Forge Shop Supervisor

Forge Shop Supervisor – Chicago, IL

Join a leading steel manufacturer as a forge shop supervisor overseeing state-of-the-art hydraulic open die presses and heat treat furnaces. This is a high-impact role within a union environment, offering the chance to drive process improvements and support a culture of continuous improvement while developing a talented production team.

Forge Shop Supervisor Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary ($70,000–$85,000 per year)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match and profit sharing
• Short-term disability and life insurance
• 10 paid holidays plus paid time off (PTO)
• Quarterly gainsharing and attendance bonuses
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Overtime opportunities
• Career advancement pathways and on-the-job training

Forge Shop Supervisor Requirements & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree in manufacturing, engineering technology, metallurgy, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a forging department
• Experience in steel manufacturing, forging, heat treating, or similar heavy manufacturing is required
• Ability to work in a hot, noisy, heavy industrial environment with frequent walking and standing
• Ability to climb stairs/ladders and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Proficient in reading production schedules, work orders, drawings, and specifications
• Strong knowledge of forging operations, industrial heat treatment, and metallurgical principles

Forge Shop Supervisor Preferred Background & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in manufacturing
• Experience working in a union environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS, and ERP/MES systems
• Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and team-development skills

Forge Shop Supervisor Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Supervise daily forging and heat treatment operations, assigning work in line with production schedules
• Ensure a strong safety culture with training, audits, and adherence to OSHA and company policies
• Monitor productivity and quality, making timely adjustments to ensure customer delivery targets are met
• Lead, coach, and develop union hourly employees, including onboarding, evaluations, and performance management
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to achieve production goals
• Identify and implement process improvements, supporting Lean manufacturing initiatives
• Maintain accurate production and labor records, and communicate operational updates during shift handovers

Step into a leadership role where your manufacturing expertise and hands-on leadership will be valued and rewarded.