Group Leader Pre Production Operations

About the role

The Pre-Production Machining Group Leader directly leads and supports a skilled hourly workforce in a pre-production environment. You will coordinate multiple highly skilled teams to support engine, transmission, and electric drive unit development and validation, driving early learnings that enable flawless launches.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a skilled hourly team responsible for machining and assembly of fixtures, tooling, and prototype components for engines, transmissions, and electric drive units.
• Own execution of work requests (CTMS), ensuring delivery to safety, quality, cost, timing, and customer expectations.
• Plan and prioritize work by routing, estimating, scheduling, assigning, and tracking completion of work requests, including procurement of materials, tooling, and components.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with PPO, Quality, Manufacturing Launch, Program, and Product Engineering teams to support launch excellence.
• Coach Team Leaders on TIP, GMS, BIQ4, and continuous improvement behaviors.
• Track and communicate team performance to SPQRCE goals and scorecard metrics.
• Foster strong working relationships with peers, hourly employees, union representatives, and leadership across Product and Process Engineering.
• Ensure adherence to standardized work, safe operating procedures, and robust problem-solving practices.
• Champion a safety-first culture, implementing improvements in ergonomics, health and safety, and housekeeping.

Requirements

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated technical capability.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Proven people leadership experience (leading hourly or similar production teams).
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills to build relationships, lead teams, and resolve issues.
• Able to manage multiple work orders/projects with a high level of accountability and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to drive SPQRCE business performance metrics.
• Demonstrated experience implementing GMS principles.
• Working knowledge of safety absolutes and policies.
• Ability and willingness to work extended shifts and weekends as required to support operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Skills

• Experience leading in a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience in process engineering or a related engineering function.
• Working knowledge of local and national labor agreements.
• Working knowledge of the Kronos timekeeping system.