Description

Production supervisors are employed in many different areas, but they typically work in industrial and manufacturing facilities. In certain instances, they oversee a whole plant, in other instances they'll oversee one specific department within the plant's facility. They are accountable for ensuring that supplies and materials are in stock and equipment is up to current and safe. They also ensure that the equipment is operating in good condition. The majority of the time, production supervisors communicate directly with their employees and ensure that deadlines are adhered to. The knowledge and skills required for this position vary based upon the location and size of the business. If you work for a big company, a manager could be assigned to the department that receives shipments to ensure that the shipments are correct and processed quickly. Sometimes, supervisors are responsible for managing the floor as well as different manufacturing processes, or overseeing the shipping and packaging quarters of the business. Production supervisors collaborate closely with workers in the factory to increase productivity. It is also crucial that supervisors are accessible to workers should they have any concerns. If production supervisors are employed in smaller factories, they typically supervise the entire process. They ensure that the correct materials are delivered to the plant. They also collaborate closely with the employees and supervise the packing and transportation of the materials. In certain cases, they also have the responsibility of securing and training new employees. The majority of companies require their production supervisors to have a bachelor's degree in business administration. In certain cases, they are accredited through the Association for Operations Management.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Production Supervisor with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee daily production activities, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards, and meeting production targets.
  • Manage and allocate resources effectively, including manpower, machinery, and materials, to optimize production efficiency.
  • Train and supervise production staff, providing guidance and feedback to maintain high performance and productivity levels.
  • Collaborate with other departments such as engineering, maintenance, and quality control to resolve production issues, improve processes, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Production Supervisor job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive knowledge and experience in manufacturing processes and production management to ensure smooth operations and meet production targets.
  • Strong leadership and managerial abilities to supervise and guide a team of production workers, setting performance goals and maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to optimize efficiency and minimize downtime.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality control, and logistics, to ensure effective coordination and streamline production processes.

Essential Skills For Production Supervisor

1

Lean Startup

2

Process Management

3

Leadership Management

4

Safety Rules

5

Program Manufacturing Specific Machines and Devices

6

Problem Solving

Skills That Affect Production Supervisor Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Process Management

8%

Microsoft Excel

7%

Production Management

17%

Manufacturing Systems & Operations

2%

Career Prospects

The role of Production Supervisor is crucial in overseeing operations and ensuring smooth production processes. Professionals in the United States with 3-6 years of experience in this role may find the following alternatives enticing:

  • Operations Manager: A position that involves managing the overall production process, optimizing efficiency, and coordinating cross-functional teams.
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor: A role focused on ensuring product quality and adherence to standards through inspections, audits, and quality control procedures.
  • Supply Chain Coordinator: A position that involves managing inventory, coordinating product distribution, and ensuring timely delivery of materials and finished goods.
  • Lean Manufacturing Specialist: A role dedicated to implementing lean principles, optimizing workflows, eliminating waste, and continuously improving production processes.

How to Learn

The job role of a Production Supervisor is expected to experience moderate growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is a projected increase in employment opportunities for this position. Google data suggests that with the growth of industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics, the demand for Production Supervisors is likely to rise. This trend can be attributed to the need for effective coordination and management of production processes. Overall, the job outlook for Production Supervisors in the United States appears promising.