Team Lead - Fabrication Department | 1st Shift

Team Lead – Fabrication Department | 1st Shift

Location: Lake in the Hills, IL

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Pay: $20–$25/hour, based on experience

Why Join AFC?

• Stability & Growth: Industry leader with over 30 years of proven success
• Full Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) – starting 1st of the month after 30 days
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO & 10 Paid Holidays
• Annual Safety Shoe & Gym Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement & In-House Training (AFC University)
• $2,000 Referral Bonus Program

About the Role

AFC Materials Group is hiring a Team Lead to join our Fabrication department. In this role, you'll lead the daily activities of the department for your shift — guiding a team that converts raw materials into finished conveyor belts and custom industrial products. You'll combine hands-on fabrication work with team leadership, ensuring safety, quality, and production goals are met every shift. This role offers a clear path to grow into senior leadership positions as AFC continues to expand.

What You'll Do

Leadership

• Embrace and model AFC's Core Values as a leader on the floor
• Lead the daily activities of the fabrication department, giving clear direction to the team
• Support, communicate, and enforce company policies and safety initiatives
• Train, cross-train, and coach team members on safe, established processes
• Suggest and lead process improvements as a change agent
• Calculate and communicate production numbers, quality checks, and shift performance
• Complete and communicate all beginning/end-of-shift duties

Hands-On Production

• Read and interpret work orders to cut, fabricate, and finish belting to customer specifications
• Operate industrial sewing machines and hand tools to assemble finished products
• Cut, roll, tape, and apply correct pins, ends, and lacing to belts
• Use utility knives to trim materials to close tolerances
• Perform quality checks and assist in resolving quality issues or returns
• Complete inventory transactions in the ERP system and participate in cycle counts
• Keep work area, tools, and equipment clean and organized; monitor stocked material levels
• All other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring

• High school diploma or GED
• 2+ years of leadership or lead-level experience in a manufacturing environment (formal management title not required)
• Prior hands-on manufacturing experience
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (or team-lift up to 100 lbs)
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn internal systems
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, job-shop environment

About Us

AFC Materials Group, headquartered in Lake in the Hills, IL, is a global leader in high-temperature and non-stick composite solutions. Since 1988, we've partnered with OEMs, distributors, and end users to solve complex production challenges through expert coating, converting, and fabrication capabilities. For over 30 years, we've built a reputation on innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to our people and customers. Join a team where growth, quality, and forward thinking are at the core of what we do.

Apply today and take the next step in your manufacturing leadership career!

AFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vetsAFC is a Drug-free workplace