Operations Supervisor

Design Hire • Portland, OR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Design Hire is recruiting on behalf of a confidential client seeking an Operations Supervisor to lead the operation and maintenance of critical utility and process systems. This position offers the opportunity to oversee a team working with advanced equipment, drive technical and operational excellence, and play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient facility operations.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a STEM or technical discipline required (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in industrial operations, utilities, water treatment, or facility maintenance, including prior experience in a supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop a team in a technical or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO), ion exchange, filtration systems, water chemistry, and related treatment technologies.
• Experience using laboratory or process instrumentation and basic PLC troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, instrumentation diagrams, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Strong working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), job hazard analysis (JHA), chemical safety procedures, and 5S workplace practices, with the ability to enforce compliance across a team.
• Experience handling industrial chemicals and overseeing safe operation of chemical feed or storage systems.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and other schedules required to support continuous operations, and to lead teams across varying shift schedules.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Operations Technicians, including shift scheduling, task assignment, and performance management.
• Oversee the operation and monitoring of utility systems to ensure consistent equipment performance and system reliability.
• Lead preventive maintenance, equipment calibration, and mechanical troubleshooting efforts on process equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Review sampling, testing, and operational data to identify trends, ensure accuracy, and drive corrective actions in response to alarms or deviations.
• Ensure execution of startup, shutdown, and standard operating procedures across shifts while enforcing compliance with environmental and workplace safety requirements.
• Train, mentor, and develop team members on technical procedures, safety protocols, and operational best practices.
• Maintain and audit maintenance records, inventory levels, and technical documentation; lead continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a point of escalation for operational issues and coordinate with other departments/shifts to ensure smooth handoffs and continuity of operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree