Operations Supervisor

Design Hire LLC; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Hire is recruiting on behalf of a confidential client for an Operations Supervisor in Portland, OR to lead the operation and maintenance of critical utility and process systems. You will supervise a team of Operations Technicians, oversee system monitoring, perform preventive maintenance, read P&IDs, and ensure safety and compliance across shifts while driving continuous improvement.

Candidates should have an associate degree in a STEM field and 3–5 years in industrial operations, with

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a STEM or technical discipline required (or equivalent combination of education and experience); Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in industrial operations, utilities, water treatment, or facility maintenance, including supervisory or lead experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop a team in a technical/industrial environment.
• Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO), ion exchange, filtration systems, water chemistry, and related treatment technologies.
• Experience using laboratory or process instrumentation and basic PLC troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, instrumentation diagrams, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Strong working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), job hazard analysis (JHA), chemical safety procedures, and 5S workplace practices, with ability to enforce compliance across a team.
• Experience handling industrial chemicals and overseeing safe operation of chemical feed or storage systems.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and other schedules to support continuous operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Operations Technicians, including shift scheduling, task assignment, and performance management.
• Oversee the operation and monitoring of utility systems to ensure consistent equipment performance and system reliability.
• Lead preventive maintenance, equipment calibration, and mechanical troubleshooting on process equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Review sampling, testing, and operational data to identify trends, ensure accuracy, and drive corrective actions in response to alarms or deviations.
• Ensure execution of startup, shutdown, and standard operating procedures across shifts while enforcing compliance with environmental and workplace safety requirements.
• Train, mentor, and develop team members on technical procedures, safety protocols, and operational best practices.
• Maintain and audit maintenance records, inventory levels, and technical documentation; lead continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a point of escalation for operational issues and coordinate with other departments/shifts to ensure smooth handoffs and continuity of operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Operations oversight

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree in STEM or technical discipline

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

RO/water treatment knowledge

Instrumentation & PLC troubleshooting

P&IDs interpretation

Job description

Portland, United States | Posted on 07/31/2026

Design Hire is recruiting on behalf of a confidential client seeking an Operations Supervisor to lead the operation and maintenance of critical utility and process systems. This position offers the opportunity to oversee a team working with advanced equipment, drive technical and operational excellence, and play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient facility operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Operations Technicians, including shift scheduling, task assignment, and performance management.
  
• Oversee the operation and monitoring of utility systems to ensure consistent equipment performance and system reliability.
  
• Lead preventive maintenance, equipment calibration, and mechanical troubleshooting efforts on process equipment and supporting infrastructure.
  
• Review sampling, testing, and operational data to identify trends, ensure accuracy, and drive corrective actions in response to alarms or deviations.
  
• Ensure execution of startup, shutdown, and standard operating procedures across shifts while enforcing compliance with environmental and workplace safety requirements.
  
• Train, mentor, and develop team members on technical procedures, safety protocols, and operational best practices.
  
• Maintain and audit maintenance records, inventory levels, and technical documentation; lead continuous process improvement initiatives.
  
• Serve as a point of escalation for operational issues and coordinate with other departments/shifts to ensure smooth handoffs and continuity of operations.
  

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a STEM or technical discipline required(or equivalent combination of education and experience); Bachelor's degree preferred.
  
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in industrial operations, utilities, water treatment, or facility maintenance, including prior experience in a supervisory or lead role.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop a team in a technical or industrial environment.
  
• Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO), ion exchange, filtration systems, water chemistry, and related treatment technologies.
  
• Experience using laboratory or process instrumentation and basic PLC troubleshooting.
  
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, instrumentation diagrams, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals.
  
• Strong working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), job hazard analysis (JHA), chemical safety procedures, and 5S workplace practices, with the ability to enforce compliance across a team.
  
• Experience handling industrial chemicals and overseeing safe operation of chemical feed or storage systems.
  
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and other schedules required to support continuous operations, and to lead teams across varying shift schedules.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affimative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility:

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.