Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Group Leader

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

ManufacturingOperationsLeadershipProductionSupervisory

🎯 Role Definition

The Group Leader is the foundational pillar of our operational success. This individual serves as a front-line leader, mentor, and driver of performance for a dedicated team of production or operations associates. Reporting directly to the Production Supervisor or Operations Manager, the Group Leader is responsible for translating strategic goals into daily tactical execution. This role is pivotal in fostering a positive, safe, and productive work environment, ensuring that quality, efficiency, and output targets are consistently achieved. You are the direct link between management and the workforce, empowered to make real-time decisions that impact the flow of work and the morale of your team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Production Operator / Lead Technician
  • Quality Control Inspector with leadership aptitude
  • Maintenance Technician with strong operational knowledge

Advancement To:

  • Production Supervisor
  • Operations Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • Logistics or Supply Chain Coordinator
  • Safety Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide daily leadership, coaching, and direction to a dedicated team of 10-25 production associates, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
  • Spearhead the daily execution of the production schedule, strategically allocating resources, equipment, and manpower to consistently meet or exceed targets for output and efficiency.
  • Champion a "safety-first" culture by proactively identifying potential hazards, conducting regular safety audits, and enforcing all company and OSHA safety protocols.
  • Lead thorough incident investigations for any safety or quality deviations, determining the root cause and implementing effective and sustainable corrective actions.
  • Uphold stringent quality standards by ensuring all products meet specification, conducting in-process checks, and empowering team members to take ownership of quality.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive, hands-on training programs for new and existing team members to enhance technical skills, ensure operational consistency, and support individual career growth.
  • Conduct regular performance discussions, provide constructive feedback, and partner with HR to manage formal performance reviews, goal setting, and development plans for your team.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting production line issues, diagnosing mechanical or process-related problems, and coordinating with Maintenance and Engineering for resolution.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by leading Kaizen events, promoting 5S principles, and actively seeking suggestions from the team to enhance processes and reduce waste.
  • Manage team member scheduling, including shift assignments, vacation approvals, and overtime allocation to ensure adequate coverage for operational demands.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of team attendance, performance metrics, and disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy.
  • Facilitate engaging and informative pre-shift meetings to communicate daily goals, safety reminders, and important company updates, ensuring team alignment.
  • Serve as the key communication liaison between your team and other departments, including Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering, to ensure seamless operational flow.
  • Monitor and manage the inventory of raw materials and components at the line level to prevent stock-outs and minimize downtime.
  • Prepare and present daily production reports summarizing team performance, including key metrics like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), scrap rates, and attainment.
  • Mediate and resolve interpersonal conflicts within the team, promoting a respectful and professional workplace for all associates.
  • Ensure all team members are proficient in the use of ERP/MES systems for accurate tracking of production orders, material consumption, and labor hours.
  • Lead by example by demonstrating a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and an unwavering commitment to the company's values and objectives.
  • Evaluate and re-balance workloads throughout the shift to adapt to changing priorities, equipment availability, or unexpected absenteeism.
  • Participate actively in the selection and interviewing process for new team members, providing valuable insight into the skills and character needed for success.

Secondary Functions

  • Compile and analyze production data to support operational decisions, reporting needs, and ad-hoc requests from management.
  • Contribute to the site's continuous improvement strategy and overall operational roadmap.
  • Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to validate new processes or equipment before full-scale implementation.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams focused on improving site-wide safety, quality, or productivity.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing Principles: Practical experience with 5S, Kaizen, Waste Reduction, and Value Stream Mapping.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning or manufacturing execution systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex).
  • Root Cause Analysis: Skilled in using problem-solving methodologies like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, or A3 reporting.
  • Safety Regulations: Strong working knowledge of OSHA standards and standard industrial safety practices (e.g., LOTO, machine guarding).
  • Quality Control Tools: Familiarity with basic quality inspection tools and statistical process control (SPC) concepts.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for reporting, data analysis, and communication.

Soft Skills

  • Servant Leadership: A natural inclination to support, develop, and empower team members to succeed.
  • Conflict Resolution: The ability to tactfully mediate disagreements and guide teams toward a positive resolution.
  • Performance Coaching: Skill in providing clear, constructive, and motivational feedback to drive individual and team improvement.
  • Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate goals, instructions, and feedback to diverse audiences.
  • Decisive Problem-Solving: The capacity to assess complex situations quickly, weigh options, and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and maintains a positive demeanor when faced with challenges or change.
  • Situational Awareness: A keen sense of the operational environment, anticipating potential issues with personnel, equipment, or materials before they become critical.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration or Management
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of progressive experience within a manufacturing, production, or distribution environment.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 1-2 years in a formal or informal leadership role (e.g., Lead Operator, Acting Supervisor, Project Lead).
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