Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Precision Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

The Precision Supervisor is a hands-on, floor-level leadership role pivotal to the success of our manufacturing operations. This individual serves as the direct link between management and the production team, responsible for translating strategic goals into tactical execution. The Precision Supervisor orchestrates the daily activities of a team of skilled technicians and operators, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely production of high-tolerance components that meet rigorous quality standards. This position demands a unique blend of technical expertise in precision manufacturing processes, strong leadership capabilities, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior CNC Machinist / Programmer
Manufacturing Team Lead
Lead Quality Control Inspector

Advancement To:

Production Manager
Manufacturing Operations Manager
Quality Assurance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Continuous Improvement Specialist
Manufacturing Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and coordinate the daily activities of a team of skilled machinists and operators, providing clear guidance, performance feedback, and mentorship to foster a high-performance culture.
Plan and manage production schedules, workflows, and personnel assignments to ensure production targets, quality specifications, and on-time delivery goals are consistently achieved.
Serve as the primary technical resource for the shop floor, troubleshooting complex machining issues, interpreting intricate engineering drawings, and resolving equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime.
Uphold and enforce all company safety protocols and quality management system (QMS) procedures, conducting regular audits and training to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
Champion a culture of quality by meticulously monitoring in-process and final inspections, analyzing non-conformance data, and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Drive continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, 5S) within the department, identifying and eliminating waste, streamlining processes, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Collaborate closely with Engineering and Quality Assurance teams during new product introduction (NPI) to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and a smooth transition from prototype to full-scale production.
Manage departmental resources, including personnel, equipment, and tooling, to optimize utilization and control operational costs effectively.
Maintain accurate and detailed production records, including output, scrap rates, downtime, and labor hours, using the company's ERP/MRP system.
Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive coaching, and identify training and development needs for team members to promote skill growth and career advancement.
Interpret and communicate company policies, procedures, and strategic objectives to the production team, ensuring alignment and understanding.
Lead pre-shift meetings to review daily goals, safety topics, and pertinent operational updates, ensuring the team is informed and engaged.
Investigate and document all workplace accidents, incidents, and near-misses, participating in root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
Evaluate and approve machine setups and first-article inspections to guarantee that production runs commence with validated, conforming processes.
Manage employee timekeeping, attendance, and requests for time off, ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet production demands.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between shifts to ensure seamless handoffs and operational continuity.
Assess and recommend capital equipment upgrades, new tooling, and process enhancements to improve capability, quality, and productivity.
Maintain inventory levels of critical tooling, fixtures, and shop supplies, initiating purchase requisitions as needed to prevent production interruptions.
Act as a key liaison between the production floor and support departments such as Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve issues promptly.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for key manufacturing processes to ensure consistency and quality.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement projects by providing shop-floor insights and participating in Kaizen events.
Collaborate with the maintenance team to refine and execute a preventative maintenance schedule for all critical equipment.
Assist in the new product introduction (NPI) process by reviewing manufacturability and providing feedback to the engineering team.
Participate in departmental budget planning and manage operational expenses for the team, including tooling, consumables, and overtime.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Expert-level ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, with a deep understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
CNC Machining & Programming: Strong practical knowledge of CNC milling and/or turning operations, including setup, operation, and basic G-code/M-code programming or editing.
Metrology & Inspection: Proficiency with a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
ERP/MRP Systems: Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning or Manufacturing Resource Planning software for scheduling, tracking, and reporting.
Lean Manufacturing Principles: Practical application of concepts like 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
Quality Management Systems (QMS): Familiarity with quality standards and documentation requirements within systems like ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of technical professionals.
Problem-Solving: A systematic and analytical approach to identifying root causes and implementing robust, effective solutions under pressure.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting effectively with team members, peers, and senior management.
Time Management & Organization: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and orchestrate complex workflows in a dynamic environment.
Conflict Resolution: The capacity to address interpersonal conflicts and operational disagreements constructively and professionally.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature with a commitment to precision and accuracy in all aspects of the production process.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by a technical/trade school certificate in Machining or a related field.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Industrial Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10 years of progressive experience in a precision manufacturing or machine shop environment.

Preferred:

At least 3 years in a formal leadership or supervisory capacity within a high-precision industry (e.g., aerospace, medical device, defense).