Job brief
We are seeking a proactive Operations Supervisor to lead our production team and optimize the performance of our high-volume manufacturing lines. You will play a critical role in driving operational excellence by managing daily output, upholding rigorous safety protocols, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. If you have a passion for technical problem-solving, team development, and streamlining industrial processes, this is an ideal opportunity to make a tangible impact. Join us to help shape the future of our production facility through efficiency, innovation, and leadership.
Key highlights
- Lead daily shift operations to ensure production targets are met while maintaining strict adherence to manufacturing schedules and quality standards.
- Execute Lean manufacturing principles to identify process inefficiencies and reduce waste across assembly and fabrication lines.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to prioritize equipment repairs and schedule preventative maintenance to minimize unplanned downtime.
- Monitor real-time manufacturing KPIs via ERP and MES dashboards, providing actionable analysis to the plant management team.
What is a Operations Supervisor?
An Operations Supervisor is a vital manufacturing leader responsible for orchestrating floor-level activities to ensure seamless production cycles. By leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies and data-driven insights, an Operations Supervisor monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) like OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and throughput capacity. This role bridges the gap between high-level strategic objectives and tactical shop-floor execution, ensuring that resource allocation and process compliance translate into consistent product quality.
What does a Operations Supervisor do?
On a typical day, an Operations Supervisor manages shift scheduling, conducts safety walk-throughs, and troubleshoots production bottlenecks by reviewing real-time data from ERP and MES systems. They facilitate daily stand-up meetings with production teams to address equipment downtime, supply chain shortages, or quality deviations. By partnering with maintenance engineers and quality assurance specialists, they implement corrective actions, mentor production staff on SOP adherence, and identify opportunities to reduce waste in alignment with continuous improvement initiatives.
Key responsibilities
- Lead daily shift operations to ensure production targets are met while maintaining strict adherence to manufacturing schedules and quality standards.
- Execute Lean manufacturing principles to identify process inefficiencies and reduce waste across assembly and fabrication lines.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to prioritize equipment repairs and schedule preventative maintenance to minimize unplanned downtime.
- Monitor real-time manufacturing KPIs via ERP and MES dashboards, providing actionable analysis to the plant management team.
- Enforce OSHA compliance and site-specific safety protocols through regular audits, staff training sessions, and incident reporting.
- Manage raw material inventory levels and supply coordination to ensure uninterrupted production flow throughout each shift.
- Mentor and develop production operators on standardized work procedures, equipment troubleshooting, and technical documentation best practices.
- Drive cost-reduction initiatives by analyzing scrap rates, energy usage, and labor efficiency to optimize unit production costs.
Requirements and skills
- 3+ years of supervisory experience in a fast-paced manufacturing, food production, or industrial plant environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or 5S methodologies with a focus on process optimization.
- Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting production equipment and integrated ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
- Strong technical aptitude for reading blueprints, schematic diagrams, and technical specifications related to facility machinery.
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Current OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification or equivalent safety credential required for site compliance.
- Proven ability to translate technical production data into clear, actionable reports for diverse stakeholder groups.
- Advanced analytical and conflict-resolution skills capable of addressing personnel performance issues and operational emergencies.
FAQs
What does an Operations Supervisor do in a manufacturing plant?
An Operations Supervisor is responsible for the direct oversight of production lines, ensuring that output goals are met while maintaining high quality and safety standards. They manage daily staffing, coordinate with maintenance for equipment health, and use data from ERP systems to track KPIs. Ultimately, they ensure the facility runs smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with all operational regulations.
What skills are required for an Operations Supervisor?
Key skills include a deep understanding of Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement. Technical competency with ERP software, production planning tools, and basic mechanical troubleshooting is essential. Furthermore, an Operations Supervisor needs strong leadership capabilities to manage production teams, along with clear communication skills to coordinate with supply chain, quality assurance, and maintenance departments.
Who does an Operations Supervisor report to and work with?
An Operations Supervisor typically reports to a Plant Manager or Production Manager. They work cross-functionally with maintenance engineers, quality assurance teams, and supply chain coordinators. By serving as the central point of contact for the production floor, they also collaborate closely with HR for training and talent management, as well as with project managers during equipment installations or line expansions.
Why is the Operations Supervisor role critical to business success?
This role is critical because the Operations Supervisor is the primary driver of throughput and cost efficiency on the plant floor. By minimizing downtime, reducing scrap rates, and ensuring the workforce is properly trained, they directly influence the company’s bottom line. Their ability to catch and resolve issues in real-time prevents production delays that could affect customer satisfaction and delivery schedules.