Material Area Supervisor The Material Area Supervisor is responsible for leading hourly teams that unload, store, and deliver materials to support production operations within a high-volume automotive manufacturing assembly plant. This role oversees material flow activities while ensuring safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement goals are met in a unionized manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and support hourly material handling teams responsible for shipping, receiving, inventory management, material delivery, and Hi-Lo/Forklift operations.
Drive safety initiatives and ensure compliance with all company safety standards and procedures.
Manage the safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale performance of assigned work teams.
Coordinate daily team activities to achieve business objectives and key operational metrics.
Utilize World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles and tools to improve material flow, increase productivity, reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs.
Develop Team Leaders and Team Members through coaching, training, and performance management while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Monitor inventory accuracy and maintain record integrity to support production requirements.
Investigate production downtime events, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to minimize future disruptions.
Ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining efficient material delivery processes that support production schedules.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with both management and UAW-represented employees.
Lead multiple work teams in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment while demonstrating company Leadership Principles.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED required.
Previous supervisory, team lead, or leadership experience preferred.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Ability to support and motivate hourly employees in a unionized workplace.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
Prior experience in a supervisory role within materials management, shipping/receiving, warehouse operations, logistics, or manufacturing.
Experience working in a UAW or unionized environment preferred.
Familiarity with World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or similar operational excellence methodologies is a plus.
Work Environment & Schedule:
Onsite position within an automotive manufacturing facility. Must be available to work any shift, including days, afternoons, midnights, weekends, and overtime as required. Regular schedule consists of 9-hour shifts, with additional hours based on business needs.
