Production Shift Leader

Johnson Electric; Stratford; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Electric in Stratford, ON is seeking a Production Shift Leader to oversee high-volume manufacturing operations and coordinate supervisors and staff.

You will lead with a focus on safety, quality, delivery and continuous improvement, ensuring efficient, compliant production and employee engagement. The role requires strong leadership, Lean knowledge and the ability to drive improvements across multiple shifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or college diploma in Manufacturing, Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead production activities with clear priorities around safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Coordinate the work of Production Supervisors and employees across assigned manufacturing areas.
• Support Production Supervisors in resolving quality issues, prioritizing production lines, and managing staffing shortages.
• Adjust staffing assignments based on production schedules, operational priorities, and job-completion requirements.
• Provide operational coverage during vacations, staffing shortages, and overtime requirements.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for production questions, issues, and concerns.
• Interpret and enforce company policies, safety requirements, operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Champion safety protocols and participate in improvements to workplace safety standards.
• Ensure supervisors promptly report and investigate safety incidents.
• Verify that safety records, incident reports, and related documentation are completed accurately.
• Ensure production equipment operates safely and efficiently.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Fluid Technicians to support equipment uptime and reliability.
• Monitor production schedules and estimate labor and resource requirements.
• Coordinate activities across production departments and manufacturing areas.
• Communicate operational updates to Focus Factory Leaders, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Materials teams.
• Analyze production problems and support supervisors and employees in implementing practical solutions.
• Recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, product quality, and operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity while maintaining compliance with established standards.
• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives aligned with customer and company requirements.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, 5S, standardized work, and team-based problem-solving.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to plant management regarding operational performance.
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, and fair and consistent treatment.
• Lead team-building activities and encourage employee participation.
• Assist supervisors in setting objectives and clarifying responsibilities.
• Motivate production teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Represent management professionally when interacting with employees, colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Production leadership

People management

Safety

Quality

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Continuous improvement

Education

University degree or college diploma in Manufacturing, Operations Management, Engineering, Business

Job description

Join Our Team as a Production Shift Leader at Johnson Electric!

Location: Stratford, ON (onsite)
Salary Range: $80-85K annually
Vacancy Type: Existing Position
Schedule: Days, afternoons, nights, or continental shifts

As our next Production Shift Leader, you’ll oversee production systems and coordinate supervisors and employees engaged in high-volume manufacturing operations. Your expertise in production leadership, people management, safety, quality, and continuous improvement will be essential to achieving operational targets while maintaining a safe, efficient, and collaborative workplace.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Leadership Development: Strengthen your leadership capabilities while directing supervisors and production teams
• Collaborative Culture: Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Materials, and plant leadership
• Employee Empowerment: Help employees take ownership of safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement
• Recognition Programs: Be recognized for your contributions to operational performance and team development
• Career Advancement: Explore opportunities to advance within manufacturing and operations leadership

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead production activities with clear priorities around safety, quality, delivery, and productivity
• Coordinate the work of Production Supervisors and employees across assigned manufacturing areas
• Support Production Supervisors in resolving quality issues, prioritizing production lines, and managing staffing shortages
• Adjust staffing assignments based on production schedules, operational priorities, and job-completion requirements
• Provide operational coverage during vacations, staffing shortages, and overtime requirements
• Serve as the first point of escalation for production questions, issues, and concerns
• Interpret and enforce company policies, safety requirements, operating procedures, and work instructions
• Champion safety protocols and participate in improvements to workplace safety standards
• Ensure supervisors promptly report and investigate safety incidents
• Verify that safety records, incident reports, and related documentation are completed accurately
• Ensure production equipment operates safely and efficiently
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Fluid Technicians to support equipment uptime and reliability
• Monitor production schedules and estimate labor and resource requirements
• Coordinate activities across production departments and manufacturing areas
• Communicate operational updates to Focus Factory Leaders, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Materials teams
• Analyze production problems and support supervisors and employees in implementing practical solutions
• Recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, product quality, and operating procedures
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity while maintaining compliance with established standards
• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives aligned with customer and company requirements
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, 5S, standardized work, and team-based problem-solving
• Provide feedback and recommendations to plant management regarding operational performance
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, and fair and consistent treatment
• Lead team-building activities and encourage employee participation
• Assist supervisors in setting objectives and clarifying responsibilities
• Motivate production teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals
• Represent management professionally when interacting with employees, colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• University degree or college diploma in Manufacturing, Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field is an asset
• At least five years of experience in a supervisory or manufacturing leadership role
• At least ten years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferably automotive
• Strong understanding of production processes and manufacturing operations
• Proven experience managing production teams and operational performance
• Strong people-management and performance-management capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop supervisors and production employees
• Strong team-building skills with the ability to improve employee engagement
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, and progressive manufacturing practices
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and experience developing corrective action plans
• Strong numerical and analytical abilities
• Ability to identify logical and practical solutions to production challenges
• Understanding of customer expectations, delivery requirements, and the cost of poor quality
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements
• Knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety requirements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in changing operational conditions
• First Aid certification or willingness to complete the required training
• Availability to work overtime when required

Bonus Points If You Have

• Automotive or powder-metal manufacturing experience
• Experience leading multiple supervisors across different production departments
• Formal education in Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Engineering
• Experience working within ISO-certified manufacturing systems
• Formal Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training
• Experience improving production efficiency, equipment performance, and employee engagement
• Experience managing staffing requirements across rotating or continental shifts
• Experience supporting safety investigations and corrective actions
• Advanced Microsoft Excel or manufacturing-reporting experience

Key Competencies

• Production leadership
• Safety management
• People and performance management
• Team developmentEmployee engagement
• Analytical thinking
• Structured problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Communication and influence
• Planning and priority management
• Continuous improvement
• Customer focus
• Accountability and results orientation
• Adaptability and resilience

Work Environment

• Approximately 20% of work performed in an office environment
• Majority of the role performed on the production floor
• Fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment
• Exposure to production noise and variable temperatures, including extreme heat
• Regular standing and walking throughout production areas
• Occasional lifting may be required
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Work schedules may include days, afternoons, nights, or continental shifts
• Overtime may be required based on operational needs

What We Offer

Johnson Electric offers talented people like you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, surrounded by some of the most dedicated, innovative, and entrepreneurial colleagues you will find anywhere. We offer competitive pay and benefits, along with a culture driven by our values and designed to ensure that our most important asset, our people, can flourish.

Johnson Electric welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in any stage of the selection process.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Johnson Electric is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require accommodation during the recruitment process.

Please note: Johnson Electric may use Artificial Intelligence tools as part of our recruitment process.

_ Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team _

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.