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.