Supervisor, Production
UW Interco, LLC, a part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion. Apogee provides distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. The Apogee Performance Surfaces segment specializes in high-performance coated materials for wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets, leading globally in anti-reflective, conservation-grade, electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion-resistant coatings.
About the role
The Production Supervisor leads and coordinates operational activities to ensure efficient and high-quality execution of production schedules. This hands-on leadership role drives operational excellence, enforces safety and quality standards, and fosters a culture of accountability, responsibility, and continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, responsibility, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Empower team members to take ownership of their work, encouraging proactive problem-solving, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Execute and monitor daily production activities to meet or exceed established schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to drive process improvements, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Ensure proper setup, calibration, and operation of cutting equipment (e.g., CNC routers, Double End Tenoner) to maintain precision, safety, and productivity.
- Partner effectively with cross-functional teams—including Planning, Quality, Maintenance, Shipping, and Engineering—to resolve production issues and optimize workflow.
- Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs); identify root causes of variances; implement corrective actions to meet or exceed targets for throughput, quality, and downtime.
- Ensure compliance with safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and company policies to maintain a safe and organized work environment.
- Maintain accurate records of production output, labor utilization, scrap, and downtime in alignment with ERP and reporting systems.
- Support employee training and development by providing clear instructions, constructive feedback, and guidance on best practices.
- Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements that contribute to operational goals.
- Lead daily shift meetings and participate in production planning meetings to align departmental objectives with overall plant performance.
- Identify and champion continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, enhance product quality, improve flexibility, and strengthen team engagement.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree or higher in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- 3-5 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong knowledge of production machinery and equipment (e.g., Coating Line, CNC routers, Double End Tenoners preferred).
- Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
- Experience with ERP systems and production reporting tools.
- Familiarity with safety regulations, quality standards, and operational best practices in manufacturing.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commitment to fostering a culture of responsibility, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Effective problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to collaborate across levels and functions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Formal Lean or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt or higher) preferred.
- Experience in high-volume or custom manufacturing environments preferred.
- Exposure to ISO, OSHA, or similar compliance standards preferred.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred to support effective communication across a diverse workforce.
Work Environment
- Ability to work on the production floor, including standing for extended periods, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
- Availability to work flexible hours or shifts as needed to meet production demands.
Schedule
1st Shift - Monday-Friday, 4:00am-2:30pm, 10hr/day with flexibility to work Fridays.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability).
- Incentive Plans.
- 401(k) with employer contribution and match.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
- Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time).
- Paid Holidays.
- Tuition Reimbursement Program.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Wellness Program.
- Training and Career Progression.