Charles Brown
Southfield
Summary
Manufacturing Group Leader with 10+ years leading high-volume automotive operations in union environments (UAW). Proven record improving safety, quality, and throughput by optimizing standardized work, rebalancing labor, and resolving bottlenecks. Experienced in launches, major process changes, and cross-functional leadership. Builds inclusive, high-performing teams through clear expectations, coaching, and accountability.
Professional leader with deep experience in team management and collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and fostering productive work environment. Strong focus on achieving results and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, effective communication, and motivational leadership.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Leader
General Motors Co
Flint, MI
06.2025 - Current
- Drive GMS processes across Trim 4; executed standardized work modifications that improved SAT from 53.7 to 55.3 and increased throughput.
- Lead daily production for 42–50 UAW team members; set expectations, assign manpower, and monitor KPIs to hit safety, quality, and delivery targets.
- Partner with Industrial Engineering to perform time studies and rebalance work, improving OPE and reducing bottlenecks/downtime.
- Conduct layered process audits (LPA) and SOTs; identify deviations and implement corrective actions to sustain Built-In Quality.
- Lead 5F meetings with Shift Lead and Area Director to drive accountability and close actions.
- Serve as SME for Kronos and HCC; mentor peers and salaried staff in timekeeping and compliance.
- Support MY27 launch readiness; contribute to equipment/process changes and retooling activities.
- Participate in UAW negotiations; administer National and Local Agreements to ensure fair and consistent application.
- Perform incident investigations; lead safety talks and promote inclusion-focused culture.
- Provide coverage as Business Manager; manage attendance, discipline, and employee relations.
Manufacturing Supervisor (Contract)
Stellantis
Sterling Heights, MI
08.2023 - 03.2025
- Supervised 74 UAW members in high-volume assembly; executed daily production plans and maintained adherence to PPE and shop rules.
- Reduced downtime by troubleshooting equipment issues, coordinating maintenance, and tightening Kanban and material flow.
- Led safety and GEMBA meetings; completed accident investigations and executed preventive action plans.
- Implemented SOPs and CI initiatives to improve safety, quality, and throughput; tracked KPIs to sustain gains.
- Collaborated with union leadership to address behavior issues and administer progressive discipline; maintained accurate attendance and performance records (CATS, Microsoft Office).
Team Leader
General Motors Co
Detroit, Wentzville, East Lansing
03.2016 - 06.2023
- Led production teams through daily scheduling, resource assignment, and execution to meet build plans.
- Performed time studies and partnered with IEs to rebalance jobs, improving OPE and reducing ergonomic risk.
- Drove safety culture via talks, audits, and incident investigations; ensured compliance with standards and PPE.
- Monitored quality at the source; escalated tooling/equipment issues and coordinated rapid response.
- Coached team members and boosted morale; reinforced accountability through clear metrics and feedback.
Production Supervisor / Team Lead
Detroit Thermal Systems
Romulus, MI
05.2012 - 03.2016
- Led day-to-day operations for assembly lines; established production priorities and quality standards.
- Managed a 10-member management team with related direct reports; conducted performance reviews and training.
- Improved productivity by resolving issues quickly, optimizing labor (Attendance on Demand), and coordinating cross-department workflows.
- Advanced CI initiatives to achieve key business metrics across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Wayne County Community College District
Detroit, MI05-2016
High School Diploma - undefined
Mackenzie High School
Detroit, MI06-2007
Skills
- Kronos, HCC, CATS timekeeping
- Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Familiarity: Kanban systems, SAT/OPE dashboards, LPA tools
- Team management
- Customer focus
- New Group leader trainee
- Production planning
- Workflow optimization
- Employee motivation
- Team motivation
- Continuous improvements
- Safety monitoring
- Quality assurance
- Strong work ethic
- Good communication
CORE STRENGTHS
- Production & Labor Planning (Kronos, CATS)
- Quality Systems & Built-In Quality
- Continuous Improvement (GMS, 5S, SPQRCEI, LPA, GEMBA)
- KPI Management (OPE, throughput, SAT, scrap, downtime)
- Safety Leadership & Incident Investigation
- Union Relations (UAW) & Employee Relations
- Standardized Work, Time Studies, Line Balancing
- Cross-Functional Collaboration (IE, Maintenance, Launch)
- Team Development, Coaching, Performance Management
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Throughput and Quality: Improved SAT from 53.7 to 55.3 in Trim 4 by refining standardized work and balancing tasks.
- Downtime Reduction: Cut unplanned downtime by tightening escalation paths, equipment troubleshooting, and Kanban adherence.
- Launch Support: Contributed to MY27 launch readiness and retooling, ensuring process stability and operator readiness.
- Safety: Led safety talks, investigations, and corrective actions, strengthening compliance and near-miss reporting.
Timeline
Group Leader
General Motors Co
06.2025 - Current
Manufacturing Supervisor (Contract)
Stellantis
08.2023 - 03.2025
Team Leader
General Motors Co
03.2016 - 06.2023
Production Supervisor / Team Lead
Detroit Thermal Systems
05.2012 - 03.2016
High School Diploma - undefined
Mackenzie High School
Associate of Arts -
Wayne County Community College District