Quality Control Group Leader

About the Role

Under general supervision, oversees the quality control operations during the designated shift, including maintaining the overall plant quality system and daily job assignments. Directs Team Leaders and other Team Members in assigned manufacturing areas to execute the group’s responsibilities. Manages the group as an operational unit to accomplish company goals and targets 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; 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 assigned area, accomplishing department hoshin goals.
• Utilize Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize processes, reduce variation, identify waste, and eliminate it.
• Develop standardized work procedures by designing/documenting the best work sequence for each process.
• Direct the work of Team Leaders and Team Members by assigning/re-assigning work stations based on production schedules.
• Ensure all aspects of manufacturing are effective through consistent application of Toyota Boshoku Business Practices (TBBP).
• Perform essential job functions of team leaders or team members to maintain efficient operations.
• Monitor the flow of parts, materials, productivity, and quality; take corrective action as needed.
• Ensure quality goals and standards are met; use 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; make adjustments to maintain quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Evaluate and analyze problems involving machinery and equipment; coordinate repairs.
• Lead continuous improvement activities for assigned area.
• Participate in setting Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets (safety, quality, operational availability, PEFF, scrap).
• Maintain, monitor, and update department and KPI boards daily; initiate improvement activities.
• Lead implementation of team members’ ideas and management-directed initiatives.
• Maintain a safe working environment; ensure compliance with safety regulations and PPE requirements.
• Lead ergonomic assessments of work stations; implement countermeasures and job rotation.
• Maintain knowledge of procedures for Hazardous Waste, Spill Response, and Plant Security.
• Train and coach team members on productivity, quality standards, TS19649, ISO 14001, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain training matrix for team leaders and team members; ensure effective training.
• Prepare department instruction manuals.
• Develop team members through performance evaluation, feedback, coaching, and training plans.
• Collect, record, and analyze information; maintain documentation for assigned area activities.
• Prepare business reports and spreadsheets; maintain records of production, problems, scrap, quality, and maintenance.
• Monitor team member time, attendance, and training records.
• Communicate frequently with internal contacts and team members on relevant issues.
• Maintain daily communication with upstream/downstream groups and support departments.
• Coordinate communications between shifts for assigned area(s).
• Support the Quality Manager and overall plant quality system.
• Establish and maintain quality standards that meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Communicate customer or supplier quality issues to relevant departments.
• Initiate containment and investigation activities to prevent quality problem outflow.
• Investigate and countermeasure internal quality defects to improve plant processes.
• Ensure proper quality processes and procedures are followed plant-wide.
• Work with all departments and management levels to promote quality.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum three years of relevant manufacturing experience required; automotive industry experience preferred.
• Minimum two years of leadership or supervisory experience required.
• Working knowledge and experience with TPS and Production Efficiency (PEFF) system preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform leadership functions.
• General understanding of automotive quality systems and processes.
• Working knowledge of inspection standards and check fixtures.
• Ability to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
• Thorough understanding of company product, trade terminology, quality management, manufacturing processes, and company policies.
• Basic math and analytical skills; ability to facilitate problem-solving and resolution.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multicultural, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and specifications.
• 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 manage multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
• Ability to teach team leaders and team members in basic skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Previous experience with integrated computer programs/applications; ERP System experience (e.g., Oracle) preferred.
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

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.
• 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; PPE (safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection) may be required.
• Moderate or occasional presence of slightly disagreeable conditions (cold, dust, heat, odor).
• Minimal travel required.

Physical Demands

• Requires talking, hearing, and visual acuity.
• Mental alertness and sustained attention to workflow and team member output.
• Physical ability to inspect, adjust, and operate equipment.
• Capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods.