Production Supervisor - Electrode, A 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, Lean manufacturing principles, and SQDCP performance metrics while promoting 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.

This position provides direct supervision to Skilled Machine Technicians and uses strong leadership and data-driven decision-making to deliver operational results and build a high-performing team. The work is based at Panasonic Energy’s onsite facility in De Soto, Kansas. Personal protective equipment may be required, including a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a full hazmat suit with respirator.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline, such as Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or Engineering Technology; relevant work experience may substitute for the required education.
• 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 perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain Standardized Work Instructions (SWIs) and ensure strict adherence to them.
• Plan and assign team members’ work schedules, tasks, and priorities.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and 6S initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Drive execution of 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 production control plans.
• Enforce safety standards and practices to maintain a safe work environment.
• Train employees on safe work methods and proper use of PPE.
• 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 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.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including a Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, 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, vendor visits, and employee events.

What This Job Offers

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