Director Gear Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shop Floor Supervisor

Department: Manufacturing / Production Operations | Type: Full-Time, Exempt | Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Summary

The Shop Floor Supervisor is responsible for directing and coordinating the daily activities of production personnel on the manufacturing floor. This role ensures that gear components and assemblies are produced on schedule, to specification, and within safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate brings hands-on manufacturing experience, strong leadership skills, and a working knowledge of machining or gear production processes.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan and coordinate daily production schedules to meet output targets and customer delivery commitments
• Monitor workflow across CNC machining, hobbing, bevel gear cutting, and gear grinding
• Adjust work assignments and priorities in response to equipment issues, attendance, or order changes
• Track and report key metrics including throughput, cycle times, scrap rates, and downtime

Personnel Supervision

• Directly supervise 15–30 production employees across one or more shifts
• Conduct onboarding and skills training for new and cross-training team members
• Deliver timely performance feedback and conduct formal annual reviews
• Address attendance, conduct, and performance issues in accordance with company policy and in partnership with HR

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all OSHA and company safety regulations on the shop floor at all times
• Lead pre-shift safety briefings and participate in monthly safety committee meetings
• Conduct incident investigations and ensure completion of corrective actions
• Maintain required safety documentation, inspection logs, and training records

Quality Assurance

• Ensure product is manufactured to engineering drawings, tolerances, and customer specifications
• Partner with Quality Control on first-article inspections, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and root cause analysis
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, and error-proofing techniques
• Reduce rework and scrap through process discipline and operator coaching

Equipment & Facility

• Coordinate with Maintenance to schedule preventive and corrective maintenance activities
• Participate in capital equipment evaluations, installations, and operator training
• Monitor tooling consumption and work with procurement to maintain adequate inventory levels

Communication & Reporting

• Attend daily production meetings and communicate floor status to Plant Manager and Scheduling
• Maintain accurate production records, time and attendance, and shift logs
• Escalate critical quality, safety, or delivery issues promptly

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role
• Working knowledge of machining processes such as turning, milling, hobbing, gear grinding, or heat treating
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision measurement tools
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, develop, and hold accountable a diverse production workforce
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and ERP systems
• High school diploma or GED required

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills with ability to hold teams accountable
• Effective communication skills - verbal and written - across all levels of the organization
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing demands in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Manufacturing Technology, Machining, or a related field
• Experience in gear manufacturing, power transmission, or heavy equipment components
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies
• Experience with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 quality management systems
• Experience with Epicor ERP Software
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (company contributes significantly to premiums)
• 401(k) with company match up to 3%
• Paid time off: 80 hours of PTO, plus 10 paid holidays after 90 day introductory period.
• Employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related education
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing Wisconsin manufacturer

Physical Demands

• Frequent talking and hearing
• Standing, walking, and being on the shop floor for the majority of the shift
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or off-shift as production demands require

Work Environment

This position operates primarily on the manufacturing shop floor. The environment includes exposure to noise, heat, coolant, and metalworking fluids. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and is required at all times on the floor. Occasional overtime or off-shift coverage may be required based on production demands.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume on our company careers page Job Listings - Croix Gear Jobs We welcome applicants who are dependable, safety-minded, and ready to contribute to a high-performing production team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with federal law and the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (Wis. Stat. §§ 111.31–111.395), we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, arrest or conviction record, military service, or use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer's premises during nonworking hours. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment.