Manufacturing Group Leader - 3rd Shift (10pm-645am)

About the Role

Directs Team Leaders and other Team Members in an assigned manufacturing area (e.g., assembly, filter, injection molding, powertrain, stamping, urethane, welding, kaizen) to execute the group’s responsibilities. Manages the manufacturing line, cells, or area as an operational unit, ensuring company goals and targets are met in accordance with all company policies, manufacturing standards, and quality standards for safety, product quality, customer satisfaction, accuracy, productivity, cost reduction, housekeeping, efficiency, training, teamwork, and morale.

Responsibilities

• Function as a first-line supervisor over team leaders and team members.
• Plan and coordinate hiring and placement of team members with the Assistant Manager.
• Monitor and track staffing conditions, work hours, overtime, job rotation, and absenteeism.
• Ensure consistent compliance with all company rules, policies, and practices; take corrective action when warranted.
• Manage and appraise team member job performance and recommend corrective action.
• Develop and maintain positive team member relations centered on mutual trust, dignity, respect, fairness, and teamwork.
• Provide direction and motivation to team members, emphasizing safety, quality, efficiency, productivity, cost reduction, and morale.
• Lead and maintain the manufacturing and production system of the assigned area, accomplishing department hoshin goals.
• Utilize Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize processes, reduce variation, identify waste, and eliminate it methodically.
• Develop standardized work procedures by designing and documenting the best work sequence for each process.
• Direct the work of Team Leaders and Team Members by assigning work stations and analyzing production requirements.
• Ensure effective and correct manufacturing operations through consistent application of Toyota Boshoku Business Practices (TBBP).
• Perform essential job functions of team leaders or team members as needed to maintain efficient operations.
• Maintain the highest level of quality and efficiency by monitoring parts flow, productivity, and quality, including kanbans and inventory levels.
• Ensure quality goals and standards are met using quality feedback loops and escalation procedures.
• Partner with the Quality department to initiate investigation and containment activities.
• Troubleshoot daily quality, safety, and production issues.
• Identify potential and current change points and adjust to maintain quality, safety, and operational availability.
• Evaluate and analyze problems involving machinery and equipment; coordinate repairs.
• Lead continuous improvement activities for the assigned area.
• Participate in setting Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets, including safety, quality, operational availability, and efficiency.
• Maintain, monitor, and update department and KPI boards daily; initiate continuous improvement activities.
• Lead the implementation of team members’ ideas and management-directed initiatives.
• Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and PPE requirements.
• Lead ergonomic assessments and implement countermeasures to improve safe working conditions.
• Maintain knowledge of procedures concerning Hazardous Waste, Spill Response, and Plant Security.
• Train and coach team members to maintain productivity and quality standards in TS19649, ISO 14001, and other areas.
• Oversee training of team members, including new team member training and cross-training.
• Maintain training matrices to ensure effective training and correct sub-standard performance.
• Prepare and maintain department instruction manuals.
• Develop team members through performance evaluation, feedback, coaching, and cascade training.
• Collect, record, and analyze information; maintain documentation as defined by company policy.
• Prepare business reports and spreadsheets of required data.
• Maintain records, files, and logs of department activities such as production, scrap, quality, and maintenance.
• Monitor and maintain team member time, attendance, and training records.
• Communicate frequently with internal contacts on various issues through daily meetings.
• Maintain communication with upstream and downstream groups to ensure efficient operations.
• Coordinate communications between shifts for assigned area(s).

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Automotive industry experience preferred, with parts production, quality, or production control experience a plus.
• Experience in automotive interiors (e.g., carpets, filters, powertrain, seating, trim) preferred.
• Working knowledge and experience with TPS and Production Efficiency (PEFF) system preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform leadership functions.
• Ability to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
• Thorough understanding of company product, trade terminology, quality management, and manufacturing processes.
• Good mechanical aptitude and basic math and analytical skills.
• Ability to facilitate problem-solving and resolution effectively.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Ability to work with multiple departments and prioritize activities.
• Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to plan, supervise, and perform functions of assigned areas.
• Active listener with effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task, handle diversity, and provide leadership through problem resolution.
• Strong organization, time management, and planning skills.
• Ability to teach team leaders and team members in basic fundamental skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Experience with integrated computer programs and applications; ERP System experience (e.g., Oracle) preferred.
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other computer-based applications.

Training Requirements

• Forklift, tugger, and truck usage certification.
• Overhead crane operation.
• Cross-training for leading other plant support departments.
• RCRA and DOT hazardous waste requirements certification.
• Training on computer-based software, applications, and systems (e.g., Oracle, Kronos, Future 3).

Work Environment

• Office: Open office environment with moderate noise level.
• Plant: Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level; PPE (e.g., safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection) may be required.
• Involves moderate or occasional presence of slightly disagreeable conditions (e.g., cold, dust, heat, odor).
• Minimal travel required.

Physical Demands

• Requires talking, hearing, and seeing (with visual acuity).
• Requires mental alertness and sustained attention to workflow and team member output.
• Requires physical ability to inspect, adjust, and operate equipment.
• Capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods.
• Occasionally climbing, stooping, or bending near tooling and equipment.
• May be required to reach, grasp, and manipulate parts, materials, or equipment.
• May be required to lift up to 30-50 pounds (with or without assistance).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package (specifics not detailed in the posting).