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Shop Supervisor

Position Summary

The Shop Supervisor in a manufacturing job shop oversees daily operations on the shop floor, ensuring efficient production, quality control, and safety compliance in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. This role involves managing a team of machinists, operators, and support staff, coordinating job schedules, optimizing workflows, and troubleshooting production issues to meet customer deadlines and specifications. The Shop Supervisor acts as a critical link between shop floor activities and upper management, driving continuous improvement, maintaining equipment, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership and Supervision:
   • Supervise, train, and motivate a team of 10-20 machinists, CNC operators, and support staff across shifts.
   • Assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide coaching to improve skills and productivity.
   • Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development, including apprenticeships.
2. Production Management:
   • Oversee job setup, scheduling, and execution for high-mix, low-volume production runs, ensuring on-time delivery.
   • Coordinate with planning and engineering teams to prioritize jobs and allocate resources (materials, tools, machines).
   • Monitor and optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and throughput, minimizing downtime and bottlenecks.
3. Quality Assurance:
   • Ensure products meet customer specifications and industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
   • Implement quality control processes, including inspections and adherence to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
   • Address non-conformances, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to reduce scrap and rework.
4. Safety and Compliance:
   • Enforce safety protocols (e.g., OSHA standards) to maintain a zero-incident workplace.
   • Conduct regular safety training, equipment checks, and audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
   • Maintain a clean and organized shop floor, adhering to 5S principles.
5. Process Improvement:
   • Identify and implement Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma strategies to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and lower costs.
   • Lead Kaizen similar initiatives to streamline changeovers and enhance workflows.
   • Collaborate with engineering on tool path optimization, fixture design, and process innovation.
6. Equipment and Inventory Management:
   • Oversee maintenance and calibration of CNC machines (mills, lathes, etc.), ensuring minimal downtime.
   • Manage inventory of raw materials, tooling, and consumables, using ERP systems for tracking.
   • Coordinate with vendors for timely procurement of supplies and spare parts.
7. Communication and Reporting:
   • Provide daily/weekly reports on production metrics (e.g., output, quality, safety) to management.
   • Liaise with customers or sales teams to clarify specifications and resolve issues.
   • Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to align production with company goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in a manufacturing job shop, with 2+ years in a supervisory role. Hands-on experience with CNC machining (mills, lathes), manual machining, or related processes.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in CNC programming, setup, and operation.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Jobboss2) and quality control tools.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related field preferred.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), OSHA safety training, ISO 9001: 2015 or CNC programming certifications are a plus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a noisy, industrial environment.

Key Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and manage a diverse team under pressure.
• Problem-Solving: Quick decision-making to resolve production or equipment issues in real-time.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring precision in machining and adherence to tight tolerances.
• Adaptability: Thriving in a dynamic, high-mix environment with frequent job changes.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple priorities to meet tight deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Fast-paced job shop with exposure to machinery, noise, and metalworking fluids.
• Schedule: Full-time, with potential for overtime or shift work depending on production demands.
• Travel: Minimal, though occasional visits to vendors or customer sites may be required.

Why This Role Matters

The Shop Supervisor is pivotal to the success of a manufacturing job shop, ensuring that custom orders are produced efficiently, safely, and to exact specifications. By leading the shop floor team and driving continuous improvement, the supervisor directly impacts customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the company's reputation for quality and reliability in a competitive industry.