SMS Shop Supervisor

Minerals Technologies•Blytheville, AR

About The Position

The Shop Supervisor is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of refractory service operations at assigned customer locations. The role directly leads shop and field employees and ensures strong customer service, workforce development, operational excellence, safety compliance, equipment reliability, and achievement of financial objectives. As the primary day-to-day leader at the customer site, the Shop Supervisor builds a high-performing team through coaching, training, performance management, employee engagement, and continuous improvement. The role works closely with customers, operations leadership, maintenance personnel, and support functions to deliver MINTEQ products and services safely, efficiently, and in accordance with customer expectations. Work takes place in industrial manufacturing and steel mill environments, with exposure to heat, dust, noise, moving equipment, and varying weather conditions. Travel may be required to customer sites, regional operations, training programs, leadership meetings, audits, and operational support assignments. Employees must comply with PPE and safety requirements. This role is safety sensitive; candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen, including THC testing, and are subject to random testing.

Requirements

Minimum five years of experience in refractory services, steel manufacturing, industrial operations, maintenance, or related heavy manufacturing environments.
High school diploma or GED required.
Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and lead employees in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capabilities.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, equipment manuals, and operational data.
Strong organizational, planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.
Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, reporting systems, and operational software applications.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for THC, and be subject to random testing.
Must comply with applicable PPE and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of supervisory, team lead, or leadership experience.
Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, PDCA, root cause analysis, or Operational Excellence principles.
Technical, vocational, or industry-specific certifications.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise, coach, mentor, and develop shop and field employees; conduct performance discussions and provide feedback.
Support hiring, onboarding, training, cross-training, retention, employee engagement, and succession planning.
Hold employees accountable to safety, quality, attendance, productivity, and behavioral expectations; identify skill gaps and implement development plans.
Participate in investigations involving safety incidents, policy violations, attendance concerns, and employee relations matters.
Lead daily safety discussions, toolbox talks, audits, and observations; ensure compliance with customer safety requirements, company policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws.
Investigate incidents, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and track and communicate safety performance metrics and improvement opportunities.
Supervise and coordinate daily refractory service operations to meet customer production requirements.
Schedule labor resources, prioritize work, and allocate resources to meet operational demands, improve efficiency, and minimize unnecessary overtime.
Monitor production performance, equipment utilization, and service quality; coordinate emergency repairs and unplanned operational needs.
Ensure accurate production reports, service documentation, inventory transactions, and operational records.
Champion MINTEQ Operational Excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, using root cause analysis, Lean methodologies, KPIs, and action plans to address performance gaps.
Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve labor productivity, optimize inventory, and increase equipment reliability; support Kaizen events, standard work, process improvements, and best-practice sharing.
Ensure safe operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of MINTEQ-owned equipment; coordinate preventive maintenance and reliability initiatives.
Monitor equipment performance, recommend capital improvements or repairs, and ensure equipment inspection and maintenance records are completed accurately and on time.
Manage inventory control, cycle counts, min/max systems, and the handling, storage, and tracking of materials and consumables.
Monitor operating expenses and identify cost-reduction opportunities; analyze overtime, equipment costs, inventory variances, and operational expenses; support budgeting and forecasting as requested.
Serve as the primary operational contact for customer representatives and plant leadership; maintain customer relationships and resolve concerns and operational issues.
Participate in customer meetings and communicate service performance, improvement opportunities, and operational updates; identify service improvements and business growth opportunities.
Prepare and submit operational, safety, inventory, labor, overtime, and Operational Excellence reports; maintain employee training and qualification records.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and documentation requirements, and use company systems for timekeeping, reporting, inventory management, and operational tracking.
Perform other duties as assigned; management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities.