Manufacturing Group Leader

General Summary

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

• Function as a first‑line supervisor over team leaders and team members.
• Plan and coordinate hiring and placement of team members with Assistant Manager, monitor staffing conditions, work hours, overtime, job rotation, and absenteeism.
• Execute and ensure consistent compliance with all company rules, policies, and practices, taking appropriate corrective action when warranted, in accordance with the terms of the Team Member Handbook.
• 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, consistency, two‑way communication, teamwork, and harmony.
• 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 and keeping on task with targets and implementation schedule.
• Utilize Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize current/new processes and methods, reduce process variation, identify waste, and methodically eliminate waste.
• Develop standardized work procedures by designing and/or documenting the best work sequence for each process.
• Direct the work of Team Leaders and Team Members by assigning/re‑assigning work stationing and analyzing production requirements based on current work situation and production schedules.
• Direct floor activities through consistent application of Toyota Boshoku Business Practices (TBBP) to ensure all aspects of manufacturing are effective and correct sub‑standard situations.
• Perform the essential job functions of team leaders or team members as necessary to maintain efficient, stable, and continuous operations.
• Conduct time studies and other analyses on welding locations throughout the department to identify performance gaps and develop countermeasures for continuous improvement.
• Lead Team Leaders and Team Members in program launches by building familiarity with program equipment, writing work instructions, participating in program launch meetings, training other Team Members on operation of program equipment, and constructing support equipment (racks, shoots, grease machines, etc.).
• Utilize knowledge and skills to maintain the highest level of quality and efficiency possible.
• Monitor the flow of parts, materials, productivity, and quality including kanbans and inventory levels; take corrective action as needed.
• Ensure quality goals and standards are met and know how to use the quality feedback loops and systems and escalation procedures. Confirm team members use the quality systems correctly.
• 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 make required adjustments to ensure quality, safety, operational availability, production efficiency (PEFF), and cost control are maintained.
• Be proactive in predicting abnormalities and finding innovative solutions to correct.
• Evaluate and analyze problems involving machinery and equipment and coordinate repair of tools and machinery. Participate in frequent evaluation of machines, tools, equipment, etc.
• Educate employees on the importance of passing good quality welds by means of effective paint marking, startup checks, consistent tip/nozzle cleaning, pokayokes, Stop, Call, Wait, etc.
• Lead continuous improvement activity for…