Production Supervisor I

ALKEGEN•Council Grove, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Shift Leader is responsible for overseeing and managing afternoon shift operations in our manufacturing facility, with a strong emphasis on team leadership, performance management, safety compliance and operational efficiency. This role ensures production targets are met while maintaining a safe, secure, and quality-driven environment. The Shift Leader leads a team of c. 10 employees with potential to grow, oversees equipment maintenance, manages shift production schedules, and ensures the facility is secured at the end of the shift. The successful candidate will be required to work a day shift for up to 8 weeks for on-the-job training and to get to know the plant.

Requirements

ILM Level 3 or equivalent qualification
IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent qualification)
Demonstratable Experience of working within an ISO9001 certified business
A minimum of 3 years in a supervisory/management role within manufacturing.
A minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience
Proven experience in team management and performance improvement, with the ability to motivate, develop, and retain team members in a manufacturing environment
Demonatable experience in setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and managing performance improvement processes and conduct disciplinary hearings up to written warning stage and managing absence.
Demonatable experience of lean manufacturing processes and techniques
High proficiency in IT, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
First Aider certification (or be willing to engage in the relevant training)
To possess a FLT license or (or willing to engage in the relevant training)
Fire Warden certification (or willing to engage in the relevant training)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business or a related field.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
ILM Level 5 or equivalent
Qualified First Aider
Qualified Fire Warden
Valid Folk Lift Truck License
NEBOSHH Certificate

Responsibilities

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.
Complete pre shift inspection and ensure all team members complete the (PTRA) pre task, risk assessment and pre-machine use checklist.
Conduct regular safety inspections and partner with the EH&S Manager and Operations Manager on the completion and continued improvements in risk assessments.
Ensure all team members follow safety protocols and use PPE as required.
Support the investigation of any safety incidents on shift, reporting and documenting incidents according to company policy and initiating corrective actions.
Ensure that all team members understand the zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of safety and quality standards and ensure operators are encouraged not to take short cuts
Ensure the shift always has an adequate number of first aiders, fire wardens and FLT drivers.
Oversee all shift manufacturing activities, ensuring that production targets and quality standards are met within schedule.
Monitor workflow and implement improvements to enhance productivity and reduce lost time.
Prepare and submit a detailed shift report, summarizing key metrics, production achievements, incidents, and any challenges encountered.
Responsible for securing the facility at the end of the shift when required, ensuring that all equipment is properly shut down and operational areas are locked and secure or in the event of a night shift ensuring the plant is prepped for the incoming shift to maximize productivity
When required to close the plant conduct a final walkthrough to confirm that all safety and security measures are in place, including locking doors, shutting off lights, and setting alarms.
Ensure all shift-related documentation is accurately maintained, including equipment logs, quality checks, and incident reports.
Track shift performance metrics, including production output, quality, and downtime, and report trends to the Operations Manager with recommendations for improvement.
Lead, motivate, and develop the shift team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a positive work environment.
Evaluate and reshape the existing team as needed, ensuring each team member aligns with the plant’s goals and contributes effectively.
Take proactive steps to address performance issues, skill gaps, or structural adjustments and removal of single point of failures in key skills.
Provide regular coaching and feedback to team members, promoting accountability, productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
Work with the Quality Manager and Training Lead to identify and address training needs to build skills within the team.
To monitor time and attendance, take necessary steps in managing the return-to-work process and any required disciplinary action including and up to final written warning stage.
Conduct performance evaluations for employee, recognizing high performers and managing any performance improvement plans (PIPs).
Develop and mentor a deputy to provide seamless coverage during holidays and absences, ensuring continuity in operations and supporting shift duties as needed.
Identify and propose initiatives for continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and quality and employee engagement.
Ensure all products manufactured on shift meet established quality standards and address any deviations promptly.
Work closely with the Quality team to perform quality checks and implement corrective actions to prevent future quality issues
Encourage a quality-first mindset among all team members and provide guidance on quality standards and procedures.
Ensure all equipment is in good working order, and report or arrange maintenance for any issues promptly.
Work closely with the maintenance team to minimize downtime.
Manage inventory levels of raw materials and supplies, ensuring adequate resources are available for continuous production.
Prepare for the incoming shift, ensuring things such as moving work in progress to the next process, providing trolleys, trays and PPE and the printing of works orders for the incoming shift.
Foster an inclusive, positive working environment where team members feel valued and supported.
Actively engage with team members, encouraging open communication and addressing any issues or concerns promptly
Organize team briefings or check-ins to communicate shift goals, updates, and provide a forum for employee feedback
Take an active role in improving employee engagement with the goal of improving moral and making positive changes to the plant’s employee survey score.