Production Supervisor, Electrode - D Shift

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Supervisor leads safe, efficient shift operations in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment to achieve production, quality, cost, and delivery targets. The role ensures adherence to Standardized Work Instructions, Lean manufacturing principles, and SQDCP performance metrics while fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement. The supervisor is the primary escalation point for shift-level operational issues, develops team capability, drives cross-functional problem-solving, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards through leadership and data-driven decisions. This position is onsite at Panasonic Energy’s facility in De Soto, Kansas. The listed shift is 6:30 AM–7:15 PM, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday; the posting identifies this as a 24/7 manufacturing operation. The supervisor directly oversees Skilled Machine Technicians, including work assignment, performance oversight, training, and adherence to safety and operational standards. PPE may be required, including 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. A bachelor’s degree, Six Sigma certification, and OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification are preferred. Candidates must have at least three years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment, or two years as a PECNA Process Lead. Panasonic offers medical, dental, vision, retirement savings with company matching, paid time off, educational assistance, wellbeing programs, recognition opportunities, an annual performance-based bonus opportunity, and onsite food options. Benefits eligibility may vary by employment status, location, and length of service.

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 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 meet the role’s stated physical activity and lifting requirements: sit 10%, walk 50%, stand 40%; lift up to 10 lbs. continuously, up to 20 lbs. and 35 lbs. frequently, and team-lift over 35 lbs. occasionally.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
Successful completion of required pre-employment drug testing.

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.
Ensure the development, maintenance, and strict adherence to Standardized Work Instructions (SWIs).
Plan and assign team members’ work schedules, tasks, and priorities.
Drive Lean manufacturing and 6S initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Drive plant-wide initiatives aligned to SQDCP metrics.
Participate in issue resolution, data-driven decision-making, and process improvement activities.
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.
Participate in PFMEA and risk-mitigation activities with Manufacturing Process Engineers.
Support implementation of and compliance with control plans throughout production.
Enforce safety standards and practices to maintain a safe work environment.
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 so they do not progress downstream or reach customers.
Investigate root causes and implement corrective actions for quality issues.
Directly supervise Skilled Machine Technicians, including assigning work, overseeing performance, providing training, and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

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 savings plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid 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.
Onsite cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.