What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Supervisor I position at Ascent Industries Co?
The Production Supervisor I applies knowledge of Manufacturing & Production Operations procedures and concepts to oversee day-to-day team operations within a defined area. The role resolves routine operational challenges using established guidelines and judgment. Work impacts team workflow, productivity, and timelines. The position supervises team members and supports performance management activities. The role has formal supervisory responsibilities, including coaching employees and setting priorities. Typically focuses on execution rather than performing the work directly.
Ascent Industries Co. is a specialty chemicals platform delivering differentiated, performance-driven chemical solutions to a diverse set of end markets. The Company develops, manufactures, and supplies tailored formulations and intermediates that enhance product performance and optimize industrial processes.The Company's core product portfolio includes surfactants, defoamers, lubricating agents, flame retardants, and specialty intermediates, offered in both petroleum-based and bio-based formulations. Ascent's products are used as critical ingredients and process aids in applications such as cleaning formulations, coatings systems, oilfield production chemicals, agrochemical formulations, metalworking fluids, water treatment solutions, and industrial textiles.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises daily production activities for an assigned area to ensure output, quality, waste, cost, and safety targets are achieved.
- Assigns work schedules, staffing, and production sequences based on operating priorities, labor availability, and workflow requirements.
- Monitors production performance, equipment utilization, and work execution throughout the shift to maintain productivity and adherence to operating standards.
- Reviews production results, process conditions, and quality indicators to identify routine issues and ensure timely corrective action.
- Resolves day-to-day production problems by troubleshooting process, staffing, or material flow issues within established procedures and escalating more complex concerns as needed.
- Ensures compliance with safety rules, operating procedures, and workplace standards by reinforcing expectations and monitoring team execution on the floor.
- Trains new and existing employees on work instructions, safety requirements, equipment use, and standard production practices to support consistent performance.
- Coordinates with maintenance, quality, warehouse, and other support functions to address operational issues and maintain smooth production flow.
- Tracks attendance, productivity, and work quality for assigned staff and provides input on performance, coaching, and day-to-day personnel matters.
- Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and process consistency and communicates recommendations to management for further evaluation.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience required. Experience in specialty chemicals, manufacturing, or related industry may be required depending on the role.
- Requires a Bachelor's Degree.
- Ability to coordinate and oversee team activities with autonomy, applying working knowledge of procedures and concepts to ensure effective execution of day-to-day operations.
- Ability to resolve day-to-day operational issues using judgment and established guidelines; supports team problem-solving and escalates complex or non-routine matters as appropriate.
- Ability to implement and enforce standardized procedures and practices; monitors team adherence, manages workflow, and ensures timely and accurate completion of work.
- Ability to communicate information clearly and professionally to set expectations, ensure understanding, and align team members on priorities and deliverables.
- Ability to supervise team members, including setting priorities, providing coaching and performance feedback, and supporting employee development and day-to-day management responsibilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Ascent Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Ascent Industries is committed to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply for available opportunities.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Lifting – 40lbs
- Sitting - for an extended period without being able to leave the work area
- Standing - for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area
- Walking - considerable distances
- Climbing - ladders, scaffolding, working in overhead areas, etc.
- Kneeling - move about on hands and knees
- Bending/Stooping - regularly required to bend forward by bending at the waist or by bending legs and spine
- Twisting - rotating torso away from neutral
- Pulling/Pushing - on a frequent basis
- Simple Grasping - regularly picks up objects with fingers
- Reaching Above - regularly required to use hands and arms to reach objects