Equipment Specialist Supervisor

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Specialist Supervisor leads a team of Equipment Specialists to support equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity improvement, and safe manufacturing operations. The role provides frontline leadership through workforce planning, employee development, performance management, and operational execution, aligning team activities with departmental and organizational objectives. The supervisor works closely with engineering, production, maintenance, quality, and operational leaders to set priorities, allocate resources, remove barriers, and drive continuous improvement toward safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The position combines technical knowledge with people leadership to develop team performance, strengthen operational effectiveness, and support business growth at Panasonic Energy’s expanding battery manufacturing operation in De Soto, Kansas. Limited travel may be required for training, benchmarking, business meetings, or operational initiatives. The role may require personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, a face mask, a bump cap, a full Tyvek suit, or a hazmat suit with respirator.

Requirements

Associate degree in Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Business Management, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for the required education.
At least 3 years of progressive leadership experience, or at least 2 years as a PECNA Equipment Specialist III.
Demonstrated experience leading technical, maintenance, manufacturing, engineering support, or operational teams.
Ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable for performance expectations.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, equipment reliability, troubleshooting methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.
Experience using operational metrics, KPIs, and performance data to drive decisions and results.
Working knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability to prioritize resources, manage competing operational demands, and drive execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across departments and organizational levels.
Strong verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, and other manufacturing support systems.
Ability to analyze operational and performance data and translate findings into actionable improvement plans.
Working-level English proficiency, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Alignment with Panasonic’s seven core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, and gratitude.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Valid authorization to work in the United States without restriction.
Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering, Business Management, or a related field.
Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
Leadership development training or supervisory certification.
Advanced Root Cause Analysis training.
At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial maintenance, engineering support, or technical operations.
Experience leading maintenance, engineering support, or highly skilled operations or technical teams.
Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing environments.
Strong knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies.
Experience managing departmental KPIs, workforce planning, resource allocation, and operational performance metrics.
Demonstrated success leading organizational change, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience presenting operational performance, improvement initiatives, and business recommendations to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

Provide direct leadership, guidance, and support to Equipment Specialists.
Set daily priorities and allocate resources for equipment reliability, productivity, and operational objectives.
Monitor team performance, work quality, and execution against departmental goals.
Manage workforce scheduling, staffing coverage, attendance, and workload balancing.
Remove barriers to team performance and escalate issues requiring additional support or resources.
Coordinate team activities to support equipment recovery, operational readiness, and manufacturing continuity.
Monitor and communicate key performance indicators and take corrective action as needed.
Ensure timely completion of projects, corrective actions, improvement initiatives, and operational deliverables.
Lead or support resolution of critical equipment-related operational issues.
Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, equipment reliability, productivity, and cost reduction.
Partner with engineering, production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
Review root cause investigations and corrective action plans for effectiveness, sustainability, and accountability.
Use operational, maintenance, and equipment performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Align departmental objectives with daily team execution and support new equipment, technologies, processes, and operational initiatives.
Promote PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Manufacturing, and other continuous improvement methods.
Support departmental goals, metrics, and strategic initiatives.
Set employee goals, coach team members, provide performance feedback, and plan development.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and support employee engagement and performance improvement.
Develop succession plans and strengthen technical and leadership capabilities within the team.
Oversee onboarding, training, qualification, certification, and skills development.
Recognize strong performance and address performance concerns in a timely manner.
Foster accountability, collaboration, inclusion, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across teams, shifts, and operational areas.
Represent the Equipment Specialist team in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Communicate departmental priorities, risks, resource needs, and operational performance to stakeholders and leadership.
Participate in operational reviews, production meetings, leadership discussions, and escalations.
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and applicable requirements.
Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, quality, and operational requirements, including lockout/tagout and safe work practices.
Lead or support investigations into safety incidents, quality concerns, equipment failures, and operational deviations.
Monitor workplace risks and implement corrective actions.
Ensure team compliance with documentation, auditing, training, and recordkeeping requirements.
Assign work, manage performance, coach and train employees, conduct evaluations, and support career development.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, disciplinary actions, corrective action processes, employee engagement, and workforce planning.
Manage staffing, scheduling, attendance, and team performance to meet operational requirements.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental and caregiver leave.
Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
Lifestyle Spending Account, employee assistance program, virtual health management, chronic condition support, neurodiversity resources, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life-stage and fertility resources.
Employee recognition and awards platform, with quarterly and annual recognition.
Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
On-site cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, on-site vendor visits, and employee events.