Department Supervisor - Manufacturing

We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven Department Supervisor to lead daily production activities within our manufacturing operation on first shift. This position plays an important role in ensuring production goals are achieved safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established quality standards.

The Department Supervisor provides day-to-day leadership to production employees, coordinates staffing and workflow, monitors department performance, and works cross-functionally to resolve production, quality, equipment, and safety issues. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is committed to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

Production Management

• Supervise and coordinate daily production activities to achieve department production goals.
• Ensure production schedules are followed and customer and operational deadlines are met.
• Monitor workflow and adjust staffing, priorities, and resources as needed to maximize efficiency.
• Identify and communicate issues that could affect production schedules or department performance.
• Coordinate with other departments to support efficient production flow.

Team Leadership

• Provide daily leadership, direction, and support to production employees.
• Train, coach, and motivate team members to achieve individual and department goals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and reinforce accountability.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Address employee concerns appropriately and help maintain a positive, productive working environment.
• Promote teamwork, communication, and employee engagement throughout the department.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure products are manufactured in accordance with established company and customer quality requirements.
• Reinforce quality standards and expectations with production employees.
• Monitor production for quality issues and support inspections and corrective actions when needed.
• Work with Quality and other departments to address product or process concerns.
• Ensure employees follow established company policies, procedures, and applicable industry requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify opportunities to improve production processes, workflow, productivity, and overall department performance.
• Support and implement continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance or repairs when needed.
• Work to reduce waste, downtime, scrap, and other operational inefficiencies.
• Use production data and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement.

Safety

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure employees follow established workplace safety procedures.
• Reinforce proper use of personal protective equipment and safe operating practices.
• Conduct or support safety meetings and employee training.
• Investigate workplace incidents and support corrective actions designed to prevent recurrence.
• Identify and escalate potential safety hazards or concerns.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate production records, reports, and required department documentation.
• Monitor and analyze production data and key performance indicators.
• Communicate production status, staffing needs, quality concerns, equipment issues, and other operational challenges to management in a timely manner.
• Ensure required documentation is accurate and completed according to established procedures.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production equipment, and workplace safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to organize priorities and respond effectively to changing production demands.
• Experience using manufacturing software and other technical or production-related systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Work Environment

This position works primarily in a manufacturing environment and may require extended periods of standing and walking. Employees may be exposed to machinery, production noise, and other conditions typical of an industrial environment. Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas.

Occasional overtime or schedule flexibility may be required based on production and business needs.

Additional Responsibilities

The Department Supervisor may also:

• Support special projects, process audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in company-wide sustainability, compliance, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support department and company objectives.

Join Our Team

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys developing people, solving problems, and improving operations, we encourage you to apply. This position offers the opportunity to have a direct impact on safety, quality, productivity, employee development, and continuous improvement within our manufacturing operation.