Production Supervisor

Position Description

Job Summary

The Production Supervisor II facilitates the development of high performance teams within the plant and is responsible for the complete management of a product Value Stream, including planning, manufacturing, and continuous improvement. The incumbent is responsible for creating a culture of engagement within and between the teams to directly impact and consistently meet plant objectives and deliverables. This position is also accountable for ensuring that high performance teams work collaboratively in the decision making processes and that the decisions are in alignment with plant goals and objectives, World Class Manufacturing (WCM) standards, Key Performance Indicator’s (KPI), OSHA requirement and current Human Resources (HR) guidelines.

• The incumbent reports to the Plant Manager, Organic Bonded Abrasives, Worcester, MA.  Incumbent interacts extensively with all plant personnel, sales, customer service, logistics operations, product management, finance, and external suppliers. The incumbent supports operations overall business strategy by providing high level of leadership, management and direction for the manufacturing facility. 

• The position requires a proven performer who can balance multiple priorities to achieve desired quantified results through others in a fast paced environment.  Leadership and management style must be conducive to effectively motivate, develop, and guide the organization to achieving operational goals and objectives.  Incumbent will develop and administer operations strategy which will embrace the concepts, principles and philosophies of Lean Manufacturing.

• Incumbent will establish and maintain the plant safety initiatives and policies.  Responsible for the efficient use of inventory, materials, machines and workforce.  Responsible for production costs, product quality, and modifying production and inventory control programs.  The incumbent will perform continuous improvements in all areas, including but not limited to, efficiency, quality, safety, and leadership in order to deliver financial profitability for the value stream.

• He/she will serve as a key resource concerning product/process/equipment knowledge and will be the authority of knowledge for all parts of the value stream (product line).  Responsible to develop the annual budget and necessary year on year improvement plans for the specific Value Stream. Monitors the performance of quarterly/annual objectives and resolves problems and variances as they arise. 

• Additionally, incumbent must have the ability to constantly challenge the team on technical, managerial and leadership matters, work with an open mind to facilitate continuous exchanges with peers and experts based within North America. It is essential that this individual implement a culture of accountability for all associates in a fair and consistent manner. It will also be necessary that the incumbent can identify issues, make tough decisions, delegate appropriately, and follow up to ensure all objectives are achieved. A strong bias for action and results orientation are necessary. Drive, agility, courage, commitment, integrity, and respect for others are all important characteristics. 

• Incumbent must develop high morale and motivation to subordinates through positive leadership, sincere interest and recognition, fair appraisals of performance and sound counseling within established Company policies.

• Travel is approximately 5%. 

Required Qualifications

A seasoned leader with 5-7 years of applied professional experience working in production in an industrial/manufacturing environment. A Bachelor degree in engineering or a related discipline is required; Master’s degree a plus.  An extensive background in the manufacturing/production field, in addition to a thorough understanding of business (marketing, customer service, finance) is required. 

Critical skills include but are not limited to:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to positively influence others and manage change within a diverse manufacturing operation encompassing up to three (3) shifts with diverse processes and products

• Effective change management and conflict management skills; implementer of cultural change who can build a strong organization with emphasis on process, maintenance and engineering

• A passion for safety with personal accountability and proven ability to drive same throughout an organization

• Demonstrated experience and comprehension of routinely-applicable financial concepts:  P&L, Balance Sheet, Cost Accounting, Cash Flow, Capital Management, and Budgeting

• Demonstrated experience in good business judgment/decision making, strategic planning/goal setting, problem-solving/correction action planning

• Driven, inquisitive, commanding, and hands-on problem-solving traits

• Proven ability to plan and implement at both strategic and operational levels

• Prior success operating in a highly matrixed organization

• Innovator who looks to create, implement and improve the best practices from within the manufacturing organization or sister businesses within the Company

• Excellent interpersonal and problem solving capabilities to work effectively in manufacturing and team environments

• Ability to convey goals and needs to the shop floor and organization in the context of customer needs and the competitive environment that surrounds us

• Demonstrated ability to building teams within, across and through all organization levels

• Well versed in ISO standards and application in addition to Lean manufacturing, especially dealing with shop floor accountability and pull systems

• Quality/ISO, HSE/OSHA systems and Six Sigma/WCM experience to ensure compliance to all requirements both legal and within Saint-Gobain

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Company Summary

Saint-Gobain Abrasives is the world’s leading manufacturer of abrasives, offering powerful, precise and user friendly solutions enabling customers to shape and surface finish all types of material even the most complex and challenging applications across a diverse range of markets. Every team member is encouraged to develop and leverage their unique expertise and strengths to make the greatest impact on the company and our end users.

Legal Statement

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Apply Now