Production Supervisor (End Plant)

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas, and non-carbonated beverages. Using state-of-the-art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities. We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Supervisor to oversee daily manufacturing operations within the high-volume Aluminum End Plant, ensuring safety, quality, production, and cost objectives are met or exceeded.

Responsibilities

• Safety and Environmental Compliance
  • Enforce strict adherence to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental compliance standards.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections, hazard assessments, and ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Investigate all incidents, accidents, and near misses, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Production Management
  • Directly supervise a team of production operators, technicians, and floor personnel across a specified shift.
  • Achieve daily, weekly, and monthly production targets (e.g., ends/minute, OEE).
  • Monitor high-speed press lines and auxiliary equipment (e.g., shell presses, liner machines) to maximize uptime and efficiency.
  • Coordinate with Maintenance to prioritize and execute routine and emergency repairs.
  • Manage raw material (aluminum coil/stock) and consumable inventory levels for the shift.
• Quality Assurance
  • Ensure all finished product (aluminum ends) meets stringent quality specifications, including dimensional checks, proper lining application, and seal integrity.
  • Train personnel on quality control procedures and the use of measurement tools (e.g., micrometers, gauges).
  • Identify and address the root cause of quality defects (e.g., flange issues, scoring, bad liner).
• Leadership and Personnel Development
  • Lead by example, fostering a positive, safe, and accountable work environment.
  • Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and implement disciplinary actions as needed.
  • Manage shift scheduling, time-off requests, and daily work assignments to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Train new employees on standard operating procedures (SOPs), job safety analysis (JSAs), and machinery operation.
• Continuous Improvement and Cost Control
  • Champion lean manufacturing principles and actively participate in CI initiatives (e.g., 5S, Kaizen).
  • Analyze operational data (downtime reports, scrap rates, labor utilization) to identify areas for efficiency improvement.
  • Implement strategies to reduce scrap material and minimize controllable costs.

Requirements

• Education & Experience
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or related field; in lieu of a degree, minimum 4 years’ experience in a leadership role in manufacturing plus the required years of experience listed below.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Proven experience in a training, lead, or supervisory role where teaching and mentoring were primary duties.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to work across all shifts in a 24/7/365 operational environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours).
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience in metal forming, packaging, or high-volume consumer goods (FMCG).
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ideally within the aluminum can industry.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex production data (OEE, SPC charts, Yield reports) and translate them into actionable plans.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and experience implementing continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, 5S).
  • Experience using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) for training material creation.
• Skills & Experience
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably with data collection and analysis experience in a high-volume automated manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to understand and interpret technical manuals, 2D drawings, P&IDs, fluid and electrical schematics, and other engineering documentation.
  • Proven understanding of BOMs, manufacturability, process design, process validation, assembly methods, design reviews, and cost reduction methodologies.
  • Innovative leader with the ability to identify opportunities and influence organizations to gain support and overcome resistance with data and persuasion.
  • Ability to develop manufacturing documentation and identify critical process parameters, applying statistics to process measurement and control.
  • Development and qualification of tooling/equipment skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain accurate, detailed records that will be audited periodically.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing) between employees and clients.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects at once with tight deadlines.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to identify and execute improvement opportunities through process and system improvements.
  • Ability to take ownership and responsibility with little direction.
  • Pragmatic decision-making; requires high integrity.
  • Ability to effectively train people inside and outside their work group.
• Software/Computer Skills
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Visio), Google Workspace, Outlook/Gmail, and website software.
  • Ability to learn new software systems and data management systems quickly.
  • Proficient keyboarding and typing skills.

Environmental & Physical Factors

• Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility with daily contact with other departmental personnel.
• Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty and clean environments.
• Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards.
• When working with surplus and scrap materials, may work outside and/or in an un-air-conditioned warehouse.
• Continuous use of vision, hearing, and speech.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional bending.
• Will lift, carry, pull/push, and reach for supplies, occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, and requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment.
• Must wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Schedule

This position follows a 12-hour fixed day shift pattern (9:00 AM to 9:00 PM) on a 4 days on, 4 days off rotation. The employee must be present to fulfill all job duties and meet operational demands; schedule flexibility is essential to support team handovers, plant operational needs, or overtime as required. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position, which may occasionally include working long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime depending on plant requirements.