Production Supervisor, Assembly - D Shift

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Supervisor leads safe and efficient shift operations in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment, delivering production, quality, cost, and delivery targets. The role ensures compliance with standardized work, Lean manufacturing principles, SQDCP metrics, and safety, quality, and operational standards. As the primary escalation point for shift-level operational issues, the supervisor develops team capability, drives cross-functional problem-solving, and uses data-driven decisions to achieve measurable results and build a high-performing team.

This is an onsite night-shift role at Panasonic Energy’s facility in De Soto, Kansas. The schedule is 6:30 PM–7:15 AM on D Shift: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday. The supervisor directly oversees Skilled Machine Technicians, assigning work and monitoring performance, training, safety, and operational standards. The position may require PPE such as a Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a hazmat suit with respirator.

The role requires an associate’s degree in a technical discipline, though relevant work experience may substitute. Candidates need at least three years of progressive leadership experience in high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing, or two years as a PECNA Process Lead. Panasonic offers benefits including health coverage, retirement savings with matching, paid time off, educational assistance, wellbeing programs, recognition, an annual performance-based bonus opportunity, and onsite food options.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline, such as Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or Engineering Technology; relevant work experience may substitute for the education requirement.
• At least 3 years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment, or at least 2 years of experience as a PECNA Process Lead.
• Knowledge of Lean, 6S, and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Resilience, self-motivation, and ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Working-level knowledge of English, 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 job’s physical activities: sitting 10% of the workday, walking 50%, and standing 40%.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 10 lbs. continuously; up to 20 lbs. and 35 lbs. frequently; and, with a team, over 35 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to meet the role’s PPE requirements, which may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with respirator.
• Pre-employment drug testing is required.
• Must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Six Sigma certification at Green Belt level or higher.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification.
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience, including direct oversight of hourly staff, in a 24/7, high-volume lithium-ion, electronics, chemical, or regulated manufacturing environment, with demonstrated success improving safety, quality, and productivity metrics.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis.
• ERP/MES system experience, such as SAP, Oracle, or FactoryTalk.
• Strong understanding of SQDCP metrics and operational KPIs.
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities, such as Japanese or Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shift operations to achieve production, quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Develop and maintain Standardized Work Instructions (SWIs) and ensure strict adherence to them.
• Plan and assign work schedules, tasks, and priorities for team members.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and 6S initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Execute plant-wide initiatives aligned to SQDCP metrics and participate in issue resolution, data-driven decision-making, and process improvement.
• Train and onboard employees on SOPs, SWIs, and safety protocols.
• Coach, mentor, and guide team members to improve performance and engagement.
• Collaborate with HR and leadership on employee relations and performance issues.
• Contribute to PFMEA and risk mitigation activities with Manufacturing Process Engineers.
• Support implementation of and compliance with production control plans.
• Enforce safety standards and practices, and train employees on safe work methods and proper PPE use.
• Monitor production processes to ensure quality standards are met at every stage.
• Contain defects at their point of origin to prevent downstream progression or customer impact.
• Investigate root causes and implement corrective actions for quality issues.
• Directly supervise Skilled Machine Technicians, including work assignment, performance oversight, training, and adherence to safety and operational standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings 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; eligibility may vary.
• Employee recognition and awards platform, including quarterly and annual recognition.
• Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• Onsite cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.

What This Job Offers

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