Manufacturing Group Leader

Manufacturing Group Leader

Location:

Keosauqua, IA

We are seeking a Manufacturing Group Leader to own direct supervision and motivation of employee teams with a focus on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory and Productivity. Expectations include accountability for targeted, measurable, and sustainable improvements across assigned operations through co‑owning strategy and tactical execution of site initiatives while driving team empowerment for results through use of Daily Management and Standard Work.

The role will provide people and process leadership for assigned value stream and/or departments; will hold self and others accountable, function as a role model and provide honest and frequent feedback as part of team development. Candidates will be expected to build & foster a business environment that embraces Kaizen/Continuous Improvement (CI) and structured problem‑solving as a key to the company’s ongoing growth and success.

The position is part of operations and will directly report to the Plant Manager.

• Active listening
• Courageous, ethical, tactful, cooperative, team builder
• Respectful of and trusted by others
• Project a positive, solution‑seeking attitude in all business interactions
• Demonstrate commitment to the entire business/organization/policies/procedures
• Recognize organizational roadblocks and be able to use and coach Change Management techniques to navigate towards solutions
• Student of self‑development and willingness to develop others
• Ability to delegate by assigning responsibilities, schedules, and action plans
• Sets clear expectations and holds self and others accountable
• Motivate others to engage, support, and share vision and OPEX road map
• Communicate clearly and effectively across various levels within the organization
• Share policies & procedures with team members
• Champion for Change
• Prompt responses and decisive actions
• Lead by example
• Tier 1 Daily Management, engagement, and accountability to meet KPI goals
• Team Accountability for “Zero Harm” / environmental health & safety ambitions
• 100% compliance to Safe Operating Instructions (SOI), MSDS, LOTO, PPE, etc.
• Proactive monthly Job Safety Analysis (JSA) risk reduction
• Full Investigation and gap closure for any near miss or injury
• Proactive updates to Kamishibai based on gaps identified through observations or data
• Accountability for “Zero‑defect” ambitions
• Accountability for root cause investigation, implementation, and gap closure
• Formally and informally coaching others to identify and take action to reduce waste
• Leading / Co‑Leading facility and operations upgrades or enhancements
• Forming, leading & participating on cross‑functional teams
• Using and coaching data‑based decision making and problem‑solving
• Leading & participating in lean conversion actions
• Serve as trainer/facilitator when necessary
• Own cross‑training & staffing: right people, right skillsets, right jobs
• Coach for success and cascade team and individual recognition in timely manner
• Willingness to deliver timely progressive disciplinary action per company guidelines
• Other responsibilities as assigned

• Ideally 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience; will consider all candidates with relevant bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience that meet the expectations of the job.
• Strong Computer & MS Office Skills

• All of the above
• Lean Manufacturing experience (5S, VSM, Kaizen, PSP, DM, LSW, Poke‑Yoke, etc.)
• Experience leading or facilitating Kaizens through a Lean OPEX conversion
• Experience with Project and Change Management tools
• Experience as a leader, manager, or supervisor of people
• Strong listening, coaching and communication skillset
• Cross‑functional experience in Operations / Material Flow / Supply Chain Mgmt. / Customer Support / Accounting / Product Development / Design / Quality

• Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Winning Through Customers
• Respects and Values People
• Expectations for Results
• High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending
• Paid Holidays

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Management and Manufacturing

Retail