Production Supervisor

Job Title: Production Supervisor
Areas of Responsibility: Rubber compression press molding, rubber extrusion, and Sphere
Reports To: Plant Manager
Direct Reports: 2 Shift Leads (one per shift); indirect oversight of all production operators on both shifts
Shifts Covered: 2 shifts; schedule flexibility required to support both
Role Purpose

The Plant Supervisor owns day-to-day performance of the compression molding, extrusion, and Sphere operations across two shifts. Working through two Shift Leads, this role delivers safe, on-time, right-first-time production while driving efficiency up and scrap down. The Supervisor builds a capable, engaged workforce and ensures every part shipped meets Hultec quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Production and Efficiency

• Plan and direct daily production across compression presses, extrusion lines, and Sphere to meet schedule, volume, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), labor efficiency, and press/line utilization; lead corrective action when targets are missed.
• Reduce changeover and cycle times through standard work, setup reduction, and process optimization (cure times, temperatures, pressures, line speeds).
• Partner with Maintenance to minimize unplanned downtime and support preventive maintenance on presses, molds, dies, and extruders.
• Manage labor allocation, overtime, and shift coverage to balance cost and output.

Scrap and Waste Reduction

• Own scrap % by area, shift, and part number; track daily and report weekly.
• Lead root-cause analysis (5-Why, fishbone, Pareto) on top scrap drivers such as flash, non-fill, blisters, porosity, dimensional variation, and material waste.
• Drive sustainable countermeasures with Engineering and Quality, and verify effectiveness.
• Control compound and material usage, including shelf life, FIFO, and startup/purge waste on extrusion.

Leadership of Shift Leads

• Directly supervise, coach, and hold accountable two Shift Leads; set clear shift-level goals and expectations.
• Ensure consistent standards, communication, and handoffs between shifts through structured shift-start and shift-change meetings.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones and annual performance reviews for the Shift Leads.

Employee Development

• Build and maintain a cross-training matrix so each area is covered by multiple qualified operators.
• Ensure operators are trained and certified on standard work, equipment, and quality requirements before running independently.
• Identify high-potential employees and develop a succession pipeline for Lead roles.
• Address attendance, performance, and conduct issues fairly and consistently in line with Hultec policies, partnering with HR as needed.
• Foster an engaged, respectful culture with recognition and open communication.

Safety

• Champion a zero-injury culture and enforce all safety policies, PPE, and OSHA requirements.
• Ensure compliance with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, hot-surface, and material-handling procedures specific to presses and extruders.
• Lead safety observations, near-miss reporting, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Maintain 5S and housekeeping standards in all areas.

Quality

• Abide by and enforce Hultec quality standards, control plans, and work instructions at every station.
• Ensure first-article, in-process, and final inspections are completed and documented.
• Contain nonconforming product immediately and support customer complaint investigations and corrective actions (8D/CAPA).
• Support internal and customer audits and maintain compliance with the plant's quality management system.

Continuous Improvement and Reporting

• Lead or participate in Kaizen and Lean initiatives in assigned areas.
• Maintain visual management boards and tiered daily meetings.
• Report KPIs, trends, and improvement actions to the Plant Manager.

KPI

Efficiency / OEE - Availability X performance X Quality by Press line and Sphere

Scrap % - Scrap cost or pieces as a share of total production

Safety - Recordable incident rate, lost -time incidents, near miss reports closed

Quality - Internal defects, customer complaints, PPM

On-Time Delivery - Order Produced to schedule

Employee Development- Corss Training coverage, training plans completed, retention

Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or GED.
5+ years of manufacturing experience, including 2+ years supervising production teams in a multi-shift environment.
Hands-on experience with rubber compression molding and/or rubber extrusion processes.
Working knowledge of OEE, scrap tracking, and root-cause problem solving.
Sound understanding of OSHA safety requirements, including lockout/tagout and machine guarding.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and ERP/MES production systems.
Strong communication skills and the ability to coach, hold people accountable, and resolve conflict.

Preferred
Associate or bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or Business.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt, or similar certification.
Experience ISO 9001 quality systems, PPAP, and control plans.
Knowledge of rubber compounds, cure systems, and mold/die maintenance.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Work is performed on the production floor with exposure to heat from presses and extruders, noise, rubber compounds, and moving equipment. PPE is required.
Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
Must be available to work across both shifts, with occasional overtime, weekends, and on-call support.

Health Insurance - PPO, HMO, and HSA plans with employer contributions

Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) with 6% Company Match

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage

Hultec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties; responsibilities may change based on business needs.