Group Leader

Description

Job Summary

The Group Leader is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the production department. This role oversees the activities of production personnel to ensure efficient and safe work operations. This position is responsible for identifying and resolving operational issues, enhancing productivity, reducing waste, improving customer service, and reducing costs. This position is responsible for developing and implementing action plans for achieving production targets and oversees the hiring and training of the production operations staff.

Essential Job Functions

• Daily Production Oversight: Manage daily activities on the production floor by assigning work, monitoring workflows, and ensuring adherence to production schedules, Work Instructions (WI), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Personnel Management & Training: Supervise, coach, and develop production staff; ensure adequate staffing levels; manage timecards within the timecard management software; conduct on-the-job training; track and update employee training records.
• Build Order Execution (PBO): Create, manage, and complete Production Build Orders; support picking of materials; end PBOs in D365; transfer completed pallets to designated areas; investigate missed PBOs and report accordingly.
• Line Setup & Material Staging: Set up production lines, distribute work Instructions, verify item availability, stage materials, and direct untrained personnel through formal training documentation.
• Label and Documentation Management: Request, verify, and manage all necessary labels (case, inner pouch, address); ensure label approval with Quality; complete and sign required documentation and forms for each run.
• Cross-Department Coordination: Liaise with QA, Warehouse, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Sales to ensure alignment and timely material transfers, label requests, and resolution of quality issues.
• Quality Assurance Support: Confirm seal and weight verifications are completed; manage production Non-Conformances (NCs); work with QA to sign and track issues; enforce and audit quality protocols.
• Downtime & Metrics Tracking: Record and investigate downtime, quality issues, and earned labor hours; maintain performance spreadsheets; track daily output and performance progress using production reports.
• Process Improvement: Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives and kaizen events aimed at increasing productivity, improving quality, and reducing waste or operational costs.
• Safety & Compliance: Promote a culture of safety by conducting inspections, enforcing safety policies, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.
• Administrative & Reporting Duties: Update employee lists, production schedules, output trackers, and Waterjel sheets; prepare weekly sterile load reports; manage production data and reporting for internal stakeholders.
• Additional Duties: Provide support across production and warehouse functions as needed, including administrative tasks and operational support beyond core responsibilities.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, ideally in operations management, business, or related field.
• 5+ years manager or supervisor experience in an assembly, production, or manufacturing environment. Medical device experience preferred
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or other relevant methodologies is preferred.

Competencies

• Strong critical thinking skills to address top-level concerns and find the best path forward using all available data.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• A thorough understanding of financial and budgeting processes and principles.
• Ability to respond quickly to a fast-paced work environment and adjust initiatives and priorities accordingly.
• Organizational skills, including the ability to juggle multiple priorities, functions, and projects.
• Enthusiastic about continuous improvement with an understanding of lean, six sigma, and other continuous improvement tools.
• A positive and forceful character, able to get and develop the best out of people through motivation and coaching. 
• Very resilient, able to facilitate and support opposing views to provide a win-win for all parties. 
• Well organized and self-motivated, practical, numerate, and literate (good communication all round). 
• Capable of handling a diverse range of initiatives and working with a diverse workforce.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to apply them in a team context. 
• Ability to objectively observe, reflect, and conclude. 

Physical Requirements

Performing the duties of this job regularly involves standing and walking for long periods of ti