Forge Shop Supervisor

Forge Shop Supervisor – Chicago, IL

Join a leading steel manufacturer as a forge shop supervisor, overseeing production operations on state-of-the-art hydraulic open die presses and heat treat furnaces. This is a high-impact leadership role on 2nd or 3rd shift, responsible for ensuring safety, quality, and operational excellence in a union environment. You'll have the opportunity to drive process improvements, develop a skilled team, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

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
• Union membership
• 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 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 specs
• Strong knowledge of forging operations, industrial heat treatment processes, 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 based on production schedules
• Ensure a strong safety culture through trainings, audits, and adherence to OSHA/company policies
• Monitor productivity and quality, making real-time adjustments for efficiency and customer delivery
• Lead, coach, and develop union hourly employees, handling onboarding, evaluations, and performance management
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to meet production goals
• Identify and implement process improvements and support Lean initiatives
• Maintain accurate production and labor records; communicate operational updates during shift handovers
• Step into a leadership role where your experience and hands-on style will be valued and rewarded.