Supervisor, Production I

ALKEGEN • Council Grove, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us! The Shift Leader is responsible for overseeing and managing afternoon shift operations in our manufacturing facility, with a strong emphasis on team leadership, performance management, safety compliance and operational efficiency. This role ensures production targets are met while maintaining a safe, secure, and quality-driven environment. The Shift Leader leads a team of c. 10 employees with potential to grow, oversees equipment maintenance, manages shift production schedules, and ensures the facility is secured at the end of the shift. The successful candidate will be required to work a day shift for up to 8 weeks for on-the-job training and to get to know the plant.

Requirements

• ILM Level 3 or equivalent qualification
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent qualification)
• Demonstratable Experience of working within an ISO9001 certified business
• A minimum of 3 years in a supervisory/management role within manufacturing.
• A minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience
• Proven experience in team management and performance improvement, with the ability to motivate, develop, and retain team members in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstratable experience in setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and managing performance improvement processes and conduct disciplinary hearings up to written warning stage and managing absence.
• Demonstratable experience of lean manufacturing processes and techniques
• High proficiency in IT, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• First Aider certification (or be willing to engage in the relevant training)
• To possess a FLT license or (or willing to engage in the relevant training)
• Fire Warden certification (or willing to engage in the relevant training)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• ILM Level 5 or equivalent
• Qualified First Aider
• Qualified Fire Warden
• Valid Folk Lift Truck License
• NEBOSHH Certificate

Responsibilities

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Complete pre shift inspection and ensure all team members complete the (PTRA) pre task, risk assessment and pre-machine use checklist.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and partner with the EH&S Manager and Operations Manager on the completion and continued improvements in risk assessments.
• Ensure all team members follow safety protocols and use PPE as required.
• Support the investigation of any safety incidents on shift, reporting and documenting incidents according to company policy and initiating corrective actions.
• Ensure that all team members understand the zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of safety and quality standards and ensure operators are encouraged not to take short cuts.
• Ensure the shift always has an adequate number of first aiders, fire wardens and FLT drivers.
• Oversee all shift manufacturing activities, ensuring that production targets and quality standards are met within schedule.
• Monitor workflow and implement improvements to enhance productivity and reduce lost time.
• Prepare and submit a detailed shift report, summarizing key metrics, production achievements, incidents, and any challenges encountered.
• Responsible for securing the facility at the end of the shift when required, ensuring that all equipment is properly shut down and operational areas are locked and secure or in the event of a night shift ensuring the plant is prepped for the incoming shift to maximize productivity.
• When required to close the plant conduct a final walkthrough to confirm that all safety and security measures are in place, including locking doors, shutting off lights, and setting alarms.
• Ensure all shift-related documentation is accurately maintained, including equipment logs, quality checks, and incident reports.
• Track shift performance metrics, including production output, quality, and downtime, and report trends to the Operations Manager with recommendations for improvement.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the shift team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a positive work environment.
• Evaluate and reshape the existing team as needed, ensuring each team member aligns with the plant’s goals and contributes effectively.
• Take proactive steps to address performance issues, skill gaps, or structural adjustments and removal of single point of failures in key skills.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback to team members, promoting accountability, productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Work with the Quality Manager and Training Lead to identify and address training needs to build skills within the team.
• To monitor time and attendance, take necessary steps in managing the return-to-work process and any required disciplinary action including and up to final written warning stage.
• Conduct performance evaluations for employee, recognizing high performers and managing any performance improvement plans (PIPs).
• Develop and mentor a deputy to provide seamless coverage during holidays and absences, ensuring continuity in operations and supporting shift duties as needed.
• Identify and propose initiatives for continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and quality and employee engagement.
• Ensure all products manufactured on shift meet established quality standards and address any deviations promptly.
• Work closely with the Quality team to perform quality checks and implement corrective actions to prevent future quality issues.
• Encourage a quality-first mindset among all team members and provide guidance on quality standards and procedures.
• Ensure all equipment is in good working order, and report or arrange maintenance for any issues promptly.
• Work closely with the maintenance team to minimize downtime.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials and supplies, ensuring adequate resources are available for continuous production.
• Prepare for the incoming shift, ensuring things such as moving work in progress to the next process, providing trolleys, trays and PPE and the printing of works orders for the incoming shift.
• Foster an inclusive, positive working environment where team members feel valued and supported.
• Actively engage with team members, encouraging open communication and addressing any issues or concerns promptly.
• Organize team briefings or check-ins to communicate shift goals, updates, and provide a forum for employee feedback.
• Take an active role in improving employee engagement with the goal of improving moral and making positive changes to the plant’s employee survey score.

Benefits

• We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.
• Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.
• Alkegen is a specialty materials leader serving mission-critical systems that the world is focused on for the future, including: battery technologies, electric vehicles, filtration media, and specialty insulation materials that enable customers to reduce fossil fuel consumption, save energy, and live greener.
• We help people breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.
• Our experience speaks for itself.
• We are a vertically integrated manufacturer with the global reach and talent to solve your most demanding applications.
• With 60 manufacturing facilities and 9,000+ highly skilled employees located around the world, we can solve any challenge.
• Dedicated to sustainability and human health, we are uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed