Production Supervisor

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Production Supervisor Akron Shift is 12 hours, 8AM-8PM Mon-Wed.

Overview

This position will be responsible for coordinating and directing employees in the safe and efficient production of quality product in a cost effective manner that meets customer expectations. Specifically this position will be responsible for facilitating production and maintenance activities on shift to ensure that optimum performance levels are achieved in the areas of productivity, quality, housekeeping, and safety in accordance with management guidelines while creating and developing a team environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to production and maintenance personnel. Develop team goals and objectives.
• Know and follow all policies and procedures and hold team accountable to them.
• Act as main safety contact for shift addressing issues immediately as they arise to keep team safe.
• Manage daily production schedule, optimize productivity, address daily bottlenecks, and rectify daily quality and processing problems.
• Use Lean Six Sigma methods and tools to manage the business and improve performance.
• Review production data in SAP system and make necessary changes.
• Assure accurate productivity. Collect/record quality check data on every shift.
• Establish key measures and realistic objectives for the Team.
• Hold regular safety and team meetings.
• Train employees using the Jobs skills training and verification process to assure proper and consistent training of the workforce.
• Communicate critical information to shift personnel.
• Coordinate shift maintenance duties.
• Coach, council, motivate and discipline employees as necessary.
• Ensure product meets all quality standards.

Qualifications

• Exceptional demonstrated leadership skills required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Works well independently and in team environment
• Strong PC skills (Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP)
• Ability to motivate and coach employees
• 1-3 years experience in manufacturing
• Ability to work shifts, including midnight shift 11pm-7am

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Experience

🌍 Global Benefits Overview

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
• 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes