Plant Supervisor

Plant Supervisor – Job Description

Position Summary

Job title

Plant Supervisor

Location

Baltimore, MD (recycling plant)

Reports to

General Manager

Direct reports

Operators and Production Staff

Employment type

Full-time

FLSA status

Exempt

Travel

Minimal; primarily on-site

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (regular plant shift)

Pay range

$60,000 – $65,000 per year, based on experience

Position Overview

The Plant Supervisor leads the day-to-day work of operators and production staff on the plant floor at our Baltimore, MD recycling plant. Working under the direction of the GeneralManager, this hands-on leader keeps the shift safe, productive, and on schedule, making sure production, quality, and shipping targets are met.

The role enforces company policies, OSHA standards, and environmental requirements on the floor, helps onboard and train new hires and contract employees, and serves as the first point of contact for crew questions and issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations and Production

• Put safety first in every task, decision, and work assignment.
• Direct and assign daily work for operators and production staff to meet the production schedule set with the General Manager.
• Monitor production output, product quality, and equipment performance throughout the shift; correct problems on the spot and escalate issues to the General Manager.
• Support accurate inventory counts, production records, and shipping and receiving activities.
• Coordinate with the Service Manager and Transportation team so trailers are unloaded and loaded promptly and customers are serviced on time.
• Perform hands-on work alongside the team as needed, including operating equipment.

Efficiency and Reporting

• Track shift production, downtime, and labor hours, and report results to the General Manager.
• Identify waste, bottlenecks, and equipment issues and recommend improvements.
• Help control overtime and operating costs by keeping the team productive and equipment running.
• Coordinate with maintenance on equipment repairs and preventive maintenance.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce all safety procedures and PPE requirements on the plant floor.
• Conduct pre-shift safety talks and regular walk-throughs; report and help investigate incidents and near misses.
• Follow company policies, OSHA standards, and environmental regulations.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and audit-ready.

People Leadership

• Communicate clear daily expectations to the team.
• Train new hires and contract employees on equipment, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Coach employees and address performance or conduct issues promptly and fairly, involving the General Manager as appropriate.
• Maintain attendance and timekeeping records; provide input on performance evaluations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing, recycling, or industrial plant environment, including lead or supervisory experience.
• Strong attention to detail with good organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with crew members, leadership, and drivers.
• Ability to complete production reports and records accurately.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office or similar); ability to learn inventory and industry-specific software.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and leading by example on the plant floor.
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the recycling, scrap, or paper/fiber industry.
• Forklift certification and experience operating balers, loaders, or other plant equipment.
• Lean or other continuous-improvement exposure.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in an active plant environment with heavy equipment, noise, dust, and temperature variation.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on the plant floor.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or off-shifts as operations require.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.