Gearbox Assembly Supervisor

NORD Gear Corporation; Waunakee (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NORD Gear Corporation seeks a Gearbox Assembly Supervisor to lead the Gearbox Department, ensuring safe, efficient and quality assembly of gearboxes using standard methods. You will drive on-time delivery, training, and Lean improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Join a site that emphasizes continuous improvement, a strong safety culture, and a four-day workweek with a long weekend, Monday through Thursday, 2:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience with lean principles and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Gearbox Department operations to ensure safe, efficient assembly.
• Develop and train staff on JIs, 5S, and Kaizen practices.
• Coordinate with IE, Production Scheduling, and Inventory to optimize flow.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing operations

Lean manufacturing

Job Instruction (JI)

5S

Kaizen

Forklift training

Tools

JI methods

Job description

• Employee Type Full Time - Salary

Description

• Maintain departmental safety and cleanliness inspections, participate in the Safety Committee, and ensure accurate and timely completion of incident alerts.
• Complete quality issue analysis, including root-cause analysis (5 Why), participate in Quality Meetings and Quality Teams, and respond to all QNs assigned to the area within the required timeframe.
• Work with the Quality Department and parent company to ensure customer-oriented continuous improvement is facilitated, including composing and conducting quality audits.
• Actively participate in employee retention improvement and turnover reduction programs, along with leading interviews and submitting payroll for the department.
• Continuously improve the organizational structure to achieve sales growth and company objectives for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity, along with timely completion of corrective actions.
• Maintain and procure all required assets for the department to achieve goals in conjunction with the Industrial Engineering (IE) Department and actively participate in improvement walks.
• Actively participate in the company’s suggestion, quality, efficiency, and cost-saving programs and provide support for developing the strategic direction of the Gearbox Department at NORD.
• Draft and edit Job Instructions (JIs) for approval in accordance with global standards. Ensure proper use of JIs and completion of required JI retraining.
• Develop training plans for the assembly of gearboxes, implement training, and maintain training logs, including forklift training.
• Conduct meetings, including Kaizen and accountability meetings; complete all standard work procedures; communicate effectively across shifts; and coordinate maintenance needs, including entering tickets and supporting projects.
• Optimize product flow and productivity through supervision and employee assignments to meet or exceed on-time delivery expectations, while developing Leads to do the same.
• Work with Production Scheduling, Customer Logistics, and Inventory to maintain a high percentage of on-time order shipments.
• Create a motivated workforce and a climate of inclusiveness for all employees.
• Ensure all company policies, procedures, and practices are followed, including ISO, Human Resources, Safety, and other applicable requirements.
• Take responsibility for all Gearbox Department operations and become a subject matter expert. This includes areas such as Inputs, Bevels, Clinchers, In-Lines, Worms, customer options, Lean, maintenance, Industrial Engineering needs, and adherence to NORD global standards.
• Control costs to adhere to the current budget and provide value-added input for future-year budgets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Why Join NORD?

At NORD Gear, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on our production operations while developing employees and helping drive continuous improvement. You'll work alongside a collaborative team focused on delivering high-quality products to our customers while maintaining a safe and positive workplace.

Enjoy a consistent 4-day workweek with a 3-day weekend! This position works Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience working with assembly processes, production flow, or similar manufacturing operations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify process improvements and apply Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with quality systems, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Ability to coach, develop, and hold employees accountable while maintaining a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of safety, quality, and continuous improvement practices.
• Previous experience with Job Instruction (JI), 5S, Kaizen, or similar Lean methodologies is preferred.
• Forklift certification/training experience is a plus.

Summary

The Gearbox Assembly Supervisor is responsible for the efficient and quality assembly of NORD Gearboxes using approved NORD assembly methods and instructions in a safe, clean and well organized work environment (5S); maintaining proper product flow through the Gearbox department and meeting the department’s customers (external, gearbox assembly, and shipping) needs; ensuring all external agencies (UL, etc.) practices are followed; working with Customer Experience and Engineering to resolve work issues; identifying waste, problems with product flow or other problems within the process and solving using lean techniques – creating an environment of continuous improvement; ensuring proper training methods (JI) being utilized in the work area; maintaining adequate staffing and proper tools and equipment necessary to ensure all work can be performed in a safe and efficient manner.