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
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Competitive base salary ($70,000–$85,000 per year)
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
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401(k) with company match and profit sharing
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Short-term disability and life insurance
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10 paid holidays plus paid time off (PTO)
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Quarterly gainsharing and attendance bonuses
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Flexible spending account (FSA)
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Overtime opportunities
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Union membership
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Career advancement pathways and on-the-job training
Forge Shop Supervisor Requirements & Qualifications
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High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree in manufacturing, engineering technology, metallurgy, or related field preferred
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Minimum 5 years of experience in a forging department
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Experience in steel manufacturing, forging, heat treating, or similar heavy manufacturing required
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Ability to work in a hot, noisy, heavy industrial environment with frequent walking and standing
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Ability to climb stairs/ladders and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
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Proficient in reading production schedules, work orders, drawings, and specs
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Strong knowledge of forging operations, industrial heat treatment processes, and metallurgical principles
Forge Shop Supervisor Preferred Background & Skills
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Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in manufacturing
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Experience working in a union environment
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS, and ERP/MES systems
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Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement
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Excellent communication and team-development skills
Forge Shop Supervisor Day-to-Day Responsibilities
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Supervise daily forging and heat treatment operations, assigning work based on production schedules
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Ensure a strong safety culture through trainings, audits, and adherence to OSHA/company policies
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Monitor productivity and quality, making real-time adjustments for efficiency and customer delivery
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Lead, coach, and develop union hourly employees, handling onboarding, evaluations, and performance management
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Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to meet production goals
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Identify and implement process improvements and support Lean initiatives
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Maintain accurate production and labor records; communicate operational updates during shift handovers
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Step into a leadership role where your experience and hands-on style will be valued and rewarded.
