Thread Supervisor | Textile Manufacturing Leadership

🎯 Role Definition

As a Thread Supervisor, you are the linchpin of our production floor. You will be responsible for leading a dedicated team of machine operators and technicians, guiding them to meet and exceed production targets while upholding our stringent quality standards. This role requires a hands-on leader who can troubleshoot complex machinery, manage production schedules, and foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement. You will be instrumental in driving the day-to-day operations of the thread department, ensuring the seamless transformation of raw materials into high-quality finished products that meet client specifications.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Textile Machine Operator
Production Lead / Team Lead
Quality Control Technician (Textiles)

Advancement To:

Production Manager
Plant Operations Manager
Quality Assurance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Supervisor
Supply Chain Coordinator
Quality Control Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Directly supervise, train, and mentor a team of up to 30+ production employees, overseeing daily activities in spinning, winding, twisting, and dyeing operations.
Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules to ensure on-time delivery of customer orders while optimizing machine utilization and labor allocation.
Enforce uncompromising adherence to all company safety policies and OSHA regulations, conducting regular safety audits and training to foster a zero-incident work environment.
Champion the quality control process by performing regular inspections of raw materials, in-process goods, and finished threads to ensure they meet precise specifications for color, strength, and consistency.
Lead troubleshooting efforts to diagnose and resolve production bottlenecks, machinery malfunctions, and quality deviations, implementing robust corrective and preventive actions.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, waste percentage, machine downtime, and labor efficiency, preparing detailed performance reports for senior management.
Manage the complete lifecycle of employee performance, including conducting performance reviews, providing constructive feedback, and administering disciplinary actions when necessary.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma principles to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
Coordinate with the maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance and address urgent equipment repairs, minimizing downtime and extending machinery lifespan.
Oversee the accurate management of inventory for raw materials (fibers, cones, dyes) and finished goods, utilizing ERP systems to maintain optimal stock levels.
Conduct daily pre-shift meetings to communicate production goals, safety topics, and quality alerts, ensuring the team is aligned and motivated.
Ensure all production activities comply with environmental regulations, particularly concerning dye usage and wastewater treatment.
Evaluate and optimize workflow processes from material handling to final packaging to eliminate inefficiencies and improve overall production flow.
Act as the primary point of contact on the shift for all operational issues, making critical decisions to keep production moving forward safely and efficiently.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in production efficiency and quality.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing insights from the production floor.
Collaborate with business units, particularly R&D and Sales, to translate new product needs and client feedback into actionable engineering and production requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within cross-functional project teams focused on process improvement or new technology implementation.
Assist in the departmental budget management process, monitoring overtime, supply consumption, and other controllable expenses.
Liaise with the supply chain and logistics teams to coordinate the timely arrival of raw materials and the shipment of finished products.
Investigate and formally document all workplace incidents, accidents, or near-misses, leading the root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Textile Manufacturing Processes: In-depth knowledge of yarn/thread spinning, winding, twisting, dyeing, and finishing.
Production Scheduling & Planning: Proficiency in creating and managing complex production schedules using software or manual systems.
Quality Control (QC/QA): Expertise in textile testing methods for tensile strength, colorfastness, denier, and defect identification.
Machinery Operation & Troubleshooting: Hands-on ability to operate, set up, and troubleshoot textile manufacturing equipment (e.g., spinning frames, winders, autoclaves).
Inventory Management Systems: Experience using ERP/MRP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for inventory tracking and control.
Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma: Practical application of continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
Safety & Compliance (OSHA): Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and environmental regulations within a manufacturing setting.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse production team.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to effectively diagnose and resolve complex operational issues.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, peers, and senior management.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to monitoring quality, safety, and production data.
Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate and resolve interpersonal conflicts within the team professionally and effectively.
Adaptability: Flexibility to manage changing priorities and unforeseen challenges in a dynamic production environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED with significant relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Textile Engineering / Textile Technology
Industrial Management
Operations Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

A minimum of 3 years of direct supervisory or leadership experience within a textile, yarn, or thread manufacturing facility is highly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in a high-volume production environment with a focus on quality and safety.