Manufactuing Group Leader

The Manufacturing Group Leader at Landscape Forms is responsible for leading a dedicated team of Manufacturing Process Leaders and their teams. This includes accomplishing production goals through effective communication, staffing, and the use of our OnTRAC performance management system. The Group Leader also oversees safety practices, leads meetings to align daily goals, and initiates continuous improvement processes, all while ensuring compliance with quality standards.

To qualify for the Manufacturing Group Leader role at Landscape Forms, candidates should hold a two or four-year degree in business or technology, or have equivalent experience. Additionally, having at least five years of experience leading teams in a production environment is advantageous. Training in lean and problem-solving tools is also beneficial, along with a solid understanding of production processes such as light assembly and welding.

Safety is a top priority for Manufacturing Group Leaders at Landscape Forms. Leaders are expected to ensure that safety guidelines are adhered to and to actively participate in safety committee meetings and audits. They act quickly to address any non-conformances and work collaboratively with their teams to foster a culture of safety through ongoing training and communication.

Landscape Forms provides a competitive benefits package for its Manufacturing Group Leaders, including immediate access to insurance benefits, a 401(k) plan, family and parenting leaves, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, quarterly bonuses, and generous paid time off. This comprehensive package aims to support both the professional and personal well-being of employees.

The work environment for a Manufacturing Group Leader at Landscape Forms is primarily on the shop floor, which can be noisy and sometimes hot. Leaders must be prepared to lift up to 50 pounds and may need to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods. However, the company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to help them succeed in their roles.

When responding to this question, focus on specific examples of your leadership roles in manufacturing settings. Discuss how you motivated your teams, addressed challenges, and contributed to achieving production goals. Be sure to highlight any lean manufacturing practices you implemented.

In your answer, emphasize the importance of safety in the workplace and share any specific initiatives you have led, such as training programs or audits. Discuss how you foster open communication about safety concerns among team members.

Discuss your familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies like kaizen or PDCA. Provide examples of past initiatives where you led improvements, measuring outcomes, and fostering a culture that embraces change among your team.

Share a specific instance where you identified a performance issue, the steps you took to address it, and how you engaged with the team member. Focus on your communication style and how you strive to create a supportive environment.

Outline any strategies you use for effective goal setting, such as utilizing team meetings, digital tools, or performance metrics. Emphasize your commitment to keeping communication open and encouraging team involvement in goal achievement.

Discuss your approach to balancing customer needs with production capabilities. Highlight any frameworks you use for prioritization and how you engage your team in these discussions to ensure everyone is aligned and proactive.

Describe how you prioritize training and cross-training in your teams. Share specific examples of training programs you’ve implemented and how they have contributed to both employee development and enhanced operational efficiency.

In your answer, identify key performance indicators that you find meaningful, such as safety metrics, production efficiency, and team morale. Discuss how you use these metrics to guide improvements and celebrate achievements with your team.

Explain any quality control processes you put in place, such as regular audits or feedback loops. Provide examples of how you responded to quality issues in the past to demonstrate your proactive commitment to maintaining high standards.

Share your philosophy on team motivation and specific techniques you utilize, such as recognition programs, team-building activities, or providing opportunities for professional development. Highlight how these techniques have positively impacted team performance.