Production Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

We are seeking a hands‑on Production Supervisor to lead a high‑volume battery module assembly line. This role owns the shift's performance for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people. The supervisor will be on the floor a majority of the time, troubleshooting equipment issues, driving downtime reduction, ensuring standard work is followed, and executing continuous improvement (5S, Kaizen, problem solving). Success requires strong coaching, rigorous follow‑up, and the ability to lead by example in a fast‑paced, technical manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a zero‑injury culture; conduct start‑of‑shift safety talks and Gemba walks.
• Enforce LOTO, machine guarding, chemical handling, and EHS procedures; initiate immediate corrective actions.
• Lead incident reporting, root cause analysis, and closure of corrective actions.

People Leadership

• Direct, coach, and develop 15–40 operators/technicians (headcount adjustable) across stations (cell prep, module assembly, welding, testing, pack-out).
• Set clear expectations, assign work, administer training and cross‑training, and conduct performance feedback.
• Model professional behavior, attendance, and adherence to standard work; recognize high performance.

Production Execution

• Achieve the shift plan for output, FPY, and schedule adherence; run Tier meetings and visual management boards.
• Balance line staffing, manage bottlenecks, escalate constraints, and coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, and Materials.
• Verify line readiness (materials, tooling, preventive maintenance status, quality checks) at each start of shift.

Equipment & Downtime Management

• Be the first responder for equipment alarms and stoppages; coordinate with Maintenance for rapid recovery.
• Track and reduce downtime (breakdown, minor stops, changeovers); update downtime codes accurately.
• Partner with Maintenance on PM compliance and autonomous maintenance (cleaning, inspection, lubrication).
• Support equipment qualifications, trials, and changeovers with standard checklists.

Quality & Scrap Reduction

• Ensure adherence to control plans, standardized work, torque specs, testing protocols, and traceability requirements.
• Monitor SPC charts, FPY, and defect paretos; contain nonconforming product and execute layered process audits.
• Lead problem‑solving (5‑Why, Ishikawa) and corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, and escapes.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering on PFMEA updates and error‑proofing (Poka‑Yoke).

Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Drive daily 5S sustainment; run Kaizen events focused on safety, quality, and OEE gains.
• Update and enforce standard work; verify adherence through audits and coaching.
• Use Lean tools (A3s, SMED, value stream mapping) and visual controls to simplify flow and cut waste.

Materials & Inventory

• Maintain accurate WIP, support cycle counts, and minimize line shortages/expedites.
• Partner with Materials/Logistics on kitting, Kanban, and point‑of‑use inventory.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete shift reports: safety incidents, output, OEE, downtime, scrap, FPY, rework, absenteeism.
• Ensure training records, checklists, and quality documentation are current and accurate.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years in high‑volume manufacturing or assembly; 1+ year in a lead/supervisory role.
• Demonstrated, hands‑on troubleshooting experience with automated/semiautomated equipment (e.g., dispensing, ultrasonic or laser welding, screwdriving/torque, vision systems, EOL test).
• Working knowledge of OEE, downtime coding, SPC, basic electrical/mechanical fundamentals, and safe machine operation.
• Proven track record in scrap reduction, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict resolution; excellent follow‑through on actions and countermeasures.
• Proficiency with MS Office/Excel and manufacturing dashboards.

Preferred

• Experience in battery, electronics, automotive, or IATF 16949/ISO 9001 environments.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, Poka‑Yoke, and layered process audits.
• Lean/CI training (e.g., 5S, SMED, A3); Green Belt a plus.
• Exposure to MES, CMMS, andon, and digital work instructions.

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing/walking; occasional lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Work around moving machinery, ESD‑sensitive components, and chemicals with appropriate PPE.

Shift: Must be able to work 1st or 2nd shift