Description
Full job description
For 45 years, Southland Trailers has been building more than trailers — we’ve been building a company where people come first. Today, we’re one of Canada’s largest trailer manufacturers with 560+ team members and a simple operating philosophy: people first, processes second, products third.
We believe in hard work, open communication, a positive attitude, continuous improvement, and leading with humility and respect. Using LEAN manufacturing and modern technology, we design and build high-quality trailers while constantly finding better ways to work.
At Southland, you’ll find a collaborative, hands-on environment where ideas are welcomed, initiative is valued, and your work makes a real impact.
If you’re driven, curious, and want to grow with a company that’s going places — you’ll fit right in.
Join Our Team at Southland Trailers!
Founded 45 years ago, Southland Trailers has grown from a small operation to one of Canada’s largest trailer manufacturers, with over 500 team members. Our approach is simple: people first, processes second, and products third. This philosophy drives everything we do and is the foundation of our success.
At Southland Trailers, we are committed to hard work, open communication, a positive attitude, calculated risk-taking, continuous improvements, and leading with humility and respect for every individual. We understand that these values set us apart from the competition and allow us to build trailers that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
With a commitment to LEAN manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, we deliver high-quality, reliable trailers. Our close-knit, collaborative environment empowers our team to innovate and continuously improve.
If you're looking for a place where you can make a real impact and grow with a company that values its people, Southland Trailers is the place for you!
About the Role
We’re looking for a Production Team Lead to join our team and help take Southland Trailers to the next level. In this role, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that works together to drive innovation, quality, and success. If you’re a self-starter who loves challenges, we want to hear from you!
You’ll be the go-to person for day-to-day coordination, helping ensure production runs smoothly and team members are supported, engaged, and performing at their best.
What You'll Do
- Maintain and monitor product quality, ensuring defects are identified and corrected promptly.
- Provide daily coaching and support to team members—offering feedback, recognition, and guidance aligned with Southland’s values.
- Participate in performance evaluations and assist with “Coaching for Improvement” and “Great Job” discussions; escalate formal disciplinary matters to Assistant Coaches or higher.
- Support 5S initiatives by maintaining organization, cleanliness, and efficiency in your area.
- Conduct 5S audits and assist with developing continuous improvement plans.
- Act as a resource for team members by sharing knowledge, demonstrating safe and effective work practices, and supporting skill development.
- Step in to perform Assistant Coach duties during absences, ensuring leadership coverage and operational continuity.
- Maintain a strong understanding of inventory flow and basic scheduling functions to support production needs.
- Facilitate job shadows and contribute to onboarding and development of new team members.
- Support a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork within your department.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by your manager or department leadership.
What We're Looking For
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership ability with experience mentoring or training others.
- Strong understanding of 5S, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement principles.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and position items weighing over 40 lbs.
- Strong communication skills—able to give clear instructions, coach effectively, and build trust with your team.
- Solid organizational and problem-solving skills, with a focus on efficiency and quality.
- Basic math, reading, and computer literacy for production tracking and reporting.
- Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to upholding Southland’s values in every interaction.
Why You’ll Love Working Here?
- Competitive Salary with regular performance reviews to ensure you’re always recognized for your hard work.
- Career Growth: Access to great training and development opportunities that support your career journey.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a compressed 4-day workweek and long weekends every weekend!
- Social Fun: Be part of our monthly Social Club—think wing nights, hockey games, family events, BBQs, bowling, and much more!
- Generous Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package for you and your family, because we care about your well-being.
- RRSP Matching to help you build a strong financial future.
- Delicious Perks: Access to our in-house cafeteria, serving fresh, hot breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily!
- Living Wage Employer: Proud to be a certified Living Wage Employer and recognized by HRDC as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 & 2025!
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step in your career? We want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and be sure to include your email address and phone number and let us know why you’d be a perfect fit for the role.
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining Southland Trailers; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
By applying for this position, you consent to Southland Trailer contacting you via the phone number and email address provided.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Southland Trailers, we build big things — and we back the people who build them.
- Strong Pay with regular performance reviews — because effort should be rewarded
- Real Growth — training, development, and advancement opportunities that actually lead somewhere
- Compressed Workweek — for better work life balance
- A Culture That Has Fun — Social Club events like wing nights, hockey games, family events, BBQs, bowling, and more
- Benefits That Matter — comprehensive coverage for you and your family
- RRSP Matching — future you will thank you
- Hot Food On Site — fresh breakfast, lunch, and snacks in our in-house cafeterias
- Stable, Growing Company — 45+ years in business and still expanding
- Certified Living Wage Employer and named one of HRDC’s Best Places to Work (2024 & 2025)
How to Apply
Think you’ve got what it takes? Send us your resume.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
By applying, you consent to Southland Trailers contacting you via the phone number and email address provided. Southland Trailers is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.