Production Supervisor - Finishing Department

Description

About the Company

IDOC Labs is our own optical laboratory network, built exclusively for independent eye care practices. Three Rivers Optical has been serving independent practices since 1969 with cutting-edge digital freeform technology, exceptional turnaround times, and a customer service team that averages 12 years of optical experience. When quality matters, Three Rivers Optical delivers.

Role Summary

The Production Supervisor – Finishing is responsible for leading the day-to-day performance of the Finishing department, ensuring safe, consistent and efficient delivery against quality, service, productivity and cost expectations. 

The role provides visible leadership on the floor, develops a flexible and skilled team, drives standard work, and uses data to identify issues, reduce breakage, improve flow and support continuous improvement across the lab.

Responsibilities

Operational Delivery

· Lead daily finishing operations, including lensometry , edging, mounting, inspection and work prioritization.

· Manage daily workload, WIP, aged jobs and escalations to support turnaround time and customer service expectations. 

· Ensure work is allocated effectively across the team, balancing skill, capacity, absence and production priorities. 

· Participate in daily operational meetings/stand-ups, providing clear updates on performance, risks and support needed.

Quality, Breakage and Technical Standards

· Ensure final inspection standards are consistently understood, applied and followed by the team.

· Ensure final inspection processes for surfaced and edged lenses are carried out consistently, accurately and in line with agreed quality standards.

· Use breakage, redo, reject and quality data to identify trends and take corrective action.

· Support the root cause investigation for repeat defects, machine issues, process failures and handling errors.

· Ensure SOP’s, work instructions and quality standards are followed and updated where required. 

People Leadership and Development

· Coach, develop and support team members to build capability, confidence and flexibility across the Finish Department.

· Maintain training records, skills matrices and performance records for all employees; routinely communicate performance and provide colleague development.

· Address attendance, conduct or performance concerns promptly and fairly, in line with company policy. 

· Effectively manage employee schedules while considering seasonal workload fluctuations.

· Provide regular feedback, recognition and coaching to improve individual and team performance. 

· Create an inclusive, respectful and positive team environment where colleagues understand expectations and feel supported.

Continuous Improvement

· Identify and implement practical improvements to reduce waste, rework, breakage and delays. 

· Work with Production, Maintenance, Quality, AR/Coating, Surface and Customer Service to resolve process issues. 

· Support implementation of new equipment, process changes, training plans and standard work. 

· Use production data and team feedback to improve flow, quality and operator utilization.

Safety and Compliance

· Lead by example on safety, PPE, housekeeping, and safe working practices

· Ensure incidents, near misses and hazards are reported and followed up appropriately 

· Reinforce safe handling of lenses, tools, equipment and materials 

· Adhere to company policies, attendance, and safety rules, while maintaining confidentiality of proprietary and HIPAA-protected information.

· Assist others as needed to meet deadlines and balance workloads, demonstrating a cooperative and positive attitude.

· Work flexible hours including weekends, as needed, to meet lab and department objectives. 

· Perform other tasks as assigned by management.

Requirements

Requirements

· High school diploma or equivalent, with proven management experience in a production environment.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain positive customer relations is essential.

· Strong supervisory skills, including the ability to motivate employees to achieve performance goals, effective communication, and proficiency in coaching and training both individuals and teams.

Preferred

· Experience in Optical Lab production finish and inspection, with a focus on providing technical expertise, leadership, and career development to team members.

· Proficiency in computer skills, including MS Office applications.

· Experience with statistical analysis tools for data gathering and reporting.

· Previous experience working with technical equipment is preferred.

Competencies

· Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage and inspire a diverse team.

· Communicates clearly and effectively verbally and in writing. 

· Demonstrates full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.

· Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information, or deliver services.

· Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Working Environment 

• Ability to work Monday through Friday, daylight.  
• Work is performed primarily in an optical laboratory setting. 
• Environment often fast-paced, deadline oriented.