Lean Manufacturing Supervisor — Fiber Optics

SCHOTT; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SCHOTT in the United States (MA/Southbridge) seeks a hands‑on Supervisor to lead a manufacturing team across shifts, drive Lean improvements, and ensure on‑time production with quality. You will oversee direct reports, manage resources, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales, and Engineering to implement new processes.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in manufacturing supervision, a BS in mechanical engineering or related field, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum five (5) years related supervisory or engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of fiber optic material and/or finishing technologies preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Effective communication skills: listening, writing, speaking and oral presentations.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the activity of direct reports within the same department.
• Provides first level supervision for assigned department(s) including attaining production schedules and maintaining process control to produce the quality and the quantity of products required.
• Encourages the use of Lean principles and leads by example.
• Supervises activities of department personnel in collaboration with department group leaders.
• Maintains an adequate supply of materials and tooling.
• Maintains process controls and attains weekly production schedules.
• Works with Manufacturing Manager, Production Control, Sales, Shift Supervisors, Customer Service and Engineering in establishing new processes and/or improvements.
• Conducts daily shop floor management meetings (Level 2 or 3) and monthly departmental cell meetings.
• Follows up on actions required.
• Promotes culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Utilizes PSO concepts along with action plans that describe who, what, where and when; obtains the resources or support for the program or project.
• Monitors material quality of finished product; correlates material defects and recommends corrective action.
• Ensures that assigned employees receive all job‑related training and maintains a training matrix for use in making job assignments.
• Assists in budgeting processes and is responsible for budget control within assigned departments.
• Evaluates individual performance against department goals and objectives and provides an annual performance review for each employee.
• Assures compliance with all company policies and procedures including safety rules and regulations.
• Assures compliance with specified production methods, processes and procedures.
• Ensures that the responsibility for product quality and productivity is driven down to the lowest level of the organization utilizing PSO concepts.
• Ensures that direct labor reporting, record keeping and indirect labor are accurately reported on a daily basis.
• Utilizes process capability knowledge to reduce cycle times and to estimate cycle times and yields for quotation purposes.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

English fluency

Analytical thinking

Manufacturing experience

MS Office

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SCHOTT in the United States (MA/Southbridge) seeks a hands‑on Supervisor to lead a manufacturing team across shifts, drive Lean improvements, and ensure on‑time production with quality. You will oversee direct reports, manage resources, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales, and Engineering to implement new processes.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in manufacturing supervision, a BS in mechanical engineering or related field, and strong communication skills.