Internal - Manufacturing Technician III (Lead) - Final Finish

Company Description

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 76,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division currently employs around 53,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.

Job Description

YOUR TASKS

This role provides operational and leadership support within the final finish area by operating equipment, maintaining production flow and inventory accuracy, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met. The position also serves as a team resource by coordinating coverage, training employees, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and acting as a liaison between hourly associates and leadership.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Provide production coverage by filling in for operators and supervisors during breaks, absences, vacations, and other staffing needs.
• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and perform set-ups on a variety of final finish equipment while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate WIP inventory levels and ensure organization of storage areas.
• Review production schedules and coordinate staffing priorities to ensure adequate line coverage and productivity.
• Create and manage SAP work orders and coordinate maintenance support as needed.
• Apply independent judgment to support operations, solve problems, and drive process improvements using continuous improvement tools (5 Why, CB, 4D, CBS).
• Support team performance through coaching, mentoring, training, and development of employees.
• Monitor production performance and equipment conditions to proactively address issues and meet production requirements.
• Serve as a communication link between hourly employees and leadership, escalating concerns and providing operational support.
• Perform specialized final finish tasks, including tire inspection, rework repairs, stencil creation, painting, grinding, and operation of material handling and finishing equipment.
• Be detail-oriented and capable of performing under pressure.
• Follow all plant, ESH, CBS, quality, and department processes and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: May not be inclusive of all work required and may be updated as needed.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two or more years' experience in the Final Finish department at Continental Tire Sumter Plant
• Currently certified in two or more critical positions in Final Finish (critical positions: visual inspector & TUG/balance)
• This role is an internal only position, external applicants will not be considered for this role
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting
• No relocation assistance is offered for this position

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT

• Three or more years of Continental Tire plant experience
• Excel, SAP, and MMS experience

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

 

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