Manufacturing Group Leader

Toyota Boshoku America•Mantachie, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Group Leader directs Team Leaders and other Team Members in an assigned manufacturing area, managing the group as an operational unit to meet company goals and targets. The role is accountable for safety, product quality, customer satisfaction, accuracy, productivity, cost reduction, housekeeping, efficiency, training, teamwork, and morale, in accordance with company policies, manufacturing standards and methods, and quality standards. This first-line supervisory position leads the manufacturing and production system for the assigned area, applies Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques and Toyota Boshoku Business Practices (TBBP), and drives continuous improvement. The leader oversees staffing, work assignments, production flow, quality, safety, training, records, and communications across teams, shifts, and support departments. The role may perform Team Leader or Team Member duties as needed to maintain stable operations. The position works in an open-office and automotive plant environment, with moderate noise and occasional exposure to conditions such as cold, dust, heat, and odors. PPE may be required in designated areas. Minimal travel is expected. Physical duties include inspecting, adjusting, and operating equipment; walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods; occasional climbing, stooping, bending, reaching, grasping, and manipulating parts or equipment; and occasional lifting of up to 30–50 pounds, with or without assistance.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 3 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
At least 2 years of previous leadership or supervisory experience.
Ability to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform leadership job functions.
Thorough understanding of company products, trade terminology, quality management and control systems, manufacturing processes, material controls, workflow, scheduling, kanban, machine operation, and company policies and standards.
Good mechanical aptitude and basic math and analytical skills.
Ability to facilitate problem solving and resolution and work effectively with a dynamic team and demanding customers.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment, collaborate across departments, and prioritize activities.
Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and specifications.
Ability to plan, supervise, and perform functions in assigned areas and maintain on-call flexibility to control abnormal conditions.
Flexibility in a changing production environment and ability to adapt skills and equipment to unforeseen demands or problems.
Effective listening, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and work with all organizational levels in a team environment.
Ability to multitask, handle diversity, lead problem resolution, and implement plans to control safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency.
Strong organization, time management, and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines.
Ability to teach fundamental skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Experience with integrated computer programs or applications and solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications.
Willingness to complete and use required training, including forklift, tugger, and truck use and certification; overhead crane operation; cross-training for other plant support departments; RCRA and DOT hazardous waste requirements and certification; and computer-based systems such as Oracle, Kronos, and Future 3.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Automotive industry experience, particularly in parts production, quality, or production control.
Experience in automotive interiors, including carpets, filters, powertrain, seating, or trim.
Working knowledge and experience with TPS and the Production Efficiency (PEFF) system.
ERP system experience, such as Oracle.

Responsibilities

Supervise Team Leaders and Team Members, coordinate hiring and placement with the Assistant Manager, and monitor staffing, work hours, overtime, job rotation, and absenteeism.
Apply company rules, policies, and practices; manage and appraise team member performance and recommend corrective action when appropriate.
Develop positive team member relations and provide direction and motivation focused on safety, quality, efficiency, productivity, cost reduction, and morale.
Lead the manufacturing and production system in the assigned area, pursue department hoshin goals, and keep work aligned with targets and implementation schedules.
Use TPS techniques to standardize processes, reduce variation, identify waste, and eliminate waste; develop standardized work procedures.
Assign and reassign work and workstations based on production requirements and schedules; direct floor activities using TBBP.
Perform Team Leader or Team Member duties as needed to maintain efficient, stable, and continuous operations.
Monitor parts and material flow, productivity, quality, kanbans, and inventory; take corrective action as needed.
Ensure quality goals and standards are met, confirm correct use of quality systems, and partner with Quality on investigations and containment.
Troubleshoot daily quality, safety, and production issues; anticipate abnormalities and adjust for changes affecting quality, safety, availability, efficiency, or cost.
Evaluate machinery and equipment problems and coordinate repairs; participate in evaluations of machines, tools, and equipment.
Set and monitor KPI targets and boards, maintain KPI graphs, and initiate continuous-improvement activities and projects.
Lead implementation of team member ideas, suggestions, and management-directed initiatives.
Maintain a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with safety regulations, PPE requirements, and company safety policies and procedures.
Lead or participate in ergonomic exercises, 5S housekeeping, accident investigations, safety audits, ergonomic assessments, and countermeasure implementation; monitor team member safety and health.
Maintain knowledge of Hazardous Waste, Spill Response, and Plant Security procedures.
Train and coach team members in applicable standards and procedures, including TS19649, ISO 14001, environmental, safety, quality, job performance, setups, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
Oversee orientation and training, assign qualified trainers, maintain training matrices and instruction manuals, and support development through evaluations, training plans, feedback, coaching, and cascade training.
Collect, record, analyze, and maintain area documentation; prepare required business reports and spreadsheets and maintain production, problem, shortage, scrap, quality, maintenance, time, attendance, and training records.
Communicate with team members through shift-start and other meetings, encourage two-way communication, coordinate with upstream and downstream areas and support departments, and manage shift-to-shift communication.
Follow safety, quality, confidentiality, and information security policies and procedures.