Operations Supervisor (1st Shift)

The Vollrath Company; Sheboygan (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vollrath Company is seeking an Operations Supervisor to lead a high-performing manufacturing team in Sheboygan, WI. You will drive safety, quality, and efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strong employee engagement.

You will mentor 20–25 hourly team members, conduct regular meetings, and champion lean manufacturing principles. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential to deliver results and develop others.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience directly managing people.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Operations Management or related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of 20–25 hourly team members, providing clear direction, support, and coaching.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment with open communication and mutual respect.
• Conduct regular team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
• Empower team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
• Identify and develop the skills and talents of team members.
• Ensure that all team activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and effectively.
• Monitor and analyze team performance data to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, visual management, standardized work) to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and PDCA cycles.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental regulations.
• Understand and meet the needs and expectations of both internal and external customers.
• Proactively identify and address issues.
• Utilize problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys) to address challenges and prevent recurrence.
• Encourage team members to actively participate in problem-solving activities.
• Communicate effectively with team members, peers, supervisors, and stakeholders.
• Document all relevant information clearly and concisely.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

The Operations Supervisor will lead a high-performing manufacturing team that consistently delivers high-quality products while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.

Essential Job Responsibilies

Team Leadership:

• Contributes to a culture that ensures the safety of all team members above all else.
• Lead and motivate a team of 20-25 hourly team members, providing clear direction, support, and coaching.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment where open communication and mutual respect are valued.
• Conduct regular team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
• Empower team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
• Identify and develop the skills and talents of team members.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure that all team activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and effectively.
• Monitor and analyze team performance data to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, visual management, standardized work) to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the use of tools such as Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and PDCA cycles.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental regulations.

Customer Focus

• Understand and meet the needs and expectations of both internal and external customers.
• Proactively identify and address issues.

Problem Solving

• Utilize problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys) to effectively address challenges and prevent recurrence.
• Encourage team members to actively participate in problem-solving activities.

Communication

• Effectively communicate with team members, peers, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
• Clearly and concisely document all relevant information.

Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES/DIRECT REPORTS

Yes

TRAVEL

NA

Qualifications

• One to three (1 – 3) years of experience directly managing people.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Operations Management or related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement
• Passion for developing others
• Strong work ethic and a positive attitude
• Proficiency in relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, ERP systems)

VOLLRATH'S CORE VALUES

Take Ownership: Our intention is to match our actions with our words, building trust with others. We are united in taking responsibility for the success of Vollrath as a whole.

Empower Action: Our intention is to create a workplace where every member can thrive in their growth and contributions with excitement, confidence, and psychological safety. We support each team member with resources and tools to strengthen collaboration and performance.

Treat All People with Respect: Our intention is to recognize the diverse experiences, styles, and backgrounds of others, treating everyone with dignity. We aim to foster an inclusive culture where all team members can be their authentic selves and feel safe in voicing their perspectives.

Life Beyond Work: Our intention is to care for the well-being of every individual we engage with, understanding them as a whole person. We strive to keep people mentally and physically safe, sending each person home in a condition to build a fulfilling life beyond work. We encourage balance, allowing our colleagues to pursue their passions.

Commitment to Those Who Count on Us: Our intention is to drive innovation and practical solutions through understanding the needs of our coworkers, customers, owners, and communities. We are dedicated to proactively addressing those needs and delivering results.