Manufacturing Group Leader
Job Type: Contract (48 weeks, with potential for extension)
Schedule: Monday?Friday | Must be available for any shift, including weekends during production launch
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Anticipated Start Date: November 2, 2026
Open Positions: 2
Position Overview
We are seeking experienced, results-driven Manufacturing Group Leaders to oversee daily production operations in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment. This role will be responsible for leading a team of approximately 10?25 hourly employees, with the potential to oversee up to 30 team members during a production launch.
The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a proven ability to manage production operations, maintain safety and quality standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
This position requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and can effectively balance employee development, operational efficiency, and production goals.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing activities, ensuring the effective utilization of personnel, materials, and equipment.
Lead, motivate, train, and develop hourly production employees to achieve operational and performance objectives.
Oversee a team of approximately 10?30 employees, providing coaching, performance feedback, and ongoing development.
Monitor production schedules, quality standards, and operational performance to ensure established goals are achieved.
Support production launch activities, pilot programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Implement and maintain standardized work processes, lean manufacturing principles, and production management systems.
Identify production inefficiencies, troubleshoot operational challenges, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.
Promote and enforce workplace safety, ergonomics, housekeeping, and environmental compliance standards.
Conduct layered process audits and monitor key performance indicators to ensure operational consistency.
Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, quality, and other departments to resolve production-related issues.
Ensure employees receive appropriate job instruction training and follow established manufacturing procedures.
Maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, and union representatives.
Support compliance with applicable labor agreements, workplace policies, and operational procedures.
Utilize production data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, cost reduction, and productivity.
Provide hands-on leadership on the production floor while completing required administrative and reporting responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
Previous leadership, Group Leader, or supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop hourly production teams.
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, and standardized work processes.
Experience applying lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Working knowledge of workplace safety, ergonomics, quality standards, and manufacturing compliance requirements.
Ability to identify operational challenges, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
Strong organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize labor, equipment, and resources to meet production requirements.
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.
Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and overtime as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree in a technical or manufacturing-related field.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
Experience leading teams in a high-volume automotive or industrial manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with Global Manufacturing Systems (GMS) or comparable manufacturing operating systems.
Experience managing Business Plan Deployment (BPD) metrics, standardized work, and layered process audits.
Knowledge of Andon systems, escalation procedures, and production quality controls.
Experience with nonconforming material management, quality-gate procedures, and Management of Change processes.
Previous experience supporting new product launches or manufacturing ramp-up activities.
Familiarity with unionized manufacturing environments and applicable labor agreements.
Relevant hands-on manufacturing leadership and problem-solving experience may be considered in place of a formal degree.
Key Competencies
Manufacturing Systems & Standardized Work: Ability to execute established manufacturing systems, monitor production metrics, conduct audits, and maintain consistent operational processes.
Safety, Quality & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety requirements, quality control procedures, and manufacturing compliance standards.
Production Planning & Problem-Solving: Ability to effectively allocate labor and resources, manage production schedules, coordinate equipment maintenance, and resolve operational challenges.
Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to motivate employees, build high-performing teams, and provide effective coaching and mentorship.
Continuous Improvement: Results-driven approach to identifying inefficiencies, reducing operational variation, and improving productivity.
Work Schedule & Assignment Details
Monday?Friday schedule with flexibility to work any shift.
Saturday and Sunday work is currently expected during the production launch period.
Approximately 10 hours of overtime per week anticipated.
Daily expectations include arriving approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled shift and remaining approximately 30 minutes afterward.
Additional coverage may be required to accommodate employee absences or scheduled time off.
Fully onsite manufacturing position with no remote work or travel requirements.
Initial contract duration of approximately 48 weeks, with potential for extension based on business needs and performance.
Work schedules may be impacted by planned facility shutdowns.
Potential consideration for permanent employment based on performance and business needs.
Why Join This Opportunity?
This position offers an opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment during an active production launch.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to strengthen their supervisory capabilities, lead sizable production teams, and gain hands-on experience in manufacturing systems, operational problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
The role also provides the potential for long-term career growth, contract extension, and consideration for permanent employment based on individual performance and organizational needs.