Manufacturing Group Leader

Landscape Forms; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in high-design site furniture is seeking a Manufacturing Group Leader to empower teams and drive operational excellence. This role involves overseeing production, fostering team development, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Benefits

Insurance benefits available on first day

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Quarterly profit sharing bonuses

Paid time off

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience leading teams in a production operation.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations to meet production goals and ensure quality.
• Foster a culture of learning and develop cross-training programs.
• Guide teams in implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Coaching

Performance Management

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Two- or four-year degree in business or technology

Tools

Lean Manufacturing Tools

Six Sigma

Job description

Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated solutions of high-design site furniture, advance LED lighting, structure, and custom environments. Just as we believe in the power of design and its ability to connect people to the outdoors and each other, we also believe in empowering our people with the resources they need to reach their full potential - and beyond. We're currently looking for a Manufacturing Group Leader to join our innovative and dedicated team to drive excellence in our manufacturing operations.

About the Role: At Landscape Forms, leadership begins with people. As a Manufacturing Group Leader, you will empower and inspire a team of 3-5 Manufacturing Process Leaders and 35-60 Team Members to reach their full potential while achieving operational excellence. Your role will prioritize safety, foster growth, and drive continuous improvement to meet key production objectives. By leading with trust, collaboration, and accountability, you'll create a motivated, high-performing team culture that aligns with our commitment to empowering people and delivering exceptional results.

Benefits: Landscape Forms takes pride in offering a competitive benefits package including, but not limited to, insurance benefits (available on your first day), 401(k), family and parenting leaves, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, quarterly profit sharing bonuses, and paid time off. As an employer who strives to be the place where you feel welcome and belong, we are proudly recognized as one of Fortune Best Small and Medium Workplaces, Michigan Manufacturer of the Year, Michigan Veterans Affair Agency Veteran-Friendly Employer, and certified as a Great Place to Work.

Key areas where you have the opportunity to directly create your impact:

• Production Leadership and Goal Achievement: You'll oversee daily operations to meet production goals, ensuring task adherence, quality, and productivity metrics are consistently achieved. With a hands-on leadership style, you will guide teams, reallocate labor to match demand, and provide strategic input to leadership on performance and long-term planning.


• Team Development and Growth: This role emphasizes people first. You will foster a culture of learning by developing cross-training programs, coaching your team, and creating opportunities for them to grow and improve. By building personal connections and understanding individual motivations, you'll create a supportive and collaborative environment where employees thrive.


• Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement: As a champion of continuous improvement, you'll guide and encourage teams to implement kaizen events and other initiatives that enhance efficiency. Your leadership will ensure that Standard Work, PDCA methodology, and accurate production documentation (BOMs, routing data, etc.) are utilized to maintain consistency and excellence.


• Safety and Workplace Organization: You will create and maintain a safe, organized, and tour-ready work environment by ensuring adherence to safety guidelines, leading audits, and acting promptly on non-conformances. Your leadership will drive the adoption of workplace organization (5S), reduce machine/tool downtime, and prioritize safety as a core value.


• Communication and Collaboration: This role requires you to act as a strong connector and communicator. By leading Manufacturing Process Leader meetings, facilitating communication across shifts, and collaborating with other departments, you will ensure alignment on goals and priorities. Your ability to meet people where they are and act as a conduit between employees and leadership is key to fostering a cohesive team culture.


• Resourceful Problem-Solving: In this role, you'll navigate challenges with a collaborative and resourceful mindset. By leveraging available resources and support systems, you'll ensure timely completion of planned workloads, address operational bottlenecks, and maintain flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.


• Culture of Accountability and Humility: You will lead by example, demonstrating humility, a learner's mindset, and an unwavering commitment to accountability. Your focus on building trust and developing personal connections will reinforce a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility across the team.

What We're Looking For

• A two- or four-year degree in business or technology, or equivalent experience.


• At least five years of experience leading teams in a production operation.


• Proven skills in coaching, performance management, and fostering team accountability.


• Knowledge of lean manufacturing tools and methodologies, with training or certification in lean practices or Six Sigma being an advantage.


• Familiarity with light assembly, welding, and powder coat processes.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences.


• A track record of problem-solving, delivering results, and managing multiple priorities.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily on the shop floor in a noisy and sometimes hot environment.


• Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, sit, or walk for up to five hours.