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Production Support Specialist job description

A Production Support Specialist drives manufacturing efficiency by optimizing workflows, maintaining equipment uptime, and ensuring strict quality compliance.

Published February 26, 2025Updated May 17, 20266401 likes
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Job brief

We are looking for a highly analytical Production Support Specialist to join our manufacturing operations team and drive operational excellence. You will play a critical role in minimizing downtime, streamlining production schedules, and ensuring that our facility operates at peak safety and efficiency. If you are passionate about process improvement, data-driven decision-making, and thrive in a fast-moving, high-stakes manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you. You will be the primary point of contact for resolving production-side challenges while shaping our continuous improvement strategies for the future.

Key highlights

  • Analyze production data using ERP or MES software to identify throughput bottlenecks and implement immediate process corrections.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies to reduce manufacturing waste.
  • Coordinate with maintenance teams to perform preventive equipment checks and minimize unexpected downtime on the production line.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance departments to perform in-process inspections and resolve non-conformance issues during shift operations.

What is a Production Support Specialist?

A Production Support Specialist acts as the operational backbone of a manufacturing environment, balancing technical machine performance with production planning. These specialists bridge the gap between floor operations and management by leveraging data to ensure that lean manufacturing processes, such as 5S or Six Sigma, are consistently applied. By maintaining equipment health and optimizing material flow, a Production Support Specialist directly influences the facility's ability to hit output targets and maintain high quality standards.

What does a Production Support Specialist do?

On a typical day, a Production Support Specialist monitors real-time manufacturing KPIs using ERP systems like SAP or NetSuite to identify production bottlenecks. They conduct root-cause analysis on equipment downtime, collaborate with maintenance technicians to prioritize repairs, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to boost efficiency. Beyond floor operations, they coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure raw material availability and verify that finished goods meet rigorous QA specifications before shipment.

Key responsibilities

  • Analyze production data using ERP or MES software to identify throughput bottlenecks and implement immediate process corrections.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies to reduce manufacturing waste.
  • Manage daily production schedules and resource allocation to ensure output targets meet customer demand and delivery timelines.
  • Coordinate with maintenance teams to perform preventive equipment checks and minimize unexpected downtime on the production line.
  • Audit manufacturing processes to ensure strict adherence to OSHA workplace safety regulations and internal quality management standards.
  • Develop and maintain detailed inventory records, tracking raw material consumption against finalized production output for accurate reporting.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance departments to perform in-process inspections and resolve non-conformance issues during shift operations.
  • Prepare comprehensive performance reports for leadership, highlighting manufacturing KPIs, equipment efficiency, and opportunities for cost reduction.

Requirements and skills

  • Proven experience operating or supervising industrial manufacturing machinery and automated production control systems.
  • Expertise in using ERP or MES platforms like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite for production planning and inventory tracking.
  • Strong proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma Green Belt methodologies to drive process optimization.
  • Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, schematics, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a factory setting.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA, ISO 9001, or equivalent quality and safety standards within industrial environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field, or equivalent certification/experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate technical production metrics into actionable insights for cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Advanced troubleshooting skills to diagnose equipment and workflow issues in time-sensitive, high-volume production environments.

FAQs

What does a Production Support Specialist do?

A Production Support Specialist manages the daily technical and operational requirements of a manufacturing facility to ensure efficient production. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring equipment performance, managing inventory flows, enforcing safety standards, and using data to identify ways to reduce manufacturing waste. They serve as the central link between the shop floor, maintenance, and quality assurance to ensure that production targets are consistently met.

What skills are required for a Production Support Specialist?

Key skills include proficiency with ERP and MES software, a deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, and the ability to troubleshoot industrial machinery. Candidates should also have technical knowledge of OSHA safety protocols and ISO quality standards. Beyond technical aptitude, they must demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills to effectively report manufacturing KPIs to leadership.

Who does a Production Support Specialist work with?

A Production Support Specialist works in a highly collaborative environment, interacting daily with production machine operators, maintenance technicians, and quality assurance inspectors. They also coordinate frequently with the supply chain and procurement teams to manage raw material levels. Additionally, they often report their findings to plant managers or operations directors to align shop-floor activities with long-term company production goals.

Why is the Production Support Specialist role important for manufacturing?

This role is critical because it ensures that production remains consistent, safe, and cost-effective. By identifying potential downtime before it happens and refining workflows to reduce waste, a Production Support Specialist directly protects the company's profit margins. Without this dedicated oversight, facilities risk lower production yields, inconsistent product quality, and potentially hazardous working conditions.

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