Department Group Leader

Join a leading manufacturer in the Plastic Colorants Division as a Department Group Leader within the UTP Department. This role is essential to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of a 24-hour production facility, focusing on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The Department Group Leader will oversee daily production activities, coordinate resources, and support a collaborative team environment. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a background in chemical processing or polymer extrusion who are looking to advance their leadership skills in a dynamic manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the UTP Production Team to achieve daily production goals while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Oversee daily production operations, including preparing and submitting production reports.
• Troubleshoot production, equipment, and material issues, coordinating with Quality, Maintenance, and management as needed.
• Operate UTP equipment and provide direct production support as required by operational needs.
• Ensure effective communication between all shifts regarding production status, material needs, equipment issues, and quality concerns.
• Support shipping, receiving, and inventory activities for UTP materials as needed.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee training and development.
• Manage progressive discipline processes in accordance with company policy.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and communicate progress within the department.
• Oversee planning and scheduling of preventative maintenance activities.
• Manage document control, calibration, corrective and preventative actions, 4M change management, and compliance with ISO 9001, IATF16949, and ISO 14001 quality management systems.
• Serve as the primary after-hours contact for UTP operations, responding to operational issues outside regular hours as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience in chemical processing; polymer extrusion experience preferred.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), or equivalent related experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills.
• Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting equipment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or related software preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.