Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Line Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

ManufacturingOperationsSupervisoryLeadership

🎯 Role Definition

As a Line Supervisor, you are the frontline leader responsible for a dedicated production team and process. You will drive daily operations to meet and exceed targets in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Your role is critical in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement, ensuring that your production line operates at peak efficiency and effectiveness. You are the direct link between management and the production floor, translating strategic goals into actionable, day-to-day execution.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Production Operator / Machine Operator
  • Production Team Lead
  • Quality Control Technician

Advancement To:

  • Production Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Supervisor
  • Logistics or Warehouse Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and orchestrate the daily activities of production line employees, including machine operators, assemblers, and inspectors, to ensure production schedules are met efficiently.
  • Champion and enforce all safety and environmental regulations, conducting regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations to maintain a zero-harm workplace culture in compliance with OSHA standards.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on production Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), scrap rates, and labor efficiency to identify performance gaps and implement timely corrective actions.
  • Uphold stringent quality control standards by ensuring all products manufactured on the line meet specifications and collaborating with the Quality Assurance team to resolve any non-conformance issues.
  • Manage employee performance through coaching, counseling, and formal performance reviews; administer disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy and union contracts where applicable.
  • Train, develop, and mentor line staff on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and new manufacturing processes to build a skilled, versatile, and engaged workforce.
  • Plan and manage production line staffing, including scheduling work assignments, managing overtime, and approving timecards to ensure adequate coverage and control labor costs.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for equipment and process issues on the line, coordinating with maintenance and engineering departments to minimize downtime and resolve root causes.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by actively leading and participating in lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen events, and waste reduction projects.
  • Manage the flow of materials, components, and work-in-progress (WIP) inventory on the production line to prevent shortages or overages.
  • Conduct daily shift start-up meetings to communicate production targets, safety alerts, and other relevant information to the team, ensuring clear alignment and focus.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate production reports, shift logs, and performance documentation for management review.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, addressing employee concerns and resolving interpersonal conflicts promptly and professionally.
  • Ensure the production area is maintained in a clean, organized, and audit-ready state at all times, adhering to 5S principles of good housekeeping.
  • Coordinate with other departments, including scheduling, logistics, and quality assurance, to ensure a smooth and integrated production workflow from start to finish.
  • Evaluate and recommend improvements to manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
  • Lead the response to production line emergencies, such as equipment failures or quality holds, making critical decisions to mitigate impact.
  • Interpret and communicate company policies, procedures, and goals to the production team, ensuring consistent application and understanding.
  • Manage the onboarding and integration of new hires, ensuring they receive proper training and support to become productive team members.
  • Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives by providing operational insights and data.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for the production line.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to schedule preventative maintenance and address recurring equipment downtime.
  • Participate in daily production meetings, shift handovers, and management briefings to ensure seamless communication across the organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Proven ability to apply principles like 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and root cause analysis to drive efficiency.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Hands-on experience with manufacturing software such as SAP, Oracle, Plex, or similar platforms for production tracking and inventory.
  • Production Scheduling: Competency in planning and adjusting production schedules to meet changing demands and priorities.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Knowledge of quality standards and tools like ISO 9001, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and non-conformance reporting.
  • OSHA & Safety Compliance: Deep understanding of workplace safety regulations and experience conducting risk assessments and incident investigations.
  • KPI Management: Skill in tracking, analyzing, and reporting on key performance indicators (e.g., OEE, FPY, Scrap Rate) to drive performance.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for reporting, analysis, and communication.

Soft Skills

  • Servant Leadership & Team Motivation: An innate ability to lead by example, inspire teams, and foster a positive, high-performance culture.
  • Clear & Concise Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting effectively with team members, peers, and management.
  • Conflict Resolution & Employee Relations: The ability to navigate and resolve workplace conflicts and employee grievances with fairness and professionalism.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A structured approach to identifying problems, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective, sustainable solutions under pressure.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The capacity to remain effective and composed during periods of change, uncertainty, and production challenges.
  • Coaching & Employee Development: A passion for training, mentoring, and developing employees to help them achieve their full potential.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years in a manufacturing or production environment, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership or lead capacity.

Preferred:

  • Experience supervising teams in a fast-paced, high-volume production facility.
  • A proven track record of successfully implementing continuous improvement projects that yielded measurable results in safety, quality, or efficiency.
  • Experience in a unionized environment is a plus.
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