Press Tech Group Leader - Ripon, WI (onsite)

As a Press Tech Group Leader, you will be essential in ensuring efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement of our stamping operations.

• This position will be based in Ripon WI. on 1st Shift, Monday through Thursday, 5:00am to 3:00pm. There may be a need to flex hours as needed and occasional overtime required on Fridays.
• Must be flexible with shift timing when needed.
• Ability to flex to all 5 shifts if/when needed- mainly working 1st shift.

Responsibilities:

Technical Oversight:

• Optimize the stamping production processes to ensure alignment with company standards and customer requirements.
• Apply expertise in tool and die basics to troubleshoot issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to enhance existing 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 in every task.
• 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 initiatives.

Preventative Maintenance:

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all stamping equipment and tooling.
• Ensure all 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 established 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 and 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 to implementation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met
• Develop project plans, allocate resources, and coordinate tasks across teams

Qualifications:

• 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 press background experience required - specifically in metal stamping.
• 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 in high volume fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Microsoft Office proficiency