Production Supervisor

Production Supervisor

Position: Production Supervisor Reports To: Operations Manager Job Class: Salaried Exempt Location: Lumberton, NC

Job Purpose

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading, managing, and coordinating the day-to-day activities of manufacturing and distribution operations, including production, shipping, finished goods, case pick, replenishment, inventory control, and material handling activities. This position provides leadership and development to associates across manufacturing and distribution functions to ensure safety, quality, productivity, inventory accuracy, customer service, and company objectives are achieved. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring company policies and procedures are consistently followed while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Management

Lead and direct daily manufacturing and distribution activities to meet production and customer requirements.

Review production and shipping schedules and determine labor, material, and equipment requirements necessary to complete assigned work.

Requisition and coordinate materials required to support production and operational goals.

Establish and adjust work assignments and procedures to meet production and shipping schedules.

Manage the loading and distribution of outgoing finished goods.

Supervise and prioritize shipping activities and coordinate finished goods trailer requirements.

Coordinate and schedule finished goods pickups and delivery appointments with carriers and other appropriate partners.

Maintain and support Case Pick and Replenishment operations.

Coordinate activities with other supervisors and departments to maintain efficient workflow throughout the facility.

Set up and operate machines, equipment, material handling equipment, and forklift trucks when necessary.

Perform operational activities normally performed by associates when necessary to support business requirements.

Quality & Inventory Control

Examine products and finished goods to ensure they meet established specifications and quality requirements.

Verify the accuracy of finished goods being shipped and take appropriate action to resolve discrepancies.

Maintain a high level of inventory accuracy throughout manufacturing and distribution operations.

Identify and address inventory, shipping, production, and quality discrepancies.

Ensure outbound shipments meet customer specifications and requirements.

Interpret specifications, blueprints, work instructions, and job orders and communicate requirements to associates.

Employee Leadership & Development

Supervise, coach, train, and develop associates across assigned manufacturing and distribution functions.

Provide initial and ongoing training to associates to ensure employees are properly prepared to safely and effectively perform assigned responsibilities.

Manage employee performance and provide timely coaching and feedback.

Partner with Human Resources, as appropriate, regarding employee relations, disciplinary actions, performance management, retention, and development.

Interpret and consistently enforce company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.

Assign duties and establish priorities based on operational requirements.

Analyze and resolve work-related problems and assist associates in identifying solutions.

Develop and implement plans that motivate associates to achieve individual, departmental, and company goals.

Maintain accurate employee time, attendance, training, and production records.

Safety

Maintain a safe, organized, and clean working environment for all associates.

Enforce company safety policies, procedures, and required PPE.

Promote an effective safety awareness program through regular communication and departmental safety meetings.

Report and investigate workplace incidents, injuries, accidents, and near misses in accordance with company requirements.

Participate in root cause investigations and recommend corrective actions designed to prevent recurrence.

Ensure associates are properly trained on safe work practices and equipment operation.

Identify unsafe conditions or behaviors and take appropriate corrective action.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Management

Continuously evaluate manufacturing and distribution processes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Recommend measures to improve production methods, shipping processes, inventory accuracy, equipment performance, product quality, safety, and productivity.

Recommend changes in working conditions, processes, equipment, and workflows to improve operational efficiency.

Participate actively in company continuous improvement initiatives and support plans for future operational growth.

Control and reduce departmental costs while maintaining safety, quality, service, and productivity expectations.

Monitor operational performance and take appropriate action to address issues and improve results.

Communication & Collaboration

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with manufacturing, distribution, transportation, inventory, quality, maintenance, Human Resources, and other departments.

Maintain clear and professional communication with freight carriers and customers when coordinating pickups and delivery appointments.

Communicate priorities, expectations, operational issues, and changes effectively to associates and other supervisors.

Work collaboratively across departments to resolve problems and achieve facility and company objectives.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, education, experience, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Transportation, Logistics, or a related field is preferred. Relevant manufacturing, warehouse, transportation, logistics, or supervisory experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or transportation environment is preferred. Experience with material handling equipment, including forklift trucks and pallet jacks, is preferred. Experience working with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and/or manufacturing inventory system is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to motivate, train, coach, and develop associates. Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environment. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Working knowledge of inventory control, shipping, replenishment, manufacturing, and warehouse operations. Knowledge of workplace safety requirements and safe material handling practices. Ability to read and interpret production schedules, work instructions, specifications, blueprints, and job orders as applicable. Proficiency with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Ability to use Warehouse Management Systems and other operational systems required by the facility. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts, as required to meet business needs. Ability to work additional hours, weekends, or other shifts when required by operational needs. Occasional travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to: Frequently stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or balance. Regularly use hands and arms to handle materials, equipment, tools, and controls. Communicate effectively in person, electronically, and by telephone. Push and pull materials and equipment as required. Operate material handling equipment, including forklift trucks, when properly trained and authorized. Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Use sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, equipment, and other tools. Maintain visual abilities necessary for the position, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing and warehouse areas.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the position. Work is performed in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and office environments. The employee may be exposed to moving machinery and material handling equipment, dust, fumes or airborne particles, temperature variations, humidity, and outdoor weather conditions. The employee may occasionally be exposed to elevated work areas, chemicals, electrical hazards, or vibration. Noise levels may range from moderate to loud depending on the work area. Required PPE and established safety procedures must be followed while working in manufacturing and warehouse areas.

General Statement

The responsibilities listed above represent the general nature and level of work performed in this position and should not be construed as a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned based on operational requirements and business needs. Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle