Senior Supervisor, Panel Shop

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals. Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.

About the role

The Senior Supervisor, Panel Shop provides technical and operational leadership for Kele’s control panel manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and compliance of all production activities including panel assembly, inspection, and testing. Ensures full adherence to Kele Panel Shop Procedures, Quality Management requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives while leading technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily execution of the production schedule in support of customer needs and operational efficiency.
• Supervise workflow across mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, inspection, and pack-out.
• Balance labor allocation to meet On-Time Delivery (OTD) targets.
• Monitor and improve labor productivity, machine utilization, and first-pass yield.
• Ensure material control, visual management principles, and 5S compliance standards are upheld.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce rework, scrap, and cycle time.
• Ensure full compliance with panel shop quality control procedures and panel inspection procedures.
• Lead Quality investigations and corrective actions for process or quality concerns.
• Oversee segregation and disposition of non-conforming material and ensure proper documentation and retention.
• Support and prepare for internal, customer, and UL audits.
• Implement and enforce panel shop processes and standards.
• Maintain skill matrices and cross-training plans.
• Conduct refresher training when technicians transition between panel types.
• Ensure proper use of ERP and job tracking systems for time tracking, step logging, and work order status updates.
• Review technician time totals and productivity metrics.
• Enforce Panel Shop safety policies and procedures including PPE Compliance, Safe lifting, ESD Controls, and Equipment safety.
• Conduct incident investigation and corrective action follow-through.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises Panel Technicians.
• Hiring, interviewing, & onboarding.
• Performance evaluations.
• Coaching and disciplinary actions.
• Workforce planning & scheduling.
• Conflict resolution.
• Accountability for productivity and quality.
• Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Kele policies and applicable laws.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent technical certification in Electrical Technology, Industrial Technology, or related field. Equivalent experience may substitute.
• Minimum 5 years in control panel manufacturing or similar environment.
• Prior UL508A shop experience preferred.
• Minimum 2 years supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with automated wire processing systems and/or CNC enclosure modification highly preferred.

Skills

• Ability to read, interpret, and enforce technical procedures, electrical schematics, UL standards, audit findings, and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to write corrective action reports and present operational metrics to leadership.
• Apply algebra and geometry to panel layout, torque settings, ampacity calculations, and dimensional verification.
• Analyze productivity and quality metrics.
• Define root causes of process failures.
• Interpret complex schematics and apply UL and NEC standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel for productivity tracking), ERP / E2 / JobBOSS systems, UL508A standards, calibration systems, and automated manufacturing equipment oversight.

Physical Requirements

• Regular standing, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Close vision, color vision, and depth perception required for inspection and quality verification.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Knowledge of electronic components and control circuits.
• Understanding of torque, crimping, and mechanical assembly standards.

Contact With Others

• Frequent contact with: Panel Engineering, Sales, Estimating, Quality, Distribution Center, Senior Management, and Customers (as needed).
• Must communicate technical and operational information clearly and professionally.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• HSA/FSA (medical and dependent care).
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.