Group Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company and Opportunity Overview

WNA’s vision is to be a leading entrepreneurial player in terms of market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. WNA is a solution provider, creating value along the supply chain of our customers, from online purchase to their customers.

WNA is headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, North Carolina. With around 500 employees and ~$200M of sales, WNA focuses on the retail and distribution market segments with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and the majority of large grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA has three additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products.

Access Solutions provides sophisticated customer guidance and loss prevention systems for major retailers. With German-engineered products and a strong installed base, this segment focuses on protecting existing market share while expanding into adjacent opportunities in smart retail, autonomous store technology, and digital integration.

Additionally, WNA offers a range of digital solutions integrated into our products, including advanced shopping cart containment systems, smart exit gate technology, and innovations for autonomous and semi-autonomous retail stores. We are continuously expanding and enhancing our digital offerings to meet evolving customer needs and drive industry advancement.

WNA is part of the Wanzl Group, headquartered in Germany, and has 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets for customers across the globe through their 360° service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a multi-shift production department (24/7 & 50 – 100 employees) where job activities are performed by skilled and non-skilled workers.
• Direct Reports include Shift Supervisors and Team Leads, Determine staffing requirements based on annual budget production plan with input from Plant Director and Production Manager. Make adjustments as production demands change.
• Perpetually plan and layout job assignments in accordance with production schedules, to ensure efficient and effective production flow. Utilize shift pass down document to communicate assignments and for informational purposes.
• Proactively coordinate material needs and/or address shortages with production/inventory control department.
• Ensure the proper use of Shop Floor Connect (production tracking system) to collect data from Employees and Team Leads for evaluating work center and employee performance.
• Proactively eliminate waste utilizing Lean Manufacturing tools. Champion continuous improvement culture in Department.
• Ensure that work performed meets or exceeds established quality standards and customer order criteria. Support/Maintain Wanzl quality system.
• Ensure that all shifts are working towards common goals in the core metrics of Safety, Sustainability, Quality, Delivery, Cost and 5S, are cooperating fully, and that plan metrics are achieved.
• Utilizing the tools in place to manage the following KPI’s (subject to change) currently Hours per Cart, Direct Labor per Cart, OT %, Absenteeism %, Work Orders Open vs. Received, Hours Prescence vs. Standard, and Schedule Attainment %. These Metric will be reported daily at the Shop Floor Management boards.
• Ensure Safety through the systematic elimination of Safety hazards, starting from risk assessments and based on working conditions and behaviors management.
• Lead by example with plant Safety guidelines and coach immediately when non compliances are found.
• Set goals and coach team on methodologies to reach these goals using Lean Manufacturing Tools, (5 Whys, 8D, Fishbone diagrams etc.)
• Must coach in teaching first perspective when addressing inadequacies.
• Establish and maintain a rigid 5S process in the department. Maintain immaculate housekeeping and eliminate safety hazards.
• Define and acquire tools and supplies needed to help associates understand the role that 5S plays in their and the company’s success in conjunction with Lean Methodologies.
• Manage Skills Matrix and training plan for the department. Update Skills matrix weekly to advance flexibility of associates in different areas within department.
• Manage low performers evaluation process for the department.
• Train Supervisors and Team Leads according to their skills metrics.
• Select and hire new team members.
• Foster a continuous Improvement mindset and systematically improve processes efficiency.
• Foster a “Management by Facts” and PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) mindset within the team.
• Reinforce Escalation Procedure.
• Define and assure Standard Work within the Department.
• Must set and reinforce internal Team goals with the Plant’s goals.
• Manage all ADP payroll requirements in a timely and accurate manner. Must be diligent when approving employee work hours in ADP and the understanding of the pay and attendance codes.
• In conjunction with Maintenance and Tooling Managers, develop operator preventative maintenance tasks.
• Enforce all Company policies and procedures; maintain discipline, increase morale, and improve employee relations including recommending terminations, transfers, promotions, and wage adjustments. Maintain an issue free work environment. Model Wanzl Key behaviors and leadership values: Can-do, will-do attitude; Integrity; Creativity and innovation; Rigorous execution; and Teamwork.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years Supervisory Experience in a Manufacturing Environment.
• Results driven.
• Understanding of world class manufacturing methods.
• Ability to work independently with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities; strong planning/organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills; written & verbal.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with MRP operating system.
• Proficiency with Lean Manufacturing Tools.
• Strong Problem-Solving Skills.
• Knowledge of SAP a plus.