Supervisor Manufacturing

About the role

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency.

Location: LaVergne, TN. Shift: 3rd Shift (10:30 PM – 7:30 AM) after approximately three months of training on Day Shift (6:30 AM – 3:30 PM).

The Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all production activities during the assigned shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations. This role leads production employees, coordinates resources, maintains compliance with quality and safety standards, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all production activities during the assigned shift.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of production employees on the manufacturing floor.
• Plan, organize, and adjust production schedules to meet customer demand and production targets.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with quality standards and product specifications.
• Allocate labor, materials, and equipment to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) standards and company policies.
• Provide training, coaching, and development opportunities for team members.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality, and other departments to resolve operational issues.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through on-time delivery, quality performance, and responsiveness.
• Maintain proper staffing levels to support production demands.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and workforce development.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce costs and improve processes.
• Support and maintain compliance with ISO, QMS, and other required audits.
• Enforce company policies and maintain a productive, disciplined work environment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• 5–10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience supervising CNC machining operations and CNC machinists in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, machinery, and production equipment.
• Experience with production planning and scheduling.
• Knowledge of SAP.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with production teams and cross-functional departments.
• Experience in an engineering or industrial manufacturing environment preferred.
• Continuous improvement mindset with proven problem-solving abilities.