Materials Supervisor

Job Title:

Materials Supervisor - Automotive Manufacturing Job Description This role oversees small work teams in a fast-paced, high-volume, unionized automotive manufacturing environment. The Materials Supervisor ensures a safe workplace, organizes and develops the team, coordinates manpower and material flow, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to meet production, quality, throughput, and cost targets while maintaining strong team morale. Responsibilities Lead and supervise small work teams in a high-volume, unionized manufacturing setting to meet daily production and business metrics. Ensure the production plan is achieved by coordinating activities, analyzing issues with cross-functional roles, and implementing sustainable continuous improvement solutions within the assigned zone. Promote and enforce a safe work environment by leading the team in improving safety, ensuring adherence to safety procedures, and enforcing the use of mandated safety tools and equipment. Use the C-Matrix and other tools to understand losses during the shift, coordinate Standardized Work (SPW) activities, and improve zone performance. Monitor and analyze quality KPIs for the assigned zone, prioritize quality issues, and provide clear guidance to Team Leaders to address and resolve concerns. Allocate manpower effectively across the zone, including training team members and building strong, high-performing teams. Coordinate material flow and logistics activities to support production, including shipping dock, press, assembly, yard, and JIT coordination areas as assigned. Work closely with plant leadership and other departments to ensure alignment on production goals, quality standards, and safety expectations. Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal form with all levels of the plant, from hourly represented employees to leadership. Handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. Coach, mentor, and develop team members to enhance skills, performance, and engagement. Support and participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Maintain accurate documentation and reports related to production, quality, safety, and staffing as required. Adapt to rotating or changing shift requirements and work schedules, including overtime and weekends, to support production needs. Essential Skills Valid driver's license. High school diploma or GED. 2 or more years of assembly experience in an automotive supplier or OEM environment. Experience working in manufacturing, preferably automotive manufacturing. Ability to work any shift and overtime as required, including weekends. Strong supervision skills with the ability to lead small work teams in a fast-paced environment. Experience with material flow, logistics, supply chain, and inventory management in a manufacturing setting. Ability to work effectively in a unionized environment and collaborate with represented hourly employees. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface with various levels of employees within the plant, including leadership. Proven ability to build effective business relationships with plant leadership and internal customers. Goal-oriented, self-starting mindset with the ability to lead teams to meet performance targets. Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Ability to stand or walk for long periods, frequently bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 40 pounds. Ability to work around heavy equipment and manufacturing machinery and in hot and/or cold environments. Ability to work in tight or enclosed spaces and regularly climb ladders, use man lifts, climb stairs, and crawl under vehicles as necessary. Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a technical field is preferred. 2 or more years of supervisory experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment is preferred. Previous experience working in a union environment is preferred. Experience with continuous improvement systems and lean manufacturing methodologies. Working knowledge of Google Suite software programs. Experience in automotive manufacturing, logistics, and material flow. Experience coordinating activities across areas such as shipping dock, press, assembly, yard, and JIT coordination. Demonstrated track record of improving safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance through data-driven problem solving. Comfort working in a structured, metrics-driven environment using tools such as C-Matrix and standardized work processes. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and production demands in a fast-paced setting. Why Work Here? You will join a automotive manufacturing environment that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The organization offers the opportunity to work with modern manufacturing processes, collaborate with experienced leaders, and build strong supervisory and leadership capabilities. You will gain exposure to multiple areas of the plant, develop your skills in lean and continuous improvement, and grow your career in a dynamic, metrics-driven setting that rewards initiative, problem solving, and strong team development. Work Environment This position is based in a large automotive manufacturing assembly plant operating under a unionized structure. The facility runs three shifts, typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Openings are most likely on second and third shift, but flexibility to work any of the three shifts is required. Supervisors generally arrive approximately one hour before shift start and stay about one hour after shift end, resulting in 9-10 hour workdays and work on 2-3 weekends per month, depending on production needs. The environment includes high-volume automotive assembly operations, shipping docks, press areas, yards, and just-in-time coordination zones. You will work around heavy equipment and manufacturing machinery in hot and/or cold conditions, in both open and tight or enclosed spaces. The role requires frequent standing and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing ladders, using man lifts, climbing stairs, and occasionally crawling under vehicles. Standard industrial safety equipment, such as safety glasses, sleeves, earplugs, and steel-toed shoes, is required and provided according to plant policies. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, clear communication, and adherence to standardized work practices to meet demanding production and quality targets. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Sterling Heights, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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 benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) •Wo