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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Incoming Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

Supply ChainLogisticsWarehouse ManagementSupervisionQuality Control

🎯 Role Definition

The Incoming Supervisor is the linchpin of our quality assurance and supply chain process. This role isn't just about managing a team; it's about being the first line of defense for quality, ensuring that every raw material, component, and finished good entering our facility meets our stringent standards. As the leader of the receiving and inspection team, you are the gatekeeper who guarantees that our production lines start with flawless inputs, directly impacting operational efficiency, cost control, and the quality of the final product that reaches our customers. Your leadership ensures the integrity of our entire supply chain from the moment a truck backs into the dock.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Receiving Clerk / Warehouse Associate
  • Quality Control Inspector / Technician
  • Warehouse Team Lead

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Operations Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Production Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Manager
  • Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Supervise, coordinate, and mentor a team of receiving clerks and quality inspectors, managing daily work assignments and schedules.
  • Ensure all incoming materials, components, and products are meticulously inspected according to established quality standards, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Manage the efficient scheduling and prioritization of incoming shipments to align with dynamic production and operational demands.
  • Oversee the accurate receipt, verification, and documentation of all inbound deliveries against purchase orders within the ERP/WMS system.
  • Develop and lead training initiatives for team members on proper inspection techniques, safety protocols, and system usage.
  • Implement and rigorously maintain the non-conforming material (NCM) process, including segregation, quarantine, documentation, and disposition.
  • Act as the primary liaison with Procurement and Quality Engineering to swiftly investigate and resolve supplier quality issues and shipment discrepancies.
  • Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department, such as First-Pass Yield, Dock-to-Stock time, and supplier defect rates.
  • Champion a safe, clean, and highly organized receiving and inspection environment, enforcing 5S principles and all EHS regulations.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, providing constructive, continuous feedback and fostering professional growth among team members.
  • Manage departmental resources, including authorizing and tracking overtime, approving vacation, and ensuring adequate staffing.
  • Lead root cause analysis investigations into receiving errors or quality escapes, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
  • Guarantee the proper calibration, maintenance, and availability of all inspection tools and measurement equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges).
  • Facilitate the seamless and efficient flow of approved materials from receiving docks to inventory storage or point-of-use locations.
  • Manage the critical documentation process for Certificates of Conformity/Analysis (CoC/CoA) and other supplier-provided quality records.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for freight carriers to resolve issues, coordinate delivery windows, and manage inbound logistics.
  • Author, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for all receiving and inspection processes.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by leading initiatives aimed at enhancing departmental efficiency, accuracy, and quality.
  • Ensure all team activities strictly comply with company policies and relevant regulatory standards (e.g., cGMP, ISO 9001, AS9100).
  • Manage the accurate and timely recording of all inbound transactions in the company’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests from leadership for analysis on supplier performance and receiving metrics.
  • Contribute to the broader organizational supply chain and quality strategy discussions and roadmap development.
  • Collaborate with engineering and product development teams on requirements for new components or suppliers.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects related to supplier development, cost reduction, or new product introduction.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP/WMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with systems like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or a similar enterprise/warehouse management platform.
  • Quality Control Principles: Deep understanding of inspection methodologies, including AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) sampling plans and statistical process control (SPC).
  • Technical Drawing Interpretation: Proven ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
  • Metrology & Inspection Tools: Competency in using and training others on various measurement instruments like calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMMs.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Working knowledge of quality standards and compliance frameworks such as ISO 9001, cGMP, or AS9100.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for creating reports, tracking KPIs, and performing trend analysis.
  • Supply Chain Fundamentals: Solid understanding of logistics, inventory management, and basic supply chain principles.
  • Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Familiarity with concepts like Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S to drive process efficiency.

Soft Skills

  • Inspirational Leadership: The ability to coach, motivate, and develop a diverse team, fostering a positive and accountable work environment.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A knack for digging into issues, identifying the root cause, and developing robust, long-term solutions.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with team members, senior management, and external suppliers.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A precise and thorough approach to overseeing inspection processes and ensuring documentation accuracy.
  • Decisive Judgment: The confidence to make timely, sound decisions regarding material acceptance or rejection, often under pressure.
  • Conflict Resolution: Skill in navigating and resolving disputes with suppliers or internal stakeholders professionally and constructively.
  • Exceptional Prioritization: The ability to juggle multiple priorities, manage deadlines, and adapt to the fast-paced flow of a receiving dock.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: A flexible mindset to handle unexpected challenges, shifting priorities, and evolving business needs with a calm and focused demeanor.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Quality Assurance
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, or quality control environment, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership, team lead, or supervisory capacity.

Preferred: Direct experience supervising an incoming inspection/receiving team. Experience in a regulated industry (e.g., medical device, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals) is highly desirable.

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