Group Leader, General Assembly

Slate Auto LLC; Warsaw (KY); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto LLC is seeking a Group Leader to oversee daily assembly operations on the Trim, Chassis, and Final Line in Kentucky. You will lead Team Leaders and Team Members to meet production targets while upholding safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

You will drive lean manufacturing initiatives, implement 5S and Kaizen, review KPIs like OEE and scrap rate, and collaborate with planning, logistics, and engineering to remove bottlenecks and reduce costs.

Qualifications

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree in manufacturing or a related field.
• 6+ years with a Master's degree; 3+ years with a PhD or equivalent.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role; automotive OEM experience preferred.
• Experience with Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations in the Trim, Chassis, or Final Line to meet production targets.
• Enforce safety standards and OSHA compliance; conduct safety audits.
• Lead, coach, and develop Team Leaders and Team Members; conduct performance reviews.
• Collaborate with planning, logistics, and engineering to optimize workflow and resolve bottlenecks.
• Drive lean initiatives, 5S, Kaizen, and cost-reduction efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP systems

Problem solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Production planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

ERP software

Production planning software

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Group Leader is responsible for overseeing the daily aspects of assembly operations within the general assembly department. This role ensures efficient production processes, adherence to quality standards, ensuring safety of product and safety of workplace, and continuous improvement in quality, safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. The group leader will lead a team of Team Leaders and Team Members to meet daily production targets while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Operational Leadership: Manage daily operations aspects, ensuring timely and quality production of automotive Trim, Chassis, or Final Line. Monitor production schedules and adjust resources to meet production demand and delivery timelines. Collaborate with production planning, logistics, and engineering teams to optimize workflow and resolve bottlenecks.

Safety & Compliance: Enforce safety standards, OSHA regulations, and environmental compliance. Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments. Promote a safety-first culture across the trim line team.

Team Management: Lead, coach, & develop production Team Leaders & Team Members. Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and manage staffing levels. Promote a positive work environment focused on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Quality & Compliance: Ensure compliance with company quality standards and customer specifications. Work closely with Quality Assurance to address non-conformances and implement corrective actions. Maintain adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards.

Continuous Improvement: Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and implement 5S, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies. Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement. Lead cost reduction efforts through waste elimination and process optimization.

Reporting & Metrics: Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including OEE, scrap rate, downtime, and labor efficiency. Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production reports for senior management.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Education & Experience: 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience. 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role. Automotive OEM experience preferred. Experience with Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing.

Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of trim line processes and automotive interior components. Proven leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams. Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production planning software.

SALARY RANGE

The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual) 108,877.00 - 163,316.00 USD Annual

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

Safety First Delight Customers One Team Relentless Improvement Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity andAffirmative Action employer.

We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences.

Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

ABOUT US

At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.