Manufacturing Group Leader

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Directs Team Leaders and other Team Members in assigned manufacturing area.
• Plan and coordinate hiring and placement of team members with his/her Assistant Manager.
• Monitor and track staffing conditions, work hours and overtime, job rotation, and absenteeism.
• Understand, execute, and ensure consistent compliance with all company rules, policies, and practices.
• Manage and appraise team member job performance and recommend corrective action.
• Develop and maintain positive team member relations.
• Provide direction and motivation to team members.
• Manage and maintain the manufacturing and production system of assigned area.
• Utilize Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize current/new processes and methods.
• Develop standardized work procedures.
• Assign/re-assign work stationing and analyze production requirements.
• Lead and maintain the manufacturing and production system of assigned area.
• Conduct time studies and other analyses on welding locations.
• Lead Team Leaders and Team Members in program launches.
• Maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
• Train and coach team members.
• Maintain knowledge of procedures concerning Hazardous Waste, Spill Response, and Plant Security.
• Monitor safety and health of team members.
• Coordinate communications between shifts for assigned area(s).

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Education: Associate’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of relevant manufacturing experience required. Minimum two (2) years of previous leadership or supervisory experience required. Automotive industry experience preferred with parts production, quality, or production control experience a plus. Experience in automotive interiors including carpets, filters, powertrain, seating, and/or trim preferred.
• Skills: Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job functions of a leadership role. Must be able to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime. Must be able to accept reassignment to any shift, assignment, or work location in the Plant. Thorough understanding of company product, trade terminology, quality management and control systems and techniques, manufacturing processes including material controls, work flow, scheduling, kanban, machine operation, and company policies as standards. Good mechanical aptitude. Basic math and analytical skills. Ability to effectively facilitate problem solving and resolution. Ability to work with a dynamic team and demanding customer(s). Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment. Ability to work with multiple departments and prioritize activities. Ability to read instruction manuals, blue prints, and specifications. Ability to plan, supervise, and perform functions of assigned areas. Ability to maintain on call flexibility to control abnormal conditions. Ability to be flexible in a constantly changing production environment. This includes the ability to work weekends and modify days, hours, and shift worked based on Plant needs. Active listener with effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to multi-task, handle diversity, and provide leadership through problem resolution. Ability to communicate and work well with all levels of the organization in a team environment. Ability to adapt available skills and equipment to respond to unforeseen demands and/or problems. Ability to implement plans to control and maintain safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency for assigned areas. Strong organization, time management, and planning skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with tight deadlines. Ability to teach team leaders and team members in basic fundamental skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
• Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Computer/Software: Previous experience working with integrated computer programs and/or applications. ERP System experience (e.g., Oracle) preferred. Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.).

Training Requirements

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

Work Environment/Conditions

• Office: Open Office Environment, moderate noise level.
• Plant: Various types of manufacturing environments. Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply. Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.