SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Supervisor leads Production Operators to safely manufacture quality products on time and efficiently. This hands-on role is responsible for daily production performance, employee development, safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity. The Supervisor works collaboratively with Planning, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and other functions to solve problems, improve performance, and ensure employees understand and own expectations and results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Leadership & People Development

• Lead Production Operators across assigned manufacturing areas, setting clear daily expectations for safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity.
• Coach, develop, and hold employees accountable for performance, attendance, safe work practices, quality, and production expectations.
• Develop employee capabilities through cross-training, coaching, and performance feedback, including development of Leadpersons and future front-line leaders.
• Communicate department and Company priorities clearly and respectfully, promoting teamwork, accountability, and an inclusive work environment.
• Address employee concerns, conflicts, and performance issues consistently and partner with Human Resources as appropriate.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure employees follow Company safety requirements, standard operating procedures, quality procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify safety, quality, and operational concerns and drive corrective and preventive actions to completion.
• Partner with Quality to address nonconforming product, investigate root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Ensure production consistently meets established quality standards and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate production and inventory practices, investigate discrepancies and losses, and ensure appropriate adjustments and documentation.

Production Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Manage daily performance against SQDIP goals and KPIs, using data to identify issues, prioritize actions, and drive results.
• Partner with Planning, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and other functions to improve equipment uptime, throughput, delivery, inventory accuracy, productivity, and cost.
• Use structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis to identify opportunities and implement sustainable improvements.
• Develop strong working knowledge of production equipment, setups, changeovers, and troubleshooting methods to support operational performance.
• Effectively use ERP and electronic documentation systems to support production execution, reporting, and accountability.
• Identify opportunities to improve standard work, processes, equipment, and employee capabilities through continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs and organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of production leadership/supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment; experience leading teams of 15+ employees preferred.
• Experience improving production equipment and processes, including changeovers, throughput, productivity, and downtime reduction.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain standard work, procedures, and performance expectations in a production environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience using ERP systems and production data to manage performance and support decision-making.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• People Leadership & Development
• Safety & Quality Focus
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Integrity & Accountability
• Continuous Improvement
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Communication
• Results Orientation
• Adaptability

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Work is performed in office, manufacturing, and warehouse environments with regular presence on the production floor and exposure to varying temperatures.
• Frequent standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and use of hands and arms are required; occasional sitting, bending, reaching, stooping, crouching, climbing, pushing, and pulling may be required.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 20-30 pounds.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing and filling equipment, moving machinery, noise, chemicals, inks, paints, waxes, solvents, dust, fumes, odors, and other industrial conditions.
• Work may involve proximity to mixing, filling, packaging, and other production processes used to manufacture markers, crayons, pens, paints, and related products.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with established safety procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Occasional local travel to vendors, suppliers, or other business locations may be required.

LOCATION & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This position is based at LACO Industries and requires onsite attendance as determined by business and departmental needs. Typical business hours are Monday through Friday; additional hours may be required to meet business demands.

COMPLIANCE

LACO Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. LACO is committed to a diverse workforce and to equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination.

All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

1st Shift