McWane Ductile New Jersey-Production Supervisor

McWane Ductile New Jersey is an industry leader in manufacturing water distribution and infrastructure products, specializing in the casting of iron ductile pipes ranging from 3" to 24" in diameter. Founded in 1865, our facility operates in a heavy industrial environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, fumes, noise, extreme heat, wet or humid conditions, vibrations, and occasional chemicals.

About the role

The Production Supervisor oversees daily manufacturing operations across assigned production areas (Casting, Finishing, Melting), ensuring safety, quality, and production goals are met in a physically demanding industrial setting. This hands-on leadership role involves managing teams of 15–35 hourly employees while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and a collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily production operations across casting, melting, and finishing areas, leading teams of 15–35 hourly employees.
• Direct workforce activities, assign job duties, and monitor performance to meet production targets, quality standards, and safety expectations.
• Enforce a strong safety culture by interpreting and applying company policies, OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, and safety programs.
• Monitor machinery, equipment, and production processes; identify malfunctions and coordinate or direct repairs or adjustments.
• Examine materials and products at all stages to ensure compliance with quality specifications and identify defects.
• Interpret production schedules, job orders, and customer requirements to plan and execute daily operations.
• Adjust staffing levels, workflows, and work procedures to meet production demands and improve efficiency.
• Maintain accurate production records, including timekeeping, output, scrap, and performance metrics.
• Ensure availability and proper use of materials, tools, and equipment; requisition and inspect materials as needed.
• Analyze production data and operational challenges to identify opportunities for improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and equipment performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational, equipment, and personnel issues; support employees in problem-solving efforts.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to ensure coordinated and efficient plant operations.
• Ensure completion of all required employee training, including safety training, JSAs, and job-specific instruction.
• Conduct regular safety audits and observations to identify hazards and enforce compliance with safety standards.
• Administer discipline and address employee performance or attendance issues in accordance with company policy.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and recommend enhancements to processes, equipment, and working conditions.
• Foster employee engagement by motivating teams, promoting accountability, and supporting a collaborative work environment.
• Perform or assist with hands-on production tasks as needed to support operations and meet production goals.
• Communicate expectations, updates, and policies clearly to employees and ensure understanding of work instructions.
• Coordinate with other supervisors and departments to align production activities across the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall plant operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Previous experience in a heavy industrial or foundry environment strongly preferred.
• Ability to work in harsh conditions, including high heat, outdoor exposure, and physically demanding environments.
• Experience supervising employees performing labor-intensive work.
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety practices (lockout/tagout, safety audits, JSA).
• Strong computer skills with the ability to maintain production and quality records.

Skills

• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to organizational needs, including learning new roles, adapting to shift changes on short notice, and embracing new challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and teamwork skills to foster a supportive, cooperative, and results-oriented work environment.
• Quality Focus: Attention to detail in all aspects of production, ensuring continued excellence in output and processes.
• Safety Awareness: Commitment to adhering to all safety guidelines and policies to protect the health and well-being of all workers.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively across different job roles to build morale and drive commitment toward common goals.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 annually. Final compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and other business and market considerations.