Manager, Materials - 3rd Shift

Title:

Manager, Materials – 3rd Shift

Location:

Decatur, AL, USA

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.” As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.

The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities.

The Area Leader is responsible for guiding, coaching, and supporting Team Leaders and production team members within a defined manufacturing area of the value stream. This role ensures strong performance and continuous improvement across safety, quality, delivery, and cost while fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture.

• Provide daily supervision, direction, and support for employees and Team Leaders in the assigned area.
• Lead, motivate, and coach the team while ensuring consistent adherence to processes, expectations, and company policies.
• Build and reinforce a positive culture aligned with GEA values, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies.
• Drive performance and improvement in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and team morale. Align area goals with value-stream objectives and communicate progress effectively.
• Communicate expectations clearly and provide regular feedback and development coaching.
• Manage daily staffing needs, including shift coverage, assignment adjustments, and job postings as required.
• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring strong employee engagement, operational consistency, and compliance with company procedures.
• Support daily start-up of materials support areas, ensuring proper staffing and alignment with the production plan.
• Ensure effective handoff of critical information between shifts and to leadership.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of operations and follow the escalation process to address abnormalities. Recommend and support corrective actions.
• Lead deployment of standardized work processes, ensuring stability and consistency. Coach Team Leaders and employees to maintain and improve standards.
• Ensure effective Job Instruction training practices, including documentation accuracy, cross‑training, and proper delivery of the four‑step training method.
• Lead structured problem‑solving efforts to address inefficiencies. Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders (PIE, Quality, Facilities Engineering, etc.) to drive resolution and improvement.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all safety expectations, including PPE usage, timely incident reviews, and ongoing safety engagement activities.
• Lead incident investigations to identify root causes and ensure timely completion and documentation of corrective actions.

• 5+ years of supervisory or leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, warehousing, distribution, materials, or a related operational environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, standardized work, and continuous improvement tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; equivalent education and experience considered.
• Proven ability to lead teams, coach employees, and drive results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Ability to work an off‑shift schedule in a 24/5 manufacturing environment, including occasional weekends, alternate shifts, inventory support, or planned shutdowns as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and ERP systems.

• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) or formal training in Lean, DMAIC, Work‑Out, or similar methodologies.
• Experience leading structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and cross‑functional process improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting employee relations in a unionized or high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal,…