AI use among first-line supervisors of production and operating workers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers: 0% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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Lean

About the job

Our client is a top-tier automotive supplier specializing in high-quality plastic-molded components and painted assemblies for many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and automotive brands. The company combines advanced molding, finishing, and highly automated paint-line capabilities to deliver consistent quality in a high-volume production environment.

The Production Supervisor will lead second-shift operations within the paint operations department, overseeing one Team Leader and approximately 25 employees across loading, unloading, line support, inventory control, material handling, and quality auditing. This is a hands-on floor leadership role focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement within a unionized automotive manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

Provide visible, hands-on leadership for second-shift paint operations and ensure the safe, efficient execution of the production schedule.

Lead, coach, and hold accountable one Team Leader and approximately 25 production employees across loading, unloading, line support, inventory, material handling, and quality functions.

Assign labor and resources to meet daily production requirements, respond to staffing or equipment constraints, and maintain continuity throughout the shift.

Monitor paint-line performance, output, quality, scrap, rework, downtime, and material usage; take timely corrective action when targets are not achieved.

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with plant procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, chemical-handling standards, and applicable environmental and safety regulations.

Maintain consistent product appearance and coating quality by partnering with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams to resolve defects and process variation.

Support troubleshooting of the automated paint line, robotics, conveyors, sensors, controls, and related equipment, escalating technical issues appropriately to minimize downtime.

Ensure paint, components, packaging, and production materials are staged, tracked, and controlled accurately to support uninterrupted operations.

Conduct shift start-up meetings, communicate priorities and performance expectations, and provide an effective handover to the next shift and plant leadership.

Train and develop employees, reinforce standardized work, address performance concerns, and administer workplace policies consistently within a unionized environment.

Complete production reports, attendance records, quality documentation, and other required shift records accurately and on time. Drive continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing, 5S, root-cause problem solving, and practical improvements to safety, quality, flow, and productivity.

Requirements

Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, with responsibility for production employees and shift performance.

Strong floor leadership skills with the ability to organize people, set clear expectations, resolve issues, and maintain accountability in a fast-paced operation.

Automotive manufacturing experience is strongly preferred; experience with plastic injection molding, blow molding, painted plastic components, or similar production processes is highly desirable.

Knowledge of industrial painting, coatings, surface preparation, curing, finishing, or paint-quality requirements is preferred.

Experience working in a unionized manufacturing facility, including familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, work rules, attendance, and progressive discipline, is preferred.

Exposure to highly automated manufacturing lines, robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, conveyors, sensors, and production automation is desirable.

Working knowledge of production metrics, quality controls, scrap reduction, downtime management, labor planning, and continuous-improvement methods.

Strong communication, coaching, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Ability to work the full second-shift schedule and be present before shift start and after shift end as operational needs require.

High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree, technical qualification, or relevant leadership training is beneficial.

Position Details

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Schedule: Second shift, Monday through Friday; production hours are approximately 2:20 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Supervisor must be available before and after the shift as needed.

Salary: Approximately $60,000 - 65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Overtime: Straight-time overtime compensation applies after 45 hours worked.

Benefits: Benefits begin on day one; 401(k) with a 6% employer match; three weeks of annual vacation from date of hire; and 14 paid holidays, strong career progression.