Group Leader

Group Leader 2 ProductionThe Group Leader 2 oversees production teams in a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations across assigned areas such as Production, Quality, or Global Supply Chain. This onsite, full-time leadership role is highly visible on the production floor and focuses on driving performance, supporting continuous improvement, and maintaining strong communication across shifts and departments.Responsibilities:Lead and supervise a production team of approximately 20 employees on the manufacturing floor.Drive performance across key metrics including safety, quality, productivity, cost, scrap, and other operational measures.Reinforce safety standards and ensure a safe work environment at all times for all team members.Monitor daily production output and respond quickly to issues impacting line performance or throughput.Manage team attendance, shift readiness, and daily communication to keep employees informed and engaged.Support and promote continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives within the production area.Communicate effectively with Production Management and Human Resources regarding performance, issues, and staffing needs.Ensure shift transition readiness by arriving 30 minutes prior to the start of each shift to prepare for execution.Serve as the primary point of accountability for daily execution and results on the assigned shift.Oversee training and development of team members to maintain skill levels and support cross-training as needed.Coordinate scheduling and workload to meet production plans and customer demand.Maintain discipline and address conflicts or performance issues using strong interpersonal and conflict-management skills.Essential Skills:High school diploma or equivalent.Minimum of 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience.Proven experience leading people, solving complex problems, and making sound decisions under pressure.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.Basic computer skills, including email usage and typing.Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts and weekends as required.Experience working in production supervision, production management, or related leadership roles.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, metrics-driven manufacturing environment.Capability to stand and walk for long periods and periodically lift up to 40 pounds.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Military experience is a plus.Experience in automotive or manufacturing environments.Experience supervising in a union environment.Experience in Supply Chain or Quality operations.Knowledge and application of Lean Manufacturing principles.Experience with Continuous Improvement (CIP) and process improvement initiatives.Familiarity with Built in Quality initiatives.DFSS/Red X certification or similar problem-solving methodology is a plus.Knowledge of timekeeping systems and related workforce management tools.Experience in leadership development, training development, and coaching production teams.Exposure to safety programs and safety-focused leadership.Experience with scheduling and production group leadership in a high-volume setting.Why Work Here?Employees benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription drug benefits and wellness support programs. The organization offers retirement savings options, including a 401(k) with company contributions, as well as paid time off, vacation, and company holidays. Team members have access to life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program for personal and family support. Additional advantages include employee discounts and vehicle purchase programs, robust career development and leadership training, and clear internal advancement opportunities. The facility provides stable, long-term employment within a global automotive manufacturing network and offers pathways to progress into higher-level leadership or technical roles.Work Environment:This role is based on the production floor of a large, high-volume automotive manufacturing facility that currently produces thermal components such as radiators, condensers, and oil coolers, while actively transitioning to manufacture stator modules for electric vehicle motors. The environment is fast-paced, metrics-driven, and highly focused on safety, requiring a strong leadership presence and real-time decision-making. The plant is loud and nonclimate-controlled, and the position involves standing and walking for long periods, periodically lifting up to 40 pounds, and performing physical activities such as bending, kneeling, climbing, operating equipment, and using required personal protective equipment. Group Leaders work across multiple shifts, with opportunities on 1st (6:30 AM3:30 PM), 2nd (2:30 PM11:30 PM), and 3rd (10:30 PM7:30 AM) shifts. Schedules may rotate for 1st and 2nd shift, while 3rd shift is a straight schedule. Frequent weekend work is expected, with potential for 67 days per week during peak production periods, and Group Leaders arrive 30 minutes before shift start to prepare for shift execution.Job Type & Location:This is a Permanent position based out of Lockport, NY.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $40.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Lockport,NY.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.