Production Group Leader
Position Overview
The Production Group Leader is responsible for leading manufacturing employees and supporting daily operations within a fast-paced production environment. This position will drive performance across safety, people, quality, responsiveness, cost, and environmental objectives while promoting accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
The Group Leader will oversee day-to-day production activities, respond to changing manufacturing requirements, resolve operational issues, and ensure employees are working safely and effectively to meet production goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise hourly employees within a manufacturing environment.
- Execute the daily manufacturing plan and make operational adjustments as production needs change.
- Monitor team performance and drive accountability to established safety, quality, productivity, and operational expectations.
- Address employee performance concerns and conduct difficult conversations when necessary.
- Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
- Respond effectively to changing conditions, production challenges, and competing priorities.
- Identify and resolve manufacturing and operational problems using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes.
- Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and collaboration throughout the operation.
- Support quality assurance, inspection, problem-solving, and Built-in-Quality initiatives as required.
- Apply manufacturing standards and processes consistent with Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, Cost, and Environment (SPQRCE) objectives.
- Ensure employees follow standardized work, safety requirements, and applicable manufacturing procedures.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 2 years of management or supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading employees and addressing performance concerns.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong interpersonal, conflict-management, and decision-making skills.
- Strong analytical ability and sound independent judgment.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, email, and general computer applications.
- Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts.
- Ability and willingness to regularly work weekends based on production requirements, typically approximately two weekends per month.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous automotive or manufacturing experience.
- Experience supervising employees in a union environment.
- Lean Manufacturing experience.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement Processes (CIP).
- Knowledge of Throughput Improvement Process (TIP).
- Advanced understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Experience supporting quality or supply chain operations.
- Experience implementing Built-in-Quality initiatives.
- Red X and/or Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) certification.
- Experience with manufacturing timekeeping systems.
- Military leadership experience.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position is based full-time on-site in Lockport, New York and operates within an active manufacturing environment. The facility may be loud and may not always be climate controlled.
Candidates must be able to:
- Walk and stand for prolonged periods.
- Frequently bend, twist, kneel, crouch, and reach.
- Regularly lift or carry materials weighing up to 15 pounds and periodically lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
- Occasionally sit, climb ladders or lifts, and operate vehicles or equipment as required.
- Read standardized work instructions, operate applicable machines and tools, and perform quality inspections.
- Recognize and respond promptly to safety instructions, alarms, and signals.
- Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
Additional Information
- Location: Lockport, NY
- Work Arrangement: 100% on-site
- Schedule: Rotating shifts with regular weekend availability required