Production Supervisor

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Production Supervisor to lead a high-volume battery module assembly line. This role owns the shift's performance for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people. The supervisor will be on the floor a majority of the time, troubleshooting equipment issues, driving downtime reduction, ensuring standard work is followed, and executing continuous improvement (5S, Kaizen, problem solving). Success requires strong coaching, rigorous follow-up, and the ability to lead by example in a fast-paced, technical manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a zero-injury culture; conduct start-of-shift safety talks and Gemba walks.
• Enforce LOTO, machine guarding, chemical handling, and EHS procedures; initiate immediate corrective actions.
• Lead incident reporting, root cause analysis, and closure of corrective actions.

People Leadership

• Direct, coach, and develop 15–40 operators/technicians (headcount adjustable) across stations (cell prep, module assembly, welding, testing, pack-out).
• Set clear expectations, assign work, administer training and cross-training, and conduct performance feedback.
• Model professional behavior, attendance, and adherence to standard work; recognize high performance.

Production Execution

• Achieve the shift plan for output, FPY, and schedule adherence; run Tier meetings and visual management boards.
• Balance line staffing, manage bottlenecks, escalate constraints, and coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, and Materials.
• Verify line readiness (materials, tooling, preventive maintenance status, quality checks) at each start of shift.

Equipment & Downtime Management

• Be the first responder for equipment alarms and stoppages; coordinate with Maintenance for rapid recovery.
• Track and reduce downtime (breakdown, minor stops, changeovers); update downtime codes accurately.
• Partner with Maintenance on PM compliance and autonomous maintenance (cleaning, inspection, lubrication).
• Support equipment qualifications, trials, and changeovers with standard checklists.

Quality & Scrap Reduction

• Ensure adherence to control plans, standardized work, torque specs, testing protocols, and traceability requirements.
• Monitor SPC charts, FPY, and defect paretos; contain nonconforming product and execute layered process audits.
• Lead problem-solving (5-Why, Ishikawa) and corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, and escapes.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering on PFMEA updates and error-proofing (Poka-Yoke).

Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Drive daily 5S sustainment; run Kaizen events focused on safety, quality, and OEE gains.
• Update and enforce standard work; verify adherence through audits and coaching.
• Use Lean tools (A3s, SMED, value stream mapping) and visual controls to simplify flow and cut waste.

Materials & Inventory

• Maintain accurate WIP, support cycle counts, and minimize line shortages/expedites.
• Partner with Materials/Logistics on kitting, Kanban, and point-of-use inventory.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete shift reports: safety incidents, output, OEE, downtime, scrap, FPY, rework, absenteeism.
• Ensure training records, checklists, and quality documentation are current and accurate.

Requirements

• 3+ years in high-volume manufacturing or assembly; 1+ year in a lead/supervisory role.
• Demonstrated, hands-on troubleshooting experience with automated/semiautomated equipment (e.g., dispensing, ultrasonic or laser welding, screwdriving/torque, vision systems, EOL test).
• Working knowledge of OEE, downtime coding, SPC, basic electrical/mechanical fundamentals, and safe machine operation.
• Proven track record in scrap reduction, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict resolution; excellent follow-through on actions and countermeasures.
• Proficiency with MS Office/Excel and manufacturing dashboards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in battery, electronics, automotive, or IATF 16949/ISO 9001 environments.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, Poka-Yoke, and layered process audits.
• Lean/CI training (e.g., 5S, SMED, A3); Green Belt a plus.
• Exposure to MES, CMMS, andon, and digital work instructions.

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing/walking; occasional lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Work around moving machinery, ESD-sensitive components, and chemicals with appropriate PPE.
• Must be able to work 1st and 2nd shift.