Production Supervisor

Reports To: Plant Manager
Direct Reports: Production Team Leads and Production Employees
FLSA Status: Exempt

 

Position Summary

The Production Supervisor is responsible for driving results in three critical areas: Safety, Quality, and Throughput. This role provides direct leadership on the production floor, ensuring employees work safely, produce quality products, and achieve production goals.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Safety

• Responsible for the safety of all employees within assigned production areas.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and immediately address unsafe conditions and behaviors.
• Conduct accident investigations and complete required documentation promptly.
• Lead daily safety observations and reinforce safe work practices.
• Maintain housekeeping standards throughout assigned areas.
• Promote a “Find It, Fix It” mentality and create a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to all machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and facility safety requirements.

Quality

• Ensure crews consistently follow established quality procedures and inspection requirements.
• Monitor production quality throughout the shift and take corrective action when standards are not met.
• Verify completion of check a box and other documentation.
• Review new products, customer requirements, and quality-sensitive jobs to ensure expectations are met.
• Investigate quality concerns and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Drive a culture where quality is built into the process rather than inspected at the end.

Throughput & Productivity

• Ensure production lines operate at the highest level of efficiency while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Review production schedules, staffing requirements, and priorities before each shift.
• Communicate daily goals and expectations to employees.
• Monitor machine performance, downtime, waste, and labor utilization throughout the shift.
• Identify constraints, remove obstacles, and implement solutions to improve productivity.
• Work closely with Scheduling, Shipping, Maintenance, and Leadership to achieve customer commitments.
• Review daily production results and address performance gaps with urgency.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve throughput, reduce waste, and increase operational effectiveness.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
• Maintain a consistent presence on the production floor, cycling through work centers regularly to monitor safety, quality, and productivity.
• Hold employees accountable for safety, quality, attendance, productivity, and workplace conduct expectations.
• Coach, develop, and motivate employees to achieve individual and team goals.
• Conduct new hire onboarding, training, and ongoing development activities.
• Complete performance reviews, coaching documentation, and corrective actions as needed.
• Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and foster positive employee relations.
• Build teamwork and create an environment where employees feel respected, engaged, and valued.

 

Operational Responsibilities

• Prepare for each shift by reviewing schedules, staffing, production priorities, and potential challenges.
• Review and approve employee timekeeping records.
• Ensure preventative maintenance activities are completed as scheduled.
• Enter and monitor maintenance work orders.
• Complete shift handoff communications and ensure continuity between shifts.
• Keep leadership informed of issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, or productivity.

Qualifications

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Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality, and productivity management.
• Ability to coach employees and drive accountability.

Preferred

• Corrugated packaging, converting, printing, or industrial manufacturing experience.
• Experience with manufacturing systems, production reporting, and timekeeping systems.

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Key Competencies

• Safety Leadership
• Production Management
• Quality Assurance
• Employee Development
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Resolution
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement
• Accountability
• Time Management

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Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing throughout a manufacturing facility.
• Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to visually inspect products, equipment, and work conditions.

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Success in this Role

Success in this role is measured by the supervisor’s ability to consistently achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement objectives while developing a high-performing team.