Job Title: Production Supervisor Job Description
The Production Supervisor leads daily manufacturing operations in a high-volume engine assembly and machining environment. This role focuses on driving safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance while building and sustaining high-performing teams. You oversee production activities, quality inspections, and problem-solving initiatives, ensuring all processes meet rigorous standards and support continuous improvement in a fast-paced, unionized setting.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage daily manufacturing operations for engine assembly and machining, adjusting plans as needed to meet production requirements.
Drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance, maintaining a strong focus on SPQRCE metrics.
Oversee production processes, quality inspections, and built-in quality initiatives to ensure adherence to required standards.
Train, develop, and evaluate hourly team members, providing clear expectations, feedback, and performance coaching.
Build and sustain high-performing teams by motivating employees and reinforcing standardized work methods.
Ensure team members receive adequate Job Instruction Training (JIT) and understand work procedures and quality expectations.
Coach, counsel, and mentor other Group Leaders to strengthen leadership capability across the operation.
Lead and support Global Manufacturing Systems (GMS) processes or similar operating systems to improve consistency and efficiency.
Serve as a resource for launch and pilot activities, supporting new product or process introductions.
Meet or exceed production schedules, cost targets, and quality objectives while maintaining on-time delivery.
Apply lean and synchronous manufacturing principles and variation reduction techniques to optimize operations.
Implement systems and corrective actions that prevent recurrence of known issues and support continuous improvement.
Maintain awareness of quality standards and expectations, ensuring all processes and outputs meet required specifications.
Understand and consistently administer National and Local UAW Agreements in a unionized environment.
Maintain a respectful, compliant work environment that supports collaboration and accountability.
Promote and enforce safe work practices, including safety, ergonomics, and housekeeping standards.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free workplace in all production areas.
Ensure effective use of personnel, materials, and equipment to maximize efficiency and throughput.
Support continuous improvement in material flow and supply chain efficiency to reduce waste and delays.
Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement timely corrective actions.
Support project scheduling and process improvement initiatives related to production, quality, and materials flow.
Collaborate with quality and materials/supply chain teams to align production plans with inventory and delivery requirements.
Essential Skills
High school diploma or equivalent; ideally holds a bachelor's degree for direct placement opportunities.
At least 2 years of experience leading teams in a manufacturing, production, or supply chain environment, including supervision of approximately 20 hourly employees.
Demonstrated experience in supervision and leadership within quality, production, or materials/supply chain functions.
Experience working in a unionized environment, ideally with UAW, and leading union-represented teams.
Proven ability to lead, train, develop, and evaluate hourly employees in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and variation reduction methods.
Experience meeting production schedules, cost targets, and quality requirements in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to promote and enforce safe work practices, including safety, ergonomics, and housekeeping standards.
Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and typing for documentation and communication.
Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts and weekends in a 24/7 operation.
Strong leadership skills, including performance management, conflict resolution, and driving accountability.
Experience with quality control practices and built-in quality initiatives.
Understanding of Global Manufacturing Systems (GMS) or similar manufacturing operating systems.
Ability to apply project scheduling and process improvement techniques in manufacturing operations.
Capability to troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions effectively.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Associate or bachelor's degree is strongly preferred and may be required regardless of experience for some paths.
UAW experience is ideal but not strictly required.
Familiarity with Global Manufacturing Systems (GMS) or comparable standardized manufacturing systems.
Prior experience supporting launch or pilot production activities in a manufacturing environment.
Experience in automotive manufacturing or other high-volume production operations.
Exposure to built-in quality initiatives and methodologies such as DFSS or Red X certification.
Knowledge of timekeeping systems and related workforce management tools.
Background in leadership development and coaching of other leaders or group leaders.
Experience in materials and supply chain coordination within a production environment.
Strong communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and union representatives.
Why Work Here?
Employees benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, prescription drug benefits, and wellness support programs that promote long-term health. Retirement savings options, including a 401(k) with company contributions, support financial security for the future. Paid time off, including vacation and company holidays, helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. Life insurance, disability coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provide additional peace of mind and personal support. Team members enjoy access to employee discounts and vehicle purchase programs, along with robust career development, training, and internal advancement opportunities. The organization offers stable employment within a global automotive environment, providing long-term career potential and growth.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced, high-volume, unionized engine manufacturing facility that specializes in precision production of internal combustion engines for high-demand trucks and SUVs. The plant currently produces 3.0L turbo-diesel engines and is undergoing significant investment and upgrades to manufacture the next-generation small-block V8 engine. Core processes include engine assembly, piston installation, engine block machining, and rigorous quality checks, with components sourced from metal casting operations. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, strict safety standards, and on-time delivery to quality and cost targets. Operations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and shift assignments can be on any shift, determined after start. Team members should expect substantial overtime, working 6-7 days per week, and are expected to arrive approximately 30 minutes before their shift begins to prepare for daily operations. The workplace is clean, organized, and focused on maintaining a hazard-free environment, with strong emphasis on safety, ergonomics, and housekeeping.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Flint, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $50.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benef
