Senior Supervisor, Production - Machine Shop 1st shift

Position Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Supervisor leads daily machine shop operations in a complex manual and CNC machining environment, including VTLs, milling, grinding, and toolmaking.

This role is responsible for workforce leadership, production execution, and continuous improvement within a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing setting.

The position requires strong technical credibility, sound judgment, and the ability to drive results through people, process, and discipline.

Key Responsibilities


* Lead, coach, and develop machinists, leads, and support staff across multiple machining disciplines.


* Plan, schedule, and execute production activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.


* Manage labor and equipment utilization, including overtime decisions, cross-training, and coverage planning.


* Provide technical leadership in machining operations, including blueprint interpretation, tooling, fixturing, and process troubleshooting.


* Successfully manage complex workflows with frequent changeovers and varied routings.


* Ensure accurate labor reporting, timekeeping, and timely completion of performance reviews.


* Address employee performance, engagement, recognition, and corrective action in alignment with company policies.


* Partner with Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Maintenance to improve productivity and manufacturability.


* Drive Operational Excellence initiatives including Lean, CI, SQDC, 6S, Flow, and Six Sigma.


* Identify and eliminate waste, improve processes, and support root cause analysis for quality or delivery issues.


* Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant machine shop environment.


* Serve as backup for Leads, Planners, or Managers and support customer or operational escalation as needed.

Required Education and Experience


* High School Diploma or GED required; technical or trade education preferred.


* 5–7 years of experience in a machine shop manufacturing environment.


* 3–5 years in a supervisory or lead role within machining operations.


* Hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining, including VTLs, milling, grinding, and/or toolmaking.


* Proven success leading teams in a low-volume, high-mix production environment.

Key Skills and Competencies


* Strong technical knowledge of machining processes and equipment.


* Effective leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.


* Strong planning, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities.


* Clear communication across shop floor and management levels.


* Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.


* Detail-oriented, results-driven, and safety-focused.