GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Orion, MI on a full-time basis.
The Role:
We are seeking a self-motivated, innovation-minded leader with a strong production background and a proven record of driving operational excellence. As a Body Shop – Production Shift Leader , you will oversee multiple areas, multiple shifts of our Body Shop by managing production activities while leading a diverse team of UAW production operators, group leaders, and technical support staff. This role is vital for ensuring Body Shop readiness by delivering creative problem-solving, decisive decision-making, and rigorous adherence to GM’s core principles of Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, Cost, and Environment (SPQRCE).
In addition, the candidate will play a critical role in pre-production launch activities —setting up requirements, building the production team, developing group leaders, and establishing training and process standards. This includes close collaboration with the Maintenance organization, Execution Manufacturing Engineering team, Materials, Paint, and General Assembly to ensure seamless integration and launch readiness.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead Operations: Oversee daily production activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable output that meets quality and volume targets.
- Team Coordination: Direct and coordinate cross-functional teams—including production operators, group leaders, and technical experts—to implement effective operational strategies.
- Production & Launch Management: Develop, plan, and manage production schedules and launch requirements, ensuring timely execution, training readiness, and adherence to quality standards.
- Policy Enforcement: Execute divisional and corporate policies, including safety protocols, local and national labor agreements, and quality standards.
- Dynamic Decision-Making: Balance production output, workforce management, and cost controls while navigating the challenges of advanced automation, new launch activities, and unionized workforce dynamics.
- Mentorship: Mentor, train, and develop team members to continuously enhance technical skills, production knowledge, and leadership capabilities.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience: A minimum of 7+ years in automotive manufacturing or plant operations, with demonstrable leadership in managing cross-functional production teams.
- Technical Expertise: Strong background in body shop operations, including automated welding, fastening, sealing, and vision or measurement systems.
- Production & Resource Management: Proven skills in production planning, workforce management, and resource allocation to drive operational success.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, ensuring effective collaboration and adherence to safety standards.
- Compliance: Familiarity with and proven enforcement of local and national labor agreements and safety protocols.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Shift/Hours: Starting on first shift for 3-6 months and then transitioning to support 2nd shift full time.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced Automation: Experience with cutting-edge digital manufacturing tools and automated systems specific to body shop operations.
- Dual Accountability: Demonstrated success in balancing production and workforce management, making rapid, data-driven decisions during complex operational shifts.
- Unionized Environment: Proven track record working within unionized settings, with strong skills in labor relations and collaborative negotiation.
- Process Innovation: Expertise in synthesizing complex technical and operational data to facilitate effective process improvements during high-stakes product launches.
