Group Leader

Production Group Leader

Position Overview

The Production Group Leader is responsible for leading manufacturing employees and supporting daily operations within a fast-paced production environment. This position will drive performance across safety, people, quality, responsiveness, cost, and environmental objectives while promoting accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

The Group Leader will oversee day-to-day production activities, respond to changing manufacturing requirements, resolve operational issues, and ensure employees are working safely and effectively to meet production goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise hourly employees within a manufacturing environment.
• Execute the daily manufacturing plan and make operational adjustments as production needs change.
• Monitor team performance and drive accountability to established safety, quality, productivity, and operational expectations.
• Address employee performance concerns and conduct difficult conversations when necessary.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Respond effectively to changing conditions, production challenges, and competing priorities.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing and operational problems using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes.
• Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and collaboration throughout the operation.
• Support quality assurance, inspection, problem-solving, and Built-in-Quality initiatives as required.
• Apply manufacturing standards and processes consistent with Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, Cost, and Environment (SPQRCE) objectives.
• Ensure employees follow standardized work, safety requirements, and applicable manufacturing procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading employees and addressing performance concerns.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict-management, and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical ability and sound independent judgment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, email, and general computer applications.
• Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts.
• Ability and willingness to regularly work weekends based on production requirements, typically approximately two weekends per month.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous automotive or manufacturing experience.
• Experience supervising employees in a union environment.
• Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement Processes (CIP).
• Knowledge of Throughput Improvement Process (TIP).
• Advanced understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Experience supporting quality or supply chain operations.
• Experience implementing Built-in-Quality initiatives.
• Red X and/or Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) certification.
• Experience with manufacturing timekeeping systems.
• Military leadership experience.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is based full-time on-site in Lockport, New York and operates within an active manufacturing environment. The facility may be loud and may not always be climate controlled.

Candidates must be able to:

• Walk and stand for prolonged periods.
• Frequently bend, twist, kneel, crouch, and reach.
• Regularly lift or carry materials weighing up to 15 pounds and periodically lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, climb ladders or lifts, and operate vehicles or equipment as required.
• Read standardized work instructions, operate applicable machines and tools, and perform quality inspections.
• Recognize and respond promptly to safety instructions, alarms, and signals.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

Additional Information

• Location: Lockport, NY
• Work Arrangement: 100% on-site
• Schedule: Rotating shifts with regular weekend availability required