Supervisors in Motor Vehicle Assembly supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in motor vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing.

They work as liaisons between senior managers and motor vehicle assemblers. Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors teach workplace policy and best practices, and ensure that production goals can be met. FOCAL projects a promising job market over the next decade for this occupation, with nearly 1,300 job openings in the sector.

Where do Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors work?

What do Vehicle Assembly Supervisors do?

Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors are responsible for monitoring and coordinating the activities of production workers. Their tasks include training and teaching workers about the processes and practices used in production. They also work on improving safety and productivity on the production line. As the industry transitions to EVs, knowledge of new technologies and skills is needed to improve workplace productivity.

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers in motor vehicle manufacturing production departments such as body shop, chassis, paint, trim and hardware and final assembly
• Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policies
• Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
• Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality

Career pathways & potential earnings of Vehicle Assembly Supervisors

Assembly Supervisors can progress to other roles and positions with the adequate experience and skills:

Supervisors in Motor Vehicle Assembly can also apply their skills and expertise in other occupations such as the following:

• Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
• Supervisors, electronics manufacturing

How do I become a Vehicle Assembly Supervisors?

There are relatively few barriers to become a Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisor. Qualifications for Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors may vary depending on the province or company, but the most common requirements include:

• Minimum Education: A high school diploma.
• Training and other requirements: Several years of experience in a motor vehicle manufacturing position are required.

What are the most important skills to have as an Assembly Supervisor?

Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors work in an environment where they must coordinate and supervise the activities of different workers. They must be confident with the robotics and automation present in manufacturing settings to be effective teachers on proper use of technology.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Management and Administration
• Industrial Robotic Operation
• Operations Monitoring and Analysis
• Quality Control Analysis
• Logistics and Supply Chain Software

Soft Skills

• Coordination
• Mentoring and Motivating
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Oral Expression and Comprehension

Future of Vehicle Assembly Supervision in Canada

Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors are in high demand. In 2021, more than 7,385 assembly supervisors were employed across Canada, the majority of which worked in motor vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing. FOCAL projects nearly 1,300 supervision job openings between 2021 and 2030. FOCAL also forecasts that during the same period, more than 1,100 supervisors will be needed to fill recruitment gaps in the sector. As the automotive industry transitions to electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervisors will increasingly be expected to adjust workplace practices and assist in developing new policy to accommodate rapidly changing technologies.

Learn more about the job market for Motor Vehicle Assembly Supervision, as well as about many other developments and new technologies in Canada’s automotive manufacturing by visiting our website futureautolabourforce.ca. You can also check our social media by following these links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.