Job Overview
Supports the Production Manager in directing, planning, and managing production activities for injection-molded polymer components and automotive lighting assemblies to meet customer requirements and organizational objectives. Assists in achieving safety, quality, cost, delivery, productivity, and operational excellence targets through effective supervision of production personnel and efficient utilization of manufacturing resources.
Provides day-to-day leadership and coordination for molding, assembly, material flow, and related manufacturing operations. Assists in developing and implementing production plans, establishing performance expectations, and ensuring effective utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and manufacturing processes. Supports accountability for production performance, workforce development, operational efficiency, and compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
Partners with the Production Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and other modern manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction. Promotes workforce engagement, operational stability, and manufacturing excellence through effective 4M management (Man, Machine, Material, Method) and cross-functional collaboration within a multicultural automotive manufacturing environment.
Essential Functions
- Support daily production operations for injection-molded polymer components and automotive lighting assemblies to ensure achievement of safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring production plans and schedules based on customer demand, inventory requirements, and operational capacity.
- Provide direct leadership and guidance to production supervisors, team leaders, and operators to achieve departmental performance goals.
- Promote compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality requirements and reinforce a culture of safety and accountability throughout the department.
- Coordinate and maintain efficient production workflows across molding, assembly, and material handling operations.
- Monitor and analyze production performance indicators including UPH, OEE, scrap, downtime, labor utilization, efficiency, PPM, and customer delivery performance.
- Identify production constraints and support corrective actions to minimize downtime, improve equipment utilization, and maximize productivity.
- Assist with departmental staffing, labor planning, scheduling, overtime management, and resource allocation to meet operational requirements.
- Support employee performance management activities through coaching, training, employee development, performance reviews, and corrective actions.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality enhancement, cost reduction, waste elimination, and operational efficiency.
- Support root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, 8D, Fishbone Analysis, and PDCA.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams to resolve production issues and achieve operational objectives.
- Support new program launches, engineering changes, production transfers, and process improvement activities.
- Assist with development and maintenance of manufacturing documentation including Work Instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, PFMEA, Control Plans, and process standards.
- Monitor departmental expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Support implementation and management of 4M changes and production readiness activities.
- Communicate production performance, staffing concerns, quality issues, and operational risks to the Production Manager and plant leadership team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, employee development, and continuous improvement.
- Act on behalf of the Production Manager during periods of absence as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.
Competencies
- Leadership – Provides effective leadership and guidance while building accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and a positive work environment.
- Operational Planning – Supports production planning activities and helps align daily operations with departmental and organizational objectives.
- Performance Management – Demonstrates the ability to coach, develop, motivate, and manage employee performance.
- Problem Solving/Analysis – Utilizes data and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify issues and implement corrective actions.
- Results Driven – Maintains focus on achieving production, quality, safety, delivery, and productivity targets.
- Communication Proficiency – Communicates effectively with team members, peers, leadership, customers, and suppliers.
- Business Acumen – Understands labor utilization, production costs, operational metrics, and their impact on business performance.
- Technical Capacity – Demonstrates strong knowledge of injection molding, automotive assembly operations, manufacturing systems, and quality standards.
- Continuous Improvement – Supports Lean Manufacturing initiatives and promotes operational excellence.
- Adaptability and Change Management – Effectively supports process, operational, and organizational changes while maintaining production stability.
Required Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 2-3 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing, production supervision, or assistant management role.
- Experience leading teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management, Industrial Technology, or related field.
- 7+ years of automotive manufacturing experience.
- Experience with injection molding and automotive lighting assembly operations.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
- Experience with IATF 16949 and customer-specific automotive requirements.
- Experience supporting production planning, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated progression from Team Leader, Supervisor, or similar manufacturing leadership role into a management position.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
