Production Associate Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

THERE IS NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR THIS POSITION; ONLY LOCAL CANDIDATES IN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE NEED APPLY. WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITERS OR THIRD PARTY STAFFING AGENCIES AT THIS TIME.

Summary and Objective:

The Production Supervisor is an entry-level management position responsible for overseeing daily operations within a pallet manufacturing environment. This role ensures production goals are met safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality standards. As an indirect labor position, the Production Supervisor leads and supports frontline employees, coordinates workflow, and drives continuous improvement while maintaining a strong focus on safety, productivity, and team development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.     Supervise and coordinate daily production activities to meet output, quality, and efficiency targets

2.     Lead, coach, and develop employees to ensure high performance and engagement

3.     Enforce all safety policies and procedures; always promote a culture of safety

4.     Monitor workflow, staffing levels, and equipment utilization to optimize productivity

5.     Ensure product quality meets customer specifications and company standards

6.     Identify and resolve production issues in a timely and effective manner

7.     Coordinate with maintenance to address equipment downtime and preventative maintenance needs

8.     Track and report production metrics, including output, scrap, and labor efficiency

9.     Train new employees and ensure ongoing skills development for team members

10.  Maintain accurate production records and documentation

11.  Communicate production goals, expectations, and performance results to the team

12.  Collaborate with other departments (logistics, quality, maintenance) to ensure smooth operations

13.  Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve processes

14.  Manage employee attendance, performance, and disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy

15.  Ensure proper use and care of tools, machinery, and facility assets

Minimum Required Qualifications:

§  High school diploma or GED

§  1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment

§  Demonstrated ability to lead or direct the work of others

§  Basic understanding of production processes and safety practices

§  Strong communication and interpersonal skills

§  Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment

§  Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, production tracking systems)

§  Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime or weekends as needed

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

§  Associate/Bachelor’s degree in business, industrial management, manufacturing, etc.

§  Prior supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing setting

§  Experience in wood products or pallet manufacturing

§  Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement principles

§  Familiarity with OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards

§  Experience with production reporting systems or ERP software

§  Bilingual (I.e., English/Spanish)

Core Competencies:

1. Humility (lacks ego, team agenda, transparent, trainable, servant orientation)

2. Hungry (extra mile, internally driven, self-starter, excellence, passionate, change agent)

3. People Smart (interpersonal, group dynamics, influential, self-aware, motivating)

4. Competent (knows and can accomplish the task at hand – job, challenges, requirements)

5. Integrity (honest, reliable, transparent, strong character, loyal, righteous)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities. In addition, it requires strong influential capabilities while working with company personnel at multiple levels, customers, and outside vendors.

Physical Demands:

This position requires frequent standing and walking on a production floor, with occasional bending, stooping, and reaching. The supervisor may need to lift or move materials up to 25 – 50 pounds on an occasional basis. The role requires visual acuity to monitor production processes and identify safety or quality issues, as well as the ability to hear and communicate effectively in a noisy environment.

Work Environment:

The work environment is a manufacturing facility involving pallet assembly, repair, and material handling. Conditions may include exposure to moving machinery, wood dust, varying temperatures, and high noise levels. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots is required. The Production Supervisor is expected to be regularly present on the production floor to support operations and team members.

Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position that will be assigned to a certain shift (I.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Days and hours of work are normally Monday through Friday, with an 8-to-12-hour work period per day. Exact time of day depends on the assigned shift. Some overtime, night, and/or weekend work may be required.

Travel:

This position may require limited travel.

AAP/EEO Statement:

All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related decisions are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Tree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA, TX), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build a great team, valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.