Production Supervisor

Production Supervisor

The Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of manufacturing departments while ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of quality products. This role is accountable for safety, quality, productivity, employee development, inventory management, equipment performance, and achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs).

Safety and Housekeeping

• Foster and sustain a strong 5S culture through ongoing initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Support and facilitate 5S training for all employees.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures while promoting a culture of workplace safety.
• Identify safety concerns and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Track and maintain safety and 5S KPIs for weekly and monthly management reporting.
• Ensure the department remains audit-ready and customer-tour ready at all times.

Production Management

• Communicate departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations to team members.
• Manage personnel, equipment, and resources to ensure efficient operations.
• Meet production schedules and departmental performance goals while implementing corrective actions to address variances.
• Build positive working relationships between management and hourly employees through effective communication, feedback, and recognition.
• Develop and execute action plans to improve employee engagement.
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees while providing the resources necessary for success.
• Achieve or exceed established KPI targets.
• Ensure adherence to all manufacturing processes and standards established by Engineering and Quality teams.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality when process deviations are required.
• Maintain compliance with ISO, IATF, and other applicable quality system requirements.
• Manage labor and operational resources to minimize inefficiencies, overtime, and cost overruns.
• Ensure manufacturing equipment is properly maintained and operating according to established specifications.
• Promote ownership of equipment, including cleanliness, preventive maintenance, and operational effectiveness.

Quality Management

• Ensure strict compliance with all work instructions and documented manufacturing processes.
• Verify employees receive adequate training to perform assigned duties effectively.
• Maintain process documentation and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Participate in customer, regulatory, and internal quality audits as required.
• Promote a quality-first culture and ensure nonconforming products are not produced or shipped.
• Ensure tooling and equipment receive appropriate preventive maintenance to maximize uptime and product quality.

Customer Satisfaction

• Participate in customer visits and facility tours as needed.
• Support employee involvement during customer tours by promoting understanding of quality and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure products consistently meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations.

Cost Reduction and Continuous Improvement

• Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles, including Kaizen and 5S methodologies, to drive operational improvements.
• Continuously evaluate processes to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and waste reduction.
• Participate in and lead Kaizen events when required.
• Identify, develop, and implement cost-saving initiatives throughout the year.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools such as 5-Why analysis and root cause investigation techniques.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of hourly employees.
• Manage employee selection, onboarding, training, performance management, disciplinary actions, and termination processes in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and union agreements.
• Plan, assign, and direct work activities to support operational objectives.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and recognition.
• Address employee concerns and resolve workplace issues in a fair and timely manner.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary education preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Kaizen and 5S implementation initiatives.
• Experience identifying, tracking, and maintaining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Working knowledge of quality systems and experience maintaining compliance with established quality standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to effectively utilize STRATTEC-specific software programs and manufacturing systems required to support daily operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
• Strong problem-solving skills utilizing tools such as 5-Why analysis, root cause analysis, and Lean methodologies.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and operational excellence practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and other functional departments.