Manufacturing Unit Leader

Manufacturing Leader

South Carolina, 29153

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Unit Leader provides overall leadership for a designated manufacturing operation, with responsibility for production performance, operational processes, and team development. This individual is accountable for achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives while driving continuous improvement, eliminating operational losses, and developing a high-performing workforce.

The role oversees a specific product line, establishes departmental objectives, makes operational decisions, and ensures accountability for results. The Manufacturing Unit Leader maintains compliance with quality standards, company policies, environmental health and safety requirements, and all applicable regulatory guidelines while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Regular attendance is required. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively in English and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day activities of the manufacturing unit while establishing priorities that support operational objectives.
• Develop, mentor, and coach manufacturing personnel to strengthen technical capability, accountability, and overall team performance.
• Establish and communicate challenging SQDC objectives while ensuring departmental goals are translated into measurable expectations for each production area and individual employee.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support both short-term and long-term operational performance goals.
• Assume accountability for achieving strategic, operational, and functional performance objectives.
• Resolve manufacturing issues in a timely manner while demonstrating a servant leadership approach and promoting a positive work environment.
• Manage departmental budgets and staffing levels to meet business requirements.
• Conduct the daily management system for assigned production areas and establish priorities for the next 24-hour operating cycle.
• Complete annual performance evaluations, maintain active employee development plans, and conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions to support employee growth and performance.
• Lead Autonomous Maintenance (AM) activities, including development and execution of work processes such as Cleaning, Inspection, and Lubrication (CIL) and Centerlining (CL).
• Champion the implementation and sustainment of operational excellence initiatives throughout the manufacturing unit.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Logistics to develop production schedules and monitor schedule attainment and delivery performance.
• Provide timely and consistent coaching and performance assessments for hourly production employees.
• Address employee concerns and workplace issues, collaborating with Human Resources when appropriate.
• Continue developing expertise in manufacturing operations, leadership, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence by spending more than half of the workday on the manufacturing floor supporting production activities.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support business objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Business, Science, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum five years of manufacturing experience within a highly automated production environment.
• Minimum three years of leadership experience supervising manufacturing teams.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Self-directed with strong initiative and independent decision-making abilities.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety and ergonomic principles.
• Project management experience.
• Understanding of manufacturing quality systems.
• Basic knowledge of production planning and logistics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Financial and budget management skills.