Manufacturing Assistant Manager - 1st Shift

Two Ladders; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Vision insurance

Climate controlled plant

Childcare benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Two Ladders is seeking a Manufacturing Assistant Manager for 1st shift (starts at 6:30am) to supervise group leaders, team leaders, and team members in assigned areas such as seat assembly, welding, or kitting.

You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction, lead continuous improvement, and maintain training matrices while fostering teamwork and mutual respect. Strong English communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent in Business/Manufacturing.
• Minimum 3 years in manufacturing with leadership or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as a first-line supervisor directing Group Leaders, Team Leaders, and Team Members.
• Plan and coordinate hiring and placement of team members.
• Manage performance and provide coaching and corrective actions.
• Drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction goals.
• Lead TPS-based process improvements and standard work procedures.
• Maintain KPI boards and participate in safety, quality, and productivity initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

English communication

Problem solving

Time management

Blueprint reading

Mathematical skills

TPS knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree in Business/Manufacturing or related field

Tools

MS Office

ERP Systems (Oracle)

Job description

Manufacturing Assistant Manager - 1st Shift (Starts at 6:30am)

Job Summary

As the Manufacturing Assistant Manager, you will be a first-line supervisor directing Group Leaders, Team Leaders, and Team Members in your assigned manufacturing area (such as seat assembly, welding, or kitting). You will be responsible for managing your group as an operational unit, driving the team to meet company goals for safety, product quality, productivity, and cost reduction. You will lead the manufacturing and production system for your area and work to develop positive team member relations centered on mutual trust, respect, and teamwork.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Team Development

• Function as a first-line supervisor over Group Leaders, Team Leaders, and Team Members.
• Plan and coordinate the hiring and placement of team members.
• Manage and appraise team member job performance, recommending corrective action when needed.
• Provide direction and motivation to team members, emphasizing safety, quality, efficiency, and morale.
• Train, coach, and ensure the further development of team members through feedback and performance evaluations.
• Oversee all training of team members and maintain the team's training matrix.
• Monitor staffing conditions, work hours, overtime, job rotation, and absenteeism.
• Hold daily start-of-shift and communication meetings to keep team members informed.

Operations & Quality Management

• Direct the work of team members by assigning or re-assigning work stations based on production requirements.
• Monitor the flow of parts, materials, productivity, and inventory levels, taking corrective action as needed.
• Ensure quality goals and standards are met and that team members use quality systems correctly.
• Partner with the Quality department to initiate investigations and containment activities.
• Troubleshoot daily quality, safety, and production issues.
• Evaluate and analyze problems involving machinery and equipment and coordinate repairs.
• Perform the essential job functions of team leaders or team members as necessary to maintain efficient and continuous operations.
• Maintain specified records and logs of department activities, such as production, scrap, and quality.
• Utilize Toyota Production System (TPS) techniques to standardize processes, reduce variation, and methodically eliminate waste.
• Develop standardized work procedures by documenting the best work sequence for each process.
• Lead continuous improvement activity for your assigned area.
• Participate in setting Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Maintain, monitor, and update department and KPI boards daily.
• Initiate, coordinate, and participate in safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvement projects.
• Lead the implementation of team members’ ideas and suggestions.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
• Understand, execute, and ensure consistent compliance with all company rules, policies, and practices.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and company safety procedures.
• Lead, perform, and/or participate in ergonomic exercises, 4S housekeeping, accident investigations, and safety audits.
• Lead ergonomic assessments of workstations and implement countermeasures.
• Maintain knowledge of procedures concerning Hazardous Waste, Spill Response, and Plant Security.
• Education: Associate’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, or related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of relevant manufacturing experience AND minimum two (2) years of previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Skills:
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Ability to effectively facilitate problem solving and conflict resolution.
  • Strong organization, time management, and planning skills.
  • Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Basic math and analytical skills.
• Computer Skills: Solid working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) and integrated computer programs.
• Flexibility: Must be able to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime , and maintain on-call flexibility for abnormal conditions.

What Sets You Apart (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience:
  • Automotive industry experience.
  • Experience in automotive interiors, including seating and/or trim.
  • Experience with parts production, quality, or production control.
  • Working knowledge and experience with Toyota Production System (TPS).
• Computer Skills: ERP System experience (e.g., Oracle).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Environment: This role operates in both an open office and a standard automotive plant environment.
• Conditions: The plant setting has a moderate noise level and may involve occasional presence of cold, dust, heat, or odor.
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and hearing protection is required in designated areas.
• Physical Activity:
  • You must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods.
  • The role requires mental alertness and the ability to talk, hear, and see.
  • Occasionally, you may be required to climb, stoop, or bend near equipment.
  • May be occasionally required to lift up to 30-50 pounds.
• 401K - 401k match (50% up to 6% of employee contribution)
• Vision
• Climate Controlled
• Child Care - Tootris Childcare Benefits – 50% of monthly childcare up to $250 for daycares in Tootris network
• Paid Time Off - 13 paid holidays for Hourly; Up to 14 PTO days for Salaried Employees