Plastics Production Supervisor

About the role

The Shift Supervisor leads day-to-day production activities on an assigned shift within a 24/7 plastics manufacturing operation. This role ensures safe, quality-compliant, and efficient operations by directly supervising machine operators and production staff, coordinating with other shifts for a seamless handoff, and driving continuous improvement on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate shift activities for machine operators, technicians, and production staff to meet safety, quality, and production targets.
• Assign work, monitor line performance, and troubleshoot equipment or process issues to minimize downtime.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures; lead or participate in safety walks, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Monitor product quality throughout the shift, ensuring adherence to specifications and initiating corrective action for non-conformances.
• Communicate shift performance, issues, and priorities to the Plastics Production Manager and coordinate handoff information with incoming/outgoing shift supervisors.
• Track and report key production metrics (uptime, scrap/waste, output, labor hours) using the plant's production tracking systems.
• Train, coach, and evaluate production employees; support onboarding of new hires and cross training initiatives.
• Enforce company policies, attendance standards, and performance expectations; administer corrective action as needed.
• Ensure machines, molds, and work areas are properly maintained, set up, and organized (5S/housekeeping standards).
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and materials/scheduling teams to resolve issues and support production plans.
• Respond to and manage shift emergencies, equipment breakdowns, or staffing shortages as they arise.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, Kaizen, or similar) to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory role, leading hourly production or manufacturing employees.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, resolve conflicts, and hold employees accountable to safety and performance standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to relay information clearly across shifts and to management.
• Proficiency with computers to utilize MS Office and ERP systems.
• Ability to work rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required in a 24/7 operation.
• Ability to stand, walk, and be present on the production floor for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college coursework, technical certification, or associate degree (e.g., manufacturing, business, or industrial technology).