Production Supervisor - Weld Department

Position Overview

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Supervisor leads daily manufacturing operations, with primary oversight of the Weld Department, including MIG, TIG, and robotic welding processes. This role supports production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and delivery commitments while coordinating with assembly, testing, and finishing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Production and Scheduling

• Supervise daily production activities, primarily weld operations.
• Ensure production schedules are met across welding booths, robotic cells, and downstream processes.
• Balance labor and workflow to reduce bottlenecks and maintain throughput.
• Coordinate with Planning, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve production challenges.
• Monitor and report performance metrics, including output, efficiency, rework, and on-time delivery.

Weld Department Oversight

• Support weld-quality initiatives and collaborate with Quality and CWI personnel.
• Oversee MIG, TIG, and robotic welding systems.
• Improve arc-on time, reduce rework, and optimize weld-cell utilization.
• Assist with weld-process troubleshooting and corrective actions.

Quality and Compliance

• Promote adherence to company quality standards and applicable AWS, ASME, and ISO codes.
• Ensure first-article inspections and in-process checks are completed.
• Lead corrective actions for departmental nonconformances.
• Maintain required documentation and production records.

Safety and Environmental

• Enforce OSHA and company safety policies.
• Ensure appropriate PPE use and safe welding practices.
• Monitor ventilation and fume-extraction systems.
• Conduct safety meetings and address hazards promptly.

Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise, coach, and develop welders, operators, and other production employees.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback.
• Manage scheduling, attendance, overtime, and staffing levels.
• Foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean initiatives, including 5S, workflow improvements, and waste reduction.
• Track KPIs such as productivity, scrap rates, and labor efficiency.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and process enhancements.
• Support cross-training to build workforce flexibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical or trade school education preferred.
• At least 5 years of manufacturing experience with significant welding exposure.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience in a production environment.
• Experience in high-mix or high-volume manufacturing preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of MIG, TIG, and robotic welding processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and weld symbols.
• Knowledge of WPS/PQR documentation preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and production-reporting tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods on the production floor.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work safely in industrial manufacturing conditions involving heat, noise, and welding environments.