Quality Control Group Leader

Toyota Boshoku America•Lawrenceville, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Quality Control Group Leader oversees quality control operations during an assigned shift, maintains the plant quality system, and coordinates daily work assignments. The role directs Team Leaders and Team Members in an assigned manufacturing area and manages the group as an operational unit to meet company goals and targets for safety, product quality, customer satisfaction, accuracy, productivity, cost reduction, housekeeping, efficiency, training, teamwork, and morale. The position provides first-line supervision, coordinates staffing with the Assistant Manager, monitors attendance and work hours, manages performance, and promotes positive team member relations. It leads manufacturing and production activities using Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques and Toyota Boshoku Business Practices (TBBP), standardizes work, addresses waste and process variation, and supports continuous improvement. The Group Leader monitors production, materials, inventory, quality, and safety; investigates problems; coordinates equipment repairs; and partners with the Quality department on investigation and containment activities. The role also supports the plant quality system, maintains customer-focused quality standards, communicates quality issues, and works across departments and with customers or suppliers to resolve defects. The position trains, coaches, and evaluates team members; maintains training plans, records, and documentation; prepares reports; and communicates routinely within and between shifts. Work may take place in an office and in various manufacturing environments. Minimal travel is required. The role requires the ability to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime, and to maintain on-call flexibility for abnormal conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Associate’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three years of relevant manufacturing experience.
At least two years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform leadership job functions.
General understanding and practical work experience with automotive quality systems and processes.
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.
General understanding and working knowledge of inspection standards and check fixtures.
Basic math and analytical skills and the ability to facilitate problem solving and resolution.
Ability to work with a dynamic team and demanding customers in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
Ability to work across departments, prioritize activities, plan and supervise assigned areas, and adapt to changing production conditions.
Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and specifications.
Ability to maintain on-call flexibility to control abnormal conditions.
Effective leadership, communication, listening, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and work with all organizational levels.
Ability to multitask, handle diversity, and lead problem resolution.
Ability to adapt available skills and equipment to unforeseen demands or problems and implement plans for safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency.
Strong organization, time-management, and planning skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
Ability to teach basic skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Experience with integrated computer programs or applications; working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications.
Ability and willingness to complete required training and certifications, including forklift, tugger and truck usage, overhead crane operation, cross-training for plant support departments, RCRA and DOT hazardous waste requirements, and computer-based systems.
Ability to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
Ability to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation, including the stated physical demands.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Automotive industry experience preferred, with parts production, quality, or production control experience a plus.
Working knowledge and experience with TPS and the Production Efficiency (PEFF) system preferred.
ERP system experience, such as Oracle, preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee quality control operations for the assigned shift and maintain the plant quality system.
Direct Team Leaders and Team Members and manage the assigned manufacturing group to meet company goals and standards.
Coordinate hiring and placement with the Assistant Manager; monitor staffing, work hours, overtime, job rotation, and absenteeism.
Apply company rules and policies, manage and appraise performance, recommend corrective action, and maintain positive team member relations.
Lead manufacturing and production activities, accomplish department hoshin goals, and track targets and implementation schedules.
Use TPS and TBBP techniques to standardize processes, reduce variation, identify and eliminate waste, and develop standardized work procedures.
Assign and reassign work stations and coordinate production requirements with current conditions and schedules.
Perform Team Leader or Team Member duties when needed to maintain 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 the Quality department on investigations and containment.
Troubleshoot quality, safety, and production issues; identify change points and make adjustments to preserve quality, safety, availability, efficiency, and cost.
Evaluate machinery and equipment problems and coordinate repairs; participate in equipment evaluations.
Lead continuous improvement activities, maintain KPI boards and graphs, and initiate or participate in improvement projects.
Lead implementation of team member suggestions and management-directed initiatives.
Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety regulations, PPE requirements, and company procedures.
Lead or participate in ergonomic exercises and assessments, 5S housekeeping, accident investigations, safety audits, and job rotation measures.
Maintain knowledge of hazardous waste, spill response, and plant security procedures; monitor team member health and safety.
Train, coach, orient, and cross-train team members; maintain training matrices and instruction manuals and evaluate training effectiveness.
Support team member development through performance evaluations, training plans, feedback, coaching, and cascade training.
Collect, record, and analyze information; prepare reports and spreadsheets; and maintain required department records, files, and logs.
Monitor and maintain team member time, attendance, and training records and perform other administrative duties.
Communicate with internal contacts, keep team members informed, encourage two-way communication, and coordinate communication between shifts and adjacent areas.
Support the Quality Manager and overall plant quality system and establish standards that meet or exceed customer requirements.
Communicate customer and supplier quality issues to relevant departments and work with customers or suppliers to resolve quality problems.
Investigate internal quality defects, implement countermeasures, prevent defect outflow, and promote quality across departments and management levels.