Production Control Team Member

About the role

The Production Control Team Member supports the efficient flow of materials, parts, and information across the vehicle assembly plant. This role is responsible for inventory accuracy, line-side replenishment, cycle counting, receiving and shipping operations, and the safe operation of powered industrial vehicles (PIVs) to ensure uninterrupted production.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute scheduled milk runs to deliver parts and sub-assemblies to line-side stations using tugger trains and carts
• Replenish kanban bins, supermarkets, and point-of-use locations to maintain continuous production flow
• Monitor material consumption rates and escalate shortages or discrepancies to the production control supervisor
• Coordinate with kitting and sequencing teams to ensure correct parts are delivered in the correct sequence
• Kit and sequence parts and components into bins, carts, and racks per build schedule to support line-side and assembly operations
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts per the established count schedule to ensure inventory accuracy
• Report count discrepancies immediately to the Team Leader, Cycle Counter, or Group Leader for investigation and resolution
• Maintain system-of-record accuracy for all part locations within assigned crib, supermarket, and storage areas
• Support physical inventory audits and year-end counts as required
• Document all cycle count results and maintain audit-ready records
• Safely operate forklifts (sit-down counterbalance, reach truck) and tugger tow tractors in compliance with OSHA standards and plant PIV policies
• Conduct pre-shift PIV inspections and complete required checklists; report deficiencies immediately
• Adhere to all speed limits, traffic lanes, and pedestrian right-of-way protocols within the facility
• Maintain PIV certification and participate in required refresher training
• Report PIV incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions through the plant safety reporting system
• Support inbound receiving operations including unloading, verification, and inspection of incoming parts, materials, and supplier shipments against purchase orders and ASNs
• Accurately scan, label, and put-away received materials in designated warehouse or line-side locations using the WMS
• Assist with outbound shipping activities including staging, packing, labeling, and loading of finished goods, returnable containers, and supplier returns
• Verify shipment accuracy against bills of lading, packing lists, and shipping orders; document and escalate discrepancies
• Maintain a clean, organized dock area and ensure compliance with FIFO and material handling procedures
• Cover incoming deliveries and expedite critical parts to the line
• Follow all plant safety procedures, PPE requirements, and ergonomic guidelines
• Identify and report damaged, incorrect, or non-conforming parts to the appropriate team
• Participate in 5S activities to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area
• Support Kaizen events, standard work development, and continuous improvement initiatives as directed

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment
• Current PIV/forklift certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire
• Demonstrated experience performing cycle counts and using WMS or ERP inventory systems
• Experience supporting receiving and/or shipping operations in a manufacturing or distribution environment
• Basic computer literacy (data entry, email, WMS terminals)
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, BOMs, bills of lading, and kanban signals

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive or vehicle assembly or high volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (kanban, 5S, standard work)
• Experience kitting and sequencing parts to a production build schedule
• Experience operating forklifts and tugger tow tractors
• SAP or Oracle or similar WMS experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted; team lift required for loads above 50 lbs
• Prolonged standing, walking, and bending throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in a climate-varying production environment (heat, noise, dust)
• Ability to operate PIVs for extended periods

Work Environment & Schedule

This position works on the plant floor in an active vehicle assembly environment. Exposure to moving machinery, PIV traffic, and industrial noise is expected. The role may require rotating shifts (day, afternoon, night), weekend coverage, and overtime during launch periods, model changeovers, or high-volume production cycles.