Production Supervisor

 

SHAPE is a strategic network of companies, including Flow International, KMT Waterjet, H20 Jet, AquaDyne, Advanced Pressure Systems (APS), Aquarese, TOPS Waterjet, and Shape Process Automation. Together, we offer a wide range of manufacturing process solutions to clients worldwide. SHAPE's core technology is based on high-pressure waterjet cutting, cleaning, and surface preparation.

 

Our collaborative efforts focus on developing intellectual property that drives innovation and sets new standards in service excellence. We uphold values of integrity, professionalism, and inclusiveness to meet the demands of rapidly changing industries. As tomorrow's customers seek more innovative solutions, we continue to push the boundaries of technology and digital tools to address manufacturing challenges at the pace required by the markets we serve.

 

We are a team of tech enthusiasts committed to constantly raising industry standards. Our environment is fast-paced and customer-oriented, guided by principles, performance, and a genuine passion for results in our daily work. We are friendly, respectful, and driven to achieve excellence in everything we do.

 

SUMMARY  

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading frontline operations teams to safely achieve production, warehousing, quality, cost, and efficiency targets. This role directly impacts plant performance by driving Team Member engagement, guiding standards, facilitating development, and executing daily product plans in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong people leadership, technical capabilities, a hands-on presence on the plant floor, and a continuous improvement mindset aligned with world-class manufacturing practices used by top companies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following: 

• Lead and directly supervise operations personnel to ensure safe, disciplined, and productive operations. Maintain a strong presence on the floor, set expectations, and hold teams accountable for safety, quality, and output.
• Uphold and enforce all safety protocols, company policies, work standards, and quality requirements. Champion a zero‑incident safety culture and ensure full compliance with operational best practices.
• Execute daily production schedules and manage workflow in coordination with the Production Scheduler. Balance labor, machines, and priorities to meet customer, delivery, and efficiency targets.
• Develop, coach, and mentor Team Leaders to strengthen frontline leadership capability. Build bench strength by improving communication, decision‑making, and accountability at the team‑lead level.
• Monitor and evaluate direct labor performance; provide real‑time coaching and corrective feedback. Use labor efficiency, earned hours, scrap, and performance data to drive improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and structured problem‑solving. Lead 5‑Why analysis, root‑cause investigations, and corrective actions to eliminate repeat issues.
• Drive compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS). Ensure processes, documentation, and inspections meet internal and external quality standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to implement tooling, process improvements, and cost‑reduction initiatives. Support new tooling, design changes, and process updates that improve quality, throughput, and cost.
• Ensure proper maintenance, care, and uptime of shop equipment. Partner with Maintenance to prioritize repairs, prevent downtime, and support preventive maintenance efforts.
• Develop and deliver training plans that build a cross‑functional, high‑performing workforce. Train team members in standard work and expand skill versatility across machines and operations.
• Prepare, analyze, and review daily production, efficiency, and earned‑hours reports. Use data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations leadership. Communicate issues early, align on priorities, and drive timely resolution of production challenges.
• Other duties as assigned

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:  

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Ability to quickly analyze data and implement improvements that drive measurable business impact.
• Experience in change management and process optimization is a plus.
• Proficiency in problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments, including engineering, quality, and production teams.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, engineering specifications, and manufacturing workflows.
• Strong mathematical skills, including statistical analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing-related software.
• Knowledge of process auditing techniques to ensure compliance with defined quality standards.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent supervisory and manufacturing leadership experience considered
• This role is intended to develop future manufacturing leaders, with a strong emphasis on growth potential, learning agility, and long-term capability
• Proven ability to lead and motivate hourly teams in a complex, continuous, or batch manufacturing environment
• Experience with Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement tools
• Strong understanding of safety systems, quality standards, and regulatory compliance
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive corrective actions
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills
• Willingness and ability to work off-shifts, weekends, and/or holidays as required

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:  

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to lead change and drive performance while minimizing disruption to people and operations
• Strong situational leadership skills and sound judgment under pressure
• Commitment to building a culture of safety, respect, and continuous improvement

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to sit or stand for an 8 hour shift. Lift, carry, and move 50 pounds. Push, pull, reach, bend, and twist your body.  Travel up and down stairs.  Maneuver around tight equipment.