Production Supervisor
Wichita, Kansas, US
Job ID: 16099
Alternate Locations:
Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB
Responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating production operations through the appropriate allocation of manpower, materials, and equipment to maximize safety, quality, labor efficiency, delivery, and profitability. Provides leadership and management support for all production activities during the assigned shift, driving continuous improvement, employee development, and operational excellence.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Observe and enforce all safety policies and procedures as outlined within Newell Brands' Safety Excellence and Leadership (SEAL) program.
- Drive operational excellence through the Company's Planning, Engagement, Awareness and Knowledge (PEAK) continuous improvement program.
- Personally uphold the Newell Brands Values and Code of Conduct.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment in compliance with Newell Brands' housekeeping and 6S standards.
- Lead all aspects of shift operations with a focus on safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, delivery, and profitability.
- Plan, schedule, and allocate manpower to meet production requirements while maximizing labor efficiency and minimizing overtime.
- Monitor labor performance and staffing levels, adjusting support to production demand and achieving productivity goals.
- Manage material availability and flow to ensure production lines are adequately supplied while minimizing shortages, excess inventory, and waste.
- Monitor and reduce scrap through root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure bad or nonconforming parts are identified, contained, and prevented from reaching assembly lines through effective quality controls and communication.
- Coordinate and manage color changes, mold or product changeovers, production sets, and startup activities to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
- Promote and implement Lean Manufacturing, 6S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives while coordinating with Manufacturing Engineering and supporting departments on new processes and equipment.
- Collect, analyze, and communicate daily production metrics including safety, quality, scrap, labor efficiency, downtime, and productivity performance.
- Lead daily shift meetings and ensure effective cascading communication of company objectives, safety information, operational priorities, production performance, and continuous improvement initiatives to all employees.
- Maintain accountability for achieving production schedules while meeting quality, customer service, and operational performance objectives.
- Ensure facilities, machinery, tooling, and equipment are operating safely and efficiently by coordinating corrective actions with Maintenance, Engineering, and other support departments.
- Develop employees through effective coaching, performance management, training, and cross-training to improve workforce flexibility and operational capability.
- Maintain employee skills matrices and ensure team members receive the required operational, safety, and quality training.
- Foster a positive work environment while maintaining employee engagement, accountability, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Recommend hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and termination of production personnel as necessary.
- Establish performance expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and hold employees accountable for achieving department goals.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by management.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
- Five or more years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, Continuous Improvement, and waste elimination principles.
- Working knowledge of Newell Brands' SEAL safety program and PEAK continuous improvement methodology preferred.
- Experience managing labor efficiency, production scheduling, material management, scrap reduction, quality improvement, and production performance metrics.
- Experience leading training and cross-training initiatives to improve workforce flexibility and employee development.
- Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively cascade information throughout the organization.
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, conflict resolution, and employee development skills.
- Strong planning, organizational, and project management abilities.
- Good mechanical aptitude and the ability to coordinate effectively with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships while consistently enforcing company policies and procedures.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and overtime as required to support production operations.
#LI-DM1
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.