About the Job Posting:
- Lead stamping operations as a Press Tech Group Leader, driving lean manufacturing, SMED-driven changeovers, and team development on a first-shift role.
Job Description:
- As a Press Tech Group Leader, you will be essential in ensuring efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement of stamping operations.
Location:
- Ripon, WI.
- 1st shift, Monday through Thursday, 5:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Occasional overtime may be required on Fridays.
- The role may require flexibility to cover all 5 shifts as needed, with primary focus on the 1st shift.
Responsibilities:
Technical Oversight:
- Optimize stamping production processes to align with company standards and customer requirements.
- Apply tool and die knowledge to troubleshoot issues and implement effective solutions.
- Collaborate with engineering and design teams to enhance dies.
Leadership & Development:
- Foster a culture of servant leadership by empowering, guiding, and mentoring team members.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and commitment to excellence.
- Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions to provide feedback, set goals, and encourage professional growth.
Process Optimization:
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Implement lean manufacturing principles, with a specific focus on SMED, to achieve quicker and more efficient die changeovers.
- Monitor and analyze production metrics to drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Preventative Maintenance:
- Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all stamping equipment and tooling.
- Ensure maintenance activities are documented and tracked to prevent unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to facilitate training and ensure adherence to the maintenance schedule.
SMED Implementation:
- Lead efforts to reduce die changeover times, applying SMED techniques to streamline and standardize the process.
- Train and support shop floor personnel in SMED best practices to ensure consistent and successful application.
- Evaluate and adjust approaches based on metrics and feedback to continuously improve changeover efficiency.
Operational Excellence:
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a safe working environment.
- Implement best practices in manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including safety, quality, tool room, and maintenance to streamline operations.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment and achieve operational goals.
- Facilitate problem-solving and team decision-making to address challenges and seize opportunities.
- Interface with technical staff to ensure proper support.
- Establish annual goals and objectives that support the attainment of operating metrics.
- Work to continuously improve processes and reduce inventories and work in progress.
- Serve as the first point of contact for employees regarding employee relations issues.
- Interface with Union Stewards in contract and discipline issues.
- Other duties as assigned.
Project Management:
- Lead projects from conception through implementation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
- Develop project plans, allocate resources, and coordinate tasks across teams.
Qualifications:
Knowledge/Experience/Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in a stamping or manufacturing environment with a focus on leadership and process optimization.
- Strong knowledge of tool and die principles and practices.
- Proven experience in implementing process optimization initiatives, with specific expertise in SMED.
- Proven servant leadership skills with experience nurturing and developing high-performance teams.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A minimum of one to three years of experience in a medium/high volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment is preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Self-driven with proven leadership capabilities, including coaching, mentoring, and supervision within a team environment.
- Availability and flexibility to work a schedule that supports team members across multiple shifts and days of the week (including weekends).
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to encourage proactive thinking and solution creation within the team.
Physical Requirements:
- Stooping, bending, standing for long periods, manual dexterity, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs without assistance.
Working Conditions:
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to typical production conditions.
- Ability to adapt to shift timing as needed.
