Press Tech Production Supervisor – 1st Shift
Cephas Consultancy Services Private Limited – Ripon, Wisconsin, United States.
As a Press Tech Group Leader, you will be essential in ensuring efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement of our stamping operations. This position will be based in Ripon, WI on the 1st Shift, Monday through Thursday, 5:00 am to 3:00 pm, with potential flex hours and occasional overtime on Fridays.
Responsibilities
- Technical Oversight: Optimize stamping production processes to ensure alignment with company standards and customer requirements; apply tool and die basics to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions; collaborate with engineering and design teams to enhance dies.
- Leadership & Development: Foster a culture of servant leadership by empowering, guiding, and mentoring team members; lead by example, demonstrating professionalism; conduct regular team meetings and one‑on‑one sessions for feedback, goal setting, and growth.
- Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for improvement and lead initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste; implement lean manufacturing principles, focusing on SMED for quicker die changeovers; monitor and analyze production metrics for data‑driven improvement.
- Preventative Maintenance: Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all stamping equipment and tooling; document and track maintenance activities; train teams to adhere to the maintenance schedule.
- SMED Implementation: Lead efforts to reduce die changeover times using SMED techniques; train shop floor personnel in SMED best practices; evaluate and adjust approaches based on metrics and feedback.
- Operational Excellence: Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a safe working environment; implement best practices in manufacturing to reduce waste.
- Collaboration & Communication: Coordinate with cross‑functional teams (safety, quality, toolroom, and maintenance); communicate effectively at all levels; facilitate problem‑solving and decision‑making.
- Interface with technical staff to ensure proper support; establish annual goals; work to improve processes, reduce inventories and work in progress; serve as first point of contact for employee relations; interface with union stewards on contract and discipline issues; other duties as assigned.
- Project Management: Lead projects from conception through implementation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality; develop plans, allocate resources, and coordinate tasks across teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum of 5 years in a stamping or manufacturing environment focusing on leadership and process optimization.
- Strong knowledge of tool and die principles and practices.
- Proven experience in implementing process optimization initiatives, specifically SMED.
- Proven servant leadership skills with experience nurturing high‑performance teams.
- Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Preferred: 1–3 years in a medium/high volume, fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Skills and Abilities
- Self‑driven and ambitious with proven leadership capabilities; provide coaching, mentoring, and supervision.
- Availability and flexibility to work a schedule that supports team members across multiple shifts, including weekends.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Strong problem‑solving skills; encourage proactive thinking and solution creation.
Physical Requirements
Stooping, bending, standing for long periods, manual dexterity, and ability to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance.