Operations Supervisor

Location:

Downers Grove, IL (Precision Brand)

The Operations Supervisor leads day-to-day shop floor execution to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations that meet productivity targets and on-time delivery commitments. This role supervises hourly employees, supports production and material flow, and drives performance through standard work, visible floor leadership, and continuous improvement. The Operations Supervisor is expected to use KPIs and routine Gemba walks to identify issues, remove barriers, and improve results.

• Supervise daily production and warehouse/distribution activities to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery performance.
• Assign work, prioritize activities, and adjust staffing/workflow to meet schedule and customer needs.
• Monitor performance throughout the shift; remove barriers and escalate issues quickly.
• Ensure accurate production reporting (output, scrap, downtime, labor hours).
• Coach and develop employees through clear expectations, feedback, and performance management.
• Partner effectively in a union environment and support consistent application of work rules and contract requirements.

• Enforce safe work practices and support compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Reinforce standard work, 5S/housekeeping, and disciplined execution on the floor.
• Address quality issues through containment, root cause, and corrective action.

• Support inventory accuracy through transaction discipline, cycle counts, and resolution of inventory variances.
• Ensure material availability and proper storage practices to support production and shipping.

• Partner with Maintenance to execute preventive and corrective maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Coordinate outside vendors and contractors for specialized troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance support to ensure timely restoration of equipment and safe work completion.

• Develop and use KPIs to track performance (safety, quality, on-time delivery, productivity, scrap, labor, inventory accuracy).
• Lead daily huddles and use visual management to drive accountability and follow-through.
• Conduct routine Gemba walks to identify problems, engage employees, and drive improvements.
• Lead and participate in Lean and continuous improvement activities to reduce waste and improve performance.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing and/or distribution, including supervisory or lead experience.
• Must have union leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of safety standards, quality expectations, and basic inventory practices.
• Experience using Lean/continuous improvement tools and structured problem solving.
• Proficiency with production/inventory systems, ERP, and Microsoft Office.

• Hands-on floor leadership style with strong follow-through.
• Data-driven approach with comfort building and using KPIs.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coach and influence.
• Organized, practical problem solver.
• Operational execution and prioritization
• People leadership and accountability
• Safety and quality focus
• Inventory discipline and material flow
• KPI management and communication
• Continuous improvement and problem solving
• Professionalism and reliability

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs (with or without reasonable accommodation).