Production Supervisor – 2nd Shift

Position Overview

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States Job ID: CLI-45667-9 Employment Type: Direct hire Schedule: 2nd shift, 3:45 PM–1:15 AM

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Supervisor leads daily manufacturing operations, with primary oversight of the Weld Department, including MIG, TIG, and robotic welding processes. This role supports production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and delivery commitments while coordinating with assembly, testing, and finishing operations.

The supervisor promotes operational efficiency, workforce development, continuous improvement, and a safe, productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production and Scheduling

• Supervise daily production activities, primarily weld operations.
• Ensure production schedules are met across welding booths, robotic cells, and downstream processes.
• Balance labor and workflow to reduce bottlenecks and maintain throughput.
• Coordinate with Planning, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve production challenges.
• Monitor and report output, efficiency, rework, and on-time delivery metrics.

Weld Department Oversight

• Support weld-quality initiatives in collaboration with Quality and CWI personnel.
• Oversee the setup and operation of MIG, TIG, and robotic welding systems.
• Improve arc-on time, reduce rework, and optimize weld-cell utilization.
• Assist with weld-process troubleshooting and corrective actions.

Quality and Compliance

• Promote adherence to AWS, ASME, ISO, and company quality standards.
• Ensure first-article inspections and in-process checks are completed.
• Lead corrective actions for departmental nonconformances.
• Maintain required documentation and production records.

Safety and Environmental

• Enforce OSHA and company safety policies.
• Ensure proper PPE use and safe welding practices.
• Monitor ventilation and fume-extraction systems.
• Conduct safety meetings and address hazards promptly.

Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise, coach, and develop welders and production operators.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback.
• Manage scheduling, attendance, overtime, and staffing levels.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean initiatives, including 5S, workflow improvements, and waste reduction.
• Track productivity, scrap rates, and labor-efficiency KPIs.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and process enhancements.
• Support cross-training to improve workforce flexibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical or trade school education preferred.
• Five or more years of manufacturing experience with significant welding exposure.
• Two or more years of supervisory experience in a production environment.
• High-mix or high-volume manufacturing experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of MIG, TIG, and robotic welding processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and weld symbols.
• Knowledge of WPS/PQR documentation preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and production-reporting tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication across all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Data-driven approach focused on measurable results.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods on the production floor.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in industrial conditions involving heat, noise, and welding environments.