Production Supervisor -Shift 1 in Needham Market

The Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day production operations, leading a team of approximately 70 employees to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery targets are consistently met. This hands-on role ensures that all manufacturing lines operate effectively, resources are used optimally, and continuous improvement principles are applied to drive operational excellence. The Supervisor will motivate and develop team members, coordinate production schedules, monitor performance, and uphold LEAN standards across all processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee daily production activities to meet output, quality, and delivery goals.
• Establish priorities and production sequences in line with customer demand and company targets.
• Monitor and ensure on-time completion of production schedules.
• Analyse workflow, materials, and processes to identify and implement improvements.
• Ensure production readiness of all equipment; schedule and track preventive maintenance.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Oversee and coordinate with other departments to align production plans with engineering, inventory, and logistics needs.

People Leadership

• Directly manage a team of approximately 10 Team Leaders directly and 60 Operators indirectly.
• Provide clear daily direction, communication, and support to ensure productivity, quality, and safety goals are achieved.
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and coaching sessions.
• Interview, hire, train, and develop employees in line with company policies.
• Approve time-off requests and manage attendance within policy guidelines.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and respect among all team members.
• Support succession planning and cross-training initiatives to build a multiskilled workforce.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce and communicate safety policies and procedures in accordance with company and legal requirements.
• Investigate, document, and report any safety incidents or near-misses.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards across all work areas.
• Always maintain production floor security and equipment integrity.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor compliance with quality standards and established production processes.
• Partner with the Production Manager to identify areas for process improvement using LEAN principles.
• Participate in the review and update of standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and the Skills Matrix.
• Drive problem-solving and root cause analysis to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Encourage employee engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.

Communication & Coordination

• Collaborate daily with the Production Manager to optimize labour, materials, and scheduling.
• Communicate effectively with engineering, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve production issues promptly.
• Participate in department and cross-functional meetings to align goals and report progress.
• Provide clear and timely feedback on performance, production status, and resource needs.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory role within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles and their practical application.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a large team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production setting.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and resolving hands-on operational challenges.
• Forklift license (reach truck or counterbalance) preferred.
• First Aid certification is an asset.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs during an 8–10-hour shift.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments including noise, temperature variations, and manufacturing equipment.
• Must be available to work overtime or adjusted shifts as business needs require.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability.
• Hands-on approach with a focus on teamwork and results.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ability to analyse data, report performance, and take corrective action.
• Adaptable and responsive to change in a dynamic manufacturing environment.