Production Supervisor

Diversey•Suffolk, VA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The VFA Shift Supervisor serves as the technical and operational leader for an assigned shift, supporting safe and efficient production through technical expertise and operations experience. The role manages and develops approximately four to six direct reports and works with other shifts and site departments, including Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, Material Handling, and Planning, to drive continuous improvement, maximize equipment performance, and meet production targets. The supervisor supports the commissioning and startup of a new plant and is responsible for production goals, strong leadership, sound technical decisions, safety, and environmental performance. The role will initially follow a Monday–Friday daytime schedule for the first 1–2 years, then transition to a rotating 12-hour shift schedule. The supervisor will support commissioning and startup, including operator hiring and training, commissioning plans, safe-work documentation, and development of plant work rhythms. They will also troubleshoot process and equipment issues, coach and develop employees, participate in site safety and environmental programs, use SAP to create process and maintenance work orders, conduct routine rounds, and participate in shift turnover.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, or a high school diploma and at least 8 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to follow direction, lead teams, and communicate across multiple departments.
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing stairs, prolonged walking, and bending as needed.
Ability to remain clean-shaven for respirator usage.
Ability to work a Monday–Friday daytime schedule initially for 1–2 years, followed by a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding and experience with chemical manufacturing process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, and automation.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP, Distributed Control Systems/PLCs (DeltaV), and Data Historians.

Responsibilities

Lead production activities for the assigned shift, providing technical guidance during commissioning and routine operations, resolving process issues, and developing operator capabilities.
Assist with new-plant commissioning and startup, including hiring process operators, implementing commissioning plans, participating in or leading training, documenting safe work practices, and developing work rhythms.
Foster employee growth through training, coaching, and succession development.
Become a certified permit writer and support daily shift permits, including Safe Work, Hot Work, and Line Break permits involving high-hazard materials.
Troubleshoot process, equipment operability, and quality issues; identify root causes and propose solutions.
Monitor team performance and provide coaching and corrective action when needed.
Support operator training, new equipment startup, and team development.
Promote and reinforce a Safety-First Culture across operations.
Make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Participate in EHS programs, site audits, safety committees, job safety analyses, and other site safety programs.
Create process orders and maintenance work orders in SAP.
Conduct routine rounds and participate in shift turnover.
Meet production and quality targets while ensuring safety procedures are followed and production goals are achieved.
Maintain high housekeeping standards in the work area.
Join the emergency response team and participate in Incident Command training.