Manufacturing Supervisor – Production Lines

Manufacturing Supervisor – Production Lines

Recruitment Firm: Symbiotic Services

Position: Manufacturing Supervisor – Production Lines

Department: Manufacturing / Operations

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing / Production

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Experience: 3+ Years in Manufacturing Management

Job Summary

Symbiotic Services is seeking an experienced and results-driven Manufacturing Supervisor – Production Lines for a confidential manufacturing client.

The Manufacturing Supervisor will oversee daily production operations, including production lines, cushion fabrication, cover fabrication, and frame construction. This position is responsible for managing production schedules, workforce performance, operational efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, manufacturing operations experience, and a proven track record of improving productivity, reducing costs, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management & Operations

• Oversee daily manufacturing activities to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and operational objectives are achieved.
• Supervise production lines and fabrication operations, including upholstery, assembly, and finishing processes.
• Optimize workforce productivity, equipment utilization, and raw material consumption.
• Direct production leads and team members to achieve manufacturing goals while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Monitor production workflows, prioritize manufacturing activities, and resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure completed products meet production requirements and are transferred to shipping on schedule.
• Establish and maintain production standards, operating procedures, and manufacturing best practices.
• Coordinate employee shifts, staffing levels, and equipment capacity based on production requirements.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Supervise production leads, trainers, material expediters, and production personnel.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, and employee development.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to support employee retention, workforce planning, and staffing requirements.
• Conduct regular performance and attendance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Address employee performance issues and implement corrective actions in accordance with company policies.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and results-oriented work environment.
• Communicate production objectives, policies, procedures, and operational expectations to employees.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
• Implement process improvements to reduce production costs, material waste, scrap, and rework.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify operational inefficiencies.
• Apply statistical analysis and process evaluation techniques to improve manufacturing outcomes.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and recommend cost-effective manufacturing processes and production methods.
• Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities to improve cycle times and overall efficiency.

Quality, Safety & Equipment Management

• Ensure products meet established quality standards and manufacturing specifications.
• Maintain compliance with applicable workplace safety regulations and company safety policies.
• Implement and monitor safety, housekeeping, training, and operational improvement programs.
• Oversee proper equipment operation and operator maintenance procedures.
• Monitor scrap, rework, and production quality data to identify corrective actions.
• Promote a safety-focused workplace culture and address potential hazards proactively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Product Development, and Continuous Improvement teams to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Support the introduction of new or revised products into manufacturing operations.
• Review bills of materials (BOMs), establish production standards, and coordinate employee training for product launches.
• Work with management to develop and execute production improvement initiatives.
• Communicate production performance, staffing requirements, and operational challenges to management.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing management experience, preferably in process-oriented manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 2 years of people management or leadership experience.
• Experience supervising production teams and coordinating manufacturing schedules.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production efficiency, and operational improvement.
• Knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with manufacturing systems such as Oracle, SAP, or comparable platforms.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work flexible shifts and extended hours as operational needs require.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A four-year technical degree in a related field is also acceptable.
• Relevant professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in the furniture manufacturing industry.
• Experience with Oracle manufacturing or ERP systems.
• Strong background in production management and manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience supporting manufacturing engineering and new product introductions.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development: Ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing production teams.
• Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to evaluate operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Planning & Organization: Ability to prioritize resources, schedules, and production activities.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to improving productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly with employees, management, and cross-functional teams.
• Performance Management: Ability to establish expectations, evaluate results, and drive accountability.
• Safety Awareness: Strong commitment to maintaining safe manufacturing operations.
• Initiative & Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing improvements.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequent standing and walking throughout manufacturing and production areas.
• Regular computer use requiring visual acuity and manual dexterity.
• Occasional bending and stooping.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in an active manufacturing environment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Apply Through Symbiotic Services

Symbiotic Services is actively recruiting qualified Manufacturing Supervisors for this opportunity.

Candidates with experience in production supervision, manufacturing operations, team leadership, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement are encouraged to apply.

Symbiotic Services is managing the recruitment process on behalf of a confidential client.