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 4%
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