What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Supervisor position at LightForce?
About LightForce Orthodontics
LightForce Orthodontics is a 3D printing technology company focused on the orthodontic space. Our digital platform empowers orthodontists with fully customized, 3D-printed tooth-moving tools. In 2019, we launched their first product - the world’s only, fully customized 3D printed bracket system and digital treatment software. We are proud to be one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. Learn more at https://lf.co/
Description
The Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily factory operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets are achieved. This role leads a team of 20–50 individuals, driving operational excellence through effective leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Production Supervisor ensures smooth shift-to-shift transitions, consistent process adherence, and high standards of performance, morale, and engagement across the production floor.
This position is on second shift (Monday to Friday, 3:00pm - 11.30pm)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily production activities on assigned shifts to meet output, quality, and delivery targets.
- Ensure adherence to production schedules and adjust staffing levels and resources as needed to optimize productivity.
- Ensure effective shift handovers by maintaining clear communication, accurate documentation, and alignment between incoming and outgoing teams.
- Balance quality, productivity, safety, and morale to achieve consistent performance across all operational metrics.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Develop, implement, and enforce standardized operating methods and procedures designed to eliminate inefficiencies and improve product quality.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles where applicable.
- Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, & Software teams to troubleshoot equipment, resolve production or quality issues to minimize downtime.
- Coordinate onboarding & cross-training efforts with the team to build flexibility and coverage across all production processes.
- Communicate job expectations, monitor performance, and provide regular coaching, recognition, mentorship, motivation, feedback, and discipline as needed to achieve desired results.
- Identify and drive initiatives to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize downtime.
- Prepare and maintain accurate reports on production output, inventory levels, staffing, quality metrics, and related KPIs.
- Serve as the first point of escalation for safety, quality, delivery, and cost-related issues within the assigned area.
- Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment—adapting to changing priorities while maintaining consistency and professionalism under pressure.
Education and Experience
- Experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management, operations, or related field preferred.
Required Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of production processes, equipment, and quality control principles.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams in a multi-shift environment.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to resolving issues.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 5S methodologies.
- Working knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management, or related field.
- Experience with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Background in additive manufacturing or startup operations is a plus.
- Familiarity with tools such as QuickSight, Jira, and Notion.
Physical Demands
- Requires the ability to use hands, and reach with hands and arms
- Requires the ability to see, listen, and speak
- Requires work activities with production chemicals, adhesives and epoxies, using required personal protective equipment
- Requires walking and standing for long periods of time
Perks and Benefits (US Employees Only)
- Unlimited PTO for exempt employees
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Generous premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision plans
- Group plan voluntary life insurance
- Fringe benefits
- 401k retirement plan
- Paid parental leave
- Allowances for those in commercial sales positions
- Workplace perks such as food/coffee
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liabilities.
LightForce Orthodontics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, Protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.