What are the responsibilities and job description for the 1st Shift Manufacturing Plant Supervisor position at Hillcrest Trailers, LLC?
1st Shift Manufacturing Supervisor
Position Summary
We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven 1st Shift Manufacturing Superintendent to lead production operations at our manufacturing facility in Sweetwater, TN. This role is responsible for overseeing fabrication, welding, powder coating, assembly, and shipping operations during first shift to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery targets are achieved.
The ideal candidate is a strong floor leader who thrives in a fast-paced, heavy manufacturing environment and can drive accountability, efficiency, and team performance.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Compliance
- Maintain a strong safety culture aligned with OSHA standards.
- Conduct safety meetings and enforce safe work practices.
- Ensure equipment is operated safely and properly maintained.
Production Leadership
- Supervise all shift production activities including steel fabrication, welding, finishing, and final assembly.
- Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Monitor hourly output, labor efficiency, and scrap/rework levels.
- Coordinate shift handoff communication with shift leadership.
Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and hourly team members.
- Enforce company policies, attendance standards, and performance expectations.
- Support hiring, onboarding, and training of new team members.
- Promote a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture.
Quality Control
- Ensure trailers meet company and regulatory quality standards.
- Address quality concerns immediately and implement corrective actions.
- Partner with Quality team to reduce defects and warranty issues.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify production bottlenecks and implement process improvements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and waste reduction efforts.
- Drive improvements in workflow, material handling, and line balance.
Operational Reporting
- Track and report KPIs including throughput, downtime, scrap, labor utilization, and on-time completion.
- Communicate shift performance to Plant Manager/Director of Operations/President
- Maintain accurate production documentation and ERP updates.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 3 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
- Experience supervising teams in heavy manufacturing, metal fabrication, or assembly environments
- Strong knowledge of welding and fabrication processes
- Ability to work shift schedule consistently
Preferred
- Experience in trailer, automotive, agricultural equipment, or similar industries.
- Continuous Improvement experience.
- ERP/MRP system familiarity.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership presence on the production floor.
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Results-driven and performance-oriented.
- Ability to make decisions quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing plant environment (steel fabrication, welding, assembly).
- Exposure to noise, heavy equipment, and varying temperatures.
- Frequent walking, standing, and interaction with production teams.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Shift differential (if applicable)
- Health, dental, vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Advancement opportunities
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person