Group Leader

Toyota Boshoku America•Lawrenceville, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, oversees the quality control operations during the designated shift which includes maintaining the overall plant quality system plus daily job assignments. Directs Team Leaders and other Team Members in assigned manufacturing area in the execution of the group’s responsibilities. Manages group (manufacturing line, cells, or area) as an operational unit and responsible to accomplish 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.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Associate’s degree required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum three years of relevant manufacturing experience required.
Minimum two years of leadership or supervisory experience required.
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job functions of a leadership role.
General understanding and practical work experience with automotive quality systems and processes.
General understanding and working knowledge of inspection standards and check fixtures.
Must be able to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
Thorough understanding of company product, trade terminology, quality management and control systems and techniques, manufacturing processes including material controls, work flow, scheduling, kanban, machine operation, and company policies as standards.
Basic math and analytical skills.
Ability to effectively facilitate problem solving and resolution.
Ability work with a dynamic team and demanding customer(s).
Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment.
Ability to work with multiple departments and prioritize activities.
Ability to read instruction manuals, blue prints, and specifications.
Ability to plan, supervise, and perform functions of assigned areas.
Ability to maintain on call flexibility to control abnormal conditions.
Ability to be flexible in a constantly changing production environment.
Active listener with effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to multi-task, handle diversity, and provide leadership through problem resolution.
Ability to communicate and work well with all levels of the organization in a team environment.
Ability to adapt available skills and equipment to respond to unforeseen demands and/or problems.
Ability to implement plans to control and maintain safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency for assigned areas.
Strong organization, time management, and planning skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
Ability to teach team leaders and team members in basic fundamental skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Previous experience working with integrated computer programs and/or applications.
Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet, etc.).
Must be willing to successfully complete and use training for items below as required by area of assignment: Forklift, tugger, and truck usage, and pass certification. Overhead crane operation. Cross training for leading other plant support departments. RCRA and DOT hazardous waste requirements, and pass certification. Computer-based software, applications, and systems (e.g., Oracle, Kronos, Future 3, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Automotive industry experience preferred with parts production, quality, or production control experience a plus.
Working knowledge and experience with TPS and Production Efficiency (PEFF) system preferred.
ERP System experience (e.g., Oracle) preferred.

Responsibilities

Function as a first-line supervisor over team leaders and team members.
Utilize Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize current/new processes and methods, reduce process variation, identify waste, and methodically eliminate waste.
Monitor the flow of parts, materials, productivity, and quality including kanbans and inventory levels; take corrective action as needed.
Participate in the setting of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets including safety, quality, operational availability, PEFF, scrap, etc. as a method of continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and company safety policies and procedures.
Orientate and oversee all training of team members and assign experienced and/or certified trainers to perform new team member training and cross training as needed.
Prepare business reports and spread sheets of required data.
Communicate frequently with internal contacts on various issues.
Support the Quality Manager and overall plant quality system.
Establish and maintain quality standards that meet or exceed customer requirements.
Communicate customer or supplier quality issues to manufacturing, production control, and quality control departments.
Initiate effective containment and investigation activities to prevent further quality problem/defect outflow in-house and to customer.
Effectively communicate with customers and/or suppliers to resolve quality problems.
Investigate and countermeasure internal quality defects to improve plant processes.
Ensure proper quality processes and procedures are followed and maintained plant wide.
Work with all departments and all levels of management to promote quality.