Manufacturing Manager

Location Type: On-site

 

1. General Summary:
   Plans, directs, and executes all second shift manufacturing operations through leadership and supervision of assigned areas (e.g., assembly, filter, injection molding, powertrain, urethane, welding, stamping, etc.). Holds full ownership for shift-level performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC), ensuring production targets and customer requirements are consistently achieved or exceeded. Provides strong, visible leadership that drives accountability, rapid problem-solving, and team member engagement. Collaborates cross-functionally with support groups and aligns with first shift leadership to ensure seamless communication, effective escalation, and continuity of operations. Responsible for achieving all area hoshin goals (business priority goals with targets) and key performance indicators (KPIs), with a strong emphasis on shift-level execution, operational stability, and continuous improvement.

1. Essential Job Functions:

A. Lead and manage all second shift manufacturing activities and related functions for assigned area(s) to meet customer and company requirements

1. Lead manufacturing supervision in utilizing Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize processes, identify abnormalities, and eliminate waste in real time.

1. Drive immediate problem identification, containment, and countermeasure implementation to maintain operational stability during shift.
2. Support product launches by ensuring shift readiness, staffing alignment, and execution discipline.
3. Plan and adjust line layouts and manpower within shift to respond to volume changes, downtime, or staffing gaps.
4. Coordinate directly with Maintenance, Production Control, and Quality to ensure equipment uptime, material flow, and product conformity, enabling uninterrupted production flow and timely issue resolution.
5. Conduct structured shift meetings (start, mid, end-of-shift) to communicate objectives, review performance, and drive accountability for results and countermeasures.

1. Ensure all second shift operations are aligned with plant and corporate expectations, with a strong emphasis on safety and compliance.
2. Implement and enforce area policies and procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient shift operations.

1. Monitor safety conditions and behaviors, ensuring immediate correction of unsafe acts and reinforcement of standards.
2. Ensure compliance with company and industry standards (e.g., TS16949, ISO14001) through active shift-level oversight and accountability.

1. Execute and support plant objectives through disciplined tracking and ownership of second shift performance.
2. Support execution of hoshin and annual plans through daily shift performance and accountability.

1. Ensure achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) KPIs for second shift operations.
2. Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs, identify gaps, and lead rapid countermeasure implementation.
3. Adjust manpower and resources within shift to support production efficiency (PEFF) and labor cost control.
4. Ensure accuracy and timely communication of shift performance data, issues, and escalation needs.
5. Lead shift-level discussions focused on problem-solving, cost reduction, and performance improvement.

1. Develop a culture of accountability, trust, and engagement across second shift team members.
2. Foster positive team member relations built on trust, respect, consistency, and clear expectations.

1. Promote two-way communication and teamwork to drive engagement and performance.

1. Provide direct leadership to group leaders and supervisors with clear expectations for execution and accountability.
2. Set clear expectations for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.

1. Hold leaders accountable for shift-level results and behavior standards.
2. Ensure consistent leadership presence and engagement on the production floor.

1. Ensure continuous development of group leaders and supervisors to strengthen bench strength and execution.
2. Conduct performance evaluations and provide direct, actionable feedback.

1. Develop and execute targeted training and development plans.
2. Provide coaching and corrective action as needed to drive performance improvement.
3. Reinforce standardized training and knowledge transfer across the shift.

1. G. Follow safety, quality, confidentiality, and information security policies and procedures.

• Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience:

• Minimum eight (8) years of relevant manufacturing experience required, preferably automotive.
• Minimum four (4) years of leadership experience in a professional environment required.

Personal/Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of automotive industry equipment and production systems.
• General understanding and practical work experience with manufacturing systems and processes.
• General understanding and practical work experience with automotive quality systems and processes.
• Practical experience applying Toyota Production System (TPS) principles in an automotive environment.
• Thorough understanding of company products, trade terminology, quality management and control systems and techniques, manufacturing processes including material controls, workflow, scheduling, kanban, and equipment and machine operation.
• Versed in statistical data entry and utilization of trend analysis.
• Advanced math skills.
• Strong leadership skills and ability.
• Excellent problem solving and people skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Ability to effectively facilitate problem solving and resolution.
• Ability to work with a dynamic team and demanding customer(s).
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to plan, supervise, and perform functions of assigned areas.
• Ability to maintain on call flexibility to control abnormal conditions.
• Ability to be flexible in a constantly changing production environment.
• Ability to communicate and work well with others in a team environment.
• Ability to speak to groups of people and make presentations to executive groups.
• Ability to multi-task, handle adversity, and provide leadership through problem resolution.
• Must be able to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend hours.
• Ability to adapt available skills and equipment to respond to unforeseen demands and/or problems.
• Ability to implement plans to control and maintain safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency for assigned areas.
• Strong organization, time management, and planning skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
• Ability to teach assistant managers, group leaders, team leaders, and team members in basic fundamental skills and facilitate Job Instruction Training (JIT).
• Must have the ability to monitor and adjust operating plans and budgets as needed to achieve operational goals, cost reduction objectives, and/or profitability targets.

Language Skills:

• Verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Japanese and/or Spanish is a plus.

Computer/Software:

• Solid working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet, etc.).

1. Work Environment/Conditions:

Office: Open Office Environment, moderate noise level.

Plant: Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, etc. may be required in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply.

Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 10-20% of the time.

1. Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to talk, see, and hear. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time and is occasionally required to lift up to 30 pounds.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member.