through effective communication and teamwork.  

• May occasionally operate production equipment and perform departmental tasks, including machine operation, packaging, inventory, inspection, salvage, and utility functions, to support production continuity and minimize downtime.  

• Maintain regular, punctual attendance and demonstrate reliability and professionalism. 

EDUCATION 

·        High School diploma or GED required. 

·        Vocational/ Technical or Associate degree preferred. 

EXPERIENCE 

Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment preferred 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

·        Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. 

·        Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess situations and take appropriate action. 

·        Demonstrated attention to detail to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance. 

·        Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey expectations and information to team members and leadership. 

·        Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast‑paced environment. 

·        Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities. 

·        Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team‑based environment and support associate engagement. 

·        Commitment to continuous learning and personal development, with the ability to apply new knowledge and skills to daily work situations. 

·    Basic computer skills, including keyboarding, navigation, and use of Microsoft Office applications

·    3-5 years in leadership or management

embecta is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.