Production Supervisor

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.


Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here:

Position Overview:
The Production Supervisor will oversee operations to ensure customer requirements (Service, Quality, and Quantity) are met while aligning with Ward Leonard's business objectives. This role involves managing daily shop floor activities, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring efficient use of resources to achieve production goals. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge, organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a clean, safe, and productive work environment.

In this function, you will:

• Supervise daily operations to ensure quality standards, productivity, and on-time delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in areas such as morale, discipline, environmental compliance, cleanliness, and cross-training.
• Identify and resolve capacity constraints (labor and equipment) through effective use of ERP systems, scheduling tools, and capacity analysis.
• Monitor and adjust production schedules to ensure timely completion of work orders.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to review and refine manufacturing documents, including Routers, BOMs, and Engineering Change Notices.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of manufacturing data entry and reporting.
• Maintain and improve ERP system functionality by providing feedback on scheduling, dispatch accuracy, and resource management.
• Support preventative maintenance efforts, address mechanical issues, and ensure timely resolution using the DLA process.
• Ensure consumable materials are ordered and on-hand for production team members.
• Oversee material handling in collaboration with planning and ensuring sufficient resources for production requirements.
• Conduct employee interviews, provide annual performance appraisals, and ensure team members receive proper training on ERP systems and company policies.
• Monitor Dayforce for direct employees daily.
• Participate in departmental budget preparation, including salary administration.
• Promote and enforce safety, cleanliness, and housekeeping standards to ensure a safe and organized work environment.
• Represent the Department on Continuous Improvement Task Teams and support improvement initiatives.

Basic (Required) Qualifications:

• High school diploma or trade school certification with a minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in operations.
• Strong knowledge of production scheduling, resource management, and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems for scheduling and capacity planning (e.g., Visual).
• Ability to interpret engineering and manufacturing documents such as BOMs, Routers, and Engineering Change Notices.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant work environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of hazardous material handling and environmental compliance.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance programs and equipment troubleshooting.
• Previous experience mentoring and training employees in a manufacturing setting.

Position Criteria:

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to promoting a safe and compliant workplace.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving capacity constraints.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve production objectives.
• Proficiency with standard office software and manufacturing tools.

Work Environment:

• This role requires spending approximately 80% of the time on the shop floor and 20% in an office environment.
• Safety is a top priority, and all employees must adhere to safety protocols and use proper safety equipment when required.

Physical Requirements:

• This position involves standing/manufacturing for approximately 80% of the time.
• Requires lifting of materials and tools.

Training / Cross-Training / Progression:

• Participate in ongoing training initiatives, including 5S, Continuous Improvement, On-Time Delivery, and Total Preventative Maintenance.
• Engage in cross-training efforts to develop employee skills and ensure workforce flexibility.
• Actively support and implement improvement ideas to enhance productivity and quality in the Department.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled