Plastics Production Supervisor
Plastics Production Supervisor Job Type: Full Time (Exempt) Location: Tallapoosa, GA Reports to: Plastics Production Manager Job Summary: The Shift Supervisor leads day-to-day production activities on an assigned shift within a 24/7 plastics manufacturing operation. This role ensures safe, quality-compliant, and efficient operations by directly supervising machine operators and production staff, coordinating with other shifts for a seamless handoff, and driving continuous improvement on the production floor. Key Responsibilities • Supervise and coordinate shift activities for machine operators, technicians, and production staff to meet safety, quality, and production targets. • Assign work, monitor line performance, and troubleshoot equipment or process issues to minimize downtime. • Enforce safety policies and procedures; lead or participate in safety walks, incident investigations, and corrective actions. • Monitor product quality throughout the shift, ensuring adherence to specifications and initiating corrective action for non-conformances. • Communicate shift performance, issues, and priorities to the Plastics Production Manager and coordinate handoff information with incoming/outgoing shift supervisors. • Track and report key production metrics (uptime, scrap/waste, output, labor hours) using the plant's production tracking systems. • Train, coach, and evaluate production employees; support onboarding of new hires and cross training initiatives. • Enforce company policies, attendance standards, and performance expectations; administer corrective action as needed. • Ensure machines, molds, and work areas are properly maintained, set up, and organized (5S/housekeeping standards). • Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and materials/scheduling teams to resolve issues and support production plans. • Respond to and manage shift emergencies, equipment breakdowns, or staffing shortages as they arise. • Support continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, Kaizen, or similar) to improve safety, quality, and efficiency. Required Qualifications: • High school diploma or GED. • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory role, leading hourly production or manufacturing employees. • Experience working in a manufacturing environment. • Demonstrated ability to lead a team, resolve conflicts, and hold employees accountable to safety and performance standards. • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to relay information clearly across shifts and to management. • Proficiency with computers to utilize MS Office and ERP systems. Rev. 09/2026 • Ability to work rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required in a 24/7 operation. • Ability to stand, walk, and be present on the production floor for extended periods. Preferred Qualifications: • Some college coursework, technical certification, or associate degree (e.g., manufacturing, business, or industrial technology). • Prior experience in plastics manufacturing (injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, or similar processes). • Familiarity with plastics-specific quality standards, resin handling, or process/setup troubleshooting. • Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. • Experience leading root cause analysis (RCA) using tools such as 5Whys and implementing effective Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA). • Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments and fast-paced work environments. • Forklift certification or willingness to obtain one. Work Environment & Schedule: • This position operates within a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Shift Supervisors are assigned to a fixed day or night shift (no rotation), including weekends and holidays as required to maintain continuous coverage. • The role is based primarily on the production floor, working in proximity to industrial plastics processing equipment (e.g., injection molding or extrusion machinery), with exposure to noise, heat, and moving machinery typical of a plastics manufacturing environment. • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in designated areas. Physical Requirements: • Ability to stand and walk for the majority of a shift, including on concrete or industrial flooring. • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 – 30 lbs. • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and reach as needed to inspect equipment and product. • Ability to tolerate exposure to heat, noise, and machinery vibration typical of a plastics production floor. • Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe or safety footwear, etc.) throughout the shift. Rev. 09/2026 PId3498b9744ba-25448-41684556
