Production Supervisor

Position Summary

The Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily production activities, coordinating workflow across operations, and ensuring work orders are completed safely, efficiently, on budget, and on schedule. This role serves as a leader on the shop floor, directing resources, supporting employees, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Production Supervisor works closely with project teams, production leads, and department managers to ensure production goals and customer delivery expectations are met.

Primary Goal

Ensure efficient and cost-effective production while maintaining quality, scheduling, and safety standards.

Essential Responsibilities

Production & Workflow Management

• Monitor the status of all active work orders and ensure production progresses according to schedule.
• Coordinate daily workforce assignments and distribute work to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Reallocate employees and resources as necessary to address production demands and schedule requirements.
• Collaborate with production leads and managers from other departments to resolve production challenges and capacity constraints.
• Ensure all work orders meet established delivery dates and customer commitments.
• Initiate each shift with a walk-through of all production areas to confirm staffing, readiness, and on-time startup.
• Conduct end-of-shift inspections to ensure equipment is properly shut down, lights are turned off, and work areas are organized and secure.
• Conduct bi-weekly production meetings to coordinate details of all work orders with stakeholders.

Budget & Project Oversight

• Using an ERP system, monitor labor and production costs associated with each work order.
• Review production progress, percent complete, pick lists, and other project data to maintain budget compliance.
• Identify and address issues that may negatively impact project budgets or timelines.

Quality Management

• Evaluate the quality of completed work and ensure adherence to company standards and customer requirements.
• Address quality concerns promptly and implement corrective actions when necessary, while maintaining appropriate documentation.
• Promote a culture of craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the shop floor.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Serve as the primary point of contact for shop floor employees, providing guidance and support throughout the workday.
• Answer employee questions and assist with problem-solving related to production activities.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance guidance to employees.
• Develop employee skills and support career growth opportunities within the organization.
• Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment.

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate production updates, schedule changes, and operational concerns effectively across departments.
• Ensure alignment across production teams, project management, and leadership teams.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements that increase productivity, quality, efficiency, and workflow effectiveness.
• Analyze production bottlenecks and recommend solutions to improve throughout.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing, production, assembly, or woodworking environment.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, workflow management, and quality control.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with computers and production management systems, including the ability to review work orders, pick lists, project status, labor tracking, and production reporting.
• Ability to lead teams, coach employees, and drive accountability.

Preferred

• Experience in custom manufacturing, architectural millwork, cabinetry, or panel processing operations.
• Experience with production planning, budgeting, and process improvement initiatives.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time completion of work orders
• Production schedule adherence
• Labor efficiency and productivity
• Quality and rework rates
• Work order budget performance
• Employee development and engagement
• Panel processing throughout and workflow effectiveness
• Safety and housekeeping compliance

This position plays a critical role in ensuring efficient production operations, supporting employee success, and delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations.