Production Supervisor

About the Role

Responsible for the supervision and management of the TPO manufacturing processes in Plant 5. Provides leadership on the assigned shift to accomplish training objectives, meet production schedules in a high-quality, safe manner, facilitates problem-solving, and makes timely decisions. Promotes a high level of teamwork both on and among shifts as well as between departments. Maintains records to comply with company procedures and applies policies and rules fairly while fostering a participative, yet structured environment.

Responsibilities

• Shift Management: Possess a good working knowledge of manufacturing processes. Provide leadership and direction to shift personnel to meet production requirements. Review inventory and production levels to recommend adjustments for efficient balance, including decisions on equipment downtime, manning levels, and material quality. Utilize plant information systems to maximize efficiency. Lead shift-to-shift hand-off meetings and boardwalk discussions. Fill in for other Production Supervisors as needed.
• Supervision / Employee Development: Uniformly enforce and apply company policies and procedures. Provide honest, objective, and specific feedback to crew leaders and production team members. Actively support and participate in employee teams and problem-solving groups. Identify personnel for training and development for roles with greater responsibilities.
• Quality: Manage the shift to minimize defects and rework. Facilitate decision-making and problem-solving to foster a participative approach. Ensure adherence to published processing specifications (SOPs) and quality control tests, and implement improvements when appropriate. Monitor defect and downtime causes and provide feedback for sustainable corrective actions.
• Training / Safety: Provide clear direction to maintain and enhance a safe work environment. Lead monthly shift safety meetings. Conduct accident and near-miss investigations, ensure accurate and timely incident reporting, and share information across shifts. Maintain shift records for on-the-job training status and assign personnel to meet training needs.
• Cost Reduction / Process Improvement: Contribute to cost reduction goals through awareness, spend control, and idea generation. Coach crews to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities. Utilize lean manufacturing tools to drive continuous improvement. Lead data collection and project justification efforts. Communicate actions and results from CI and cost-saving projects.
• Communication: Coordinate information gathering and dissemination for the production team with other functional groups such as Production Scheduling, Shipping, R&D, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Human Resources. Partner with the shift maintenance team to prioritize production equipment repairs.

Requirements

• Familiarity with day-to-day TPO Plant manufacturing activities.
• Functional knowledge of plant information systems (SFIS, SAP).
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and delegate tasks effectively.
• Proven problem-solving, team-building, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in personal computers and MS Office products.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
• General understanding of Lock Out / Tag Out and Confined Space Entry procedures.
• General understanding of pertinent OSHA requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s Degree in Business Management or related field. High School Diploma/GED with agreement to obtain an Associate’s Degree (position contingent on completion).
• Experience: Minimum of five years in a manufacturing environment with proven leadership or supervisory experience.

Work Environment

Activities occur inside a plastic extrusion and dry chemical mixing facility. Most time is spent on the factory floor where temperatures vary from 55°F to 100°F. The environment can be dusty and dirty, with a fast-paced work rhythm that may lead to stressful decision-making situations.

Schedule

• Rotating shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM (rotating weekly).
• Fixed shift: 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM.
• Work Week: Monday to Friday, with weekends as production demands warrant.
• One supervisor per shift.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting at a desk and operating a computer.
• Standing and walking throughout the manufacturing plant and warehouse.
• Climbing, bending, and stooping.
• Lifting up to 50 lbs (frequently 1-20 lbs, occasionally 21-40 lbs).
• Pushing or pulling up to 60 lbs.
• Reaching above shoulder level.
• Working with machinery and in extreme temperatures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct the work of approximately 15 to 20 production positions.
• Coach and counsel employees; conduct performance reviews for Crew Leaders.
• Participate in panel interviews for new employees or promotions.
• Train or coordinate training for new employees.
• Enforce company policies and partner with HR for disciplinary actions.
• Conduct safety meetings and ensure understanding of safety and quality requirements.
• Support MDI process and SQDC discussions (Boardwalk).
• Audit use of COS tools (5S, TPM, Countermeasures, etc.).
• Maintain training records for all team members on shift.
• Ensure crew members work safely and follow company policies.