Group Leader 1

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.