Production Supervisor

KMT Waterjet; Baxter Springs (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

KMT Waterjet in Baxter Springs is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead operations teams. The role ensures safe practices, productivity, and quality targets in manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, experience in managing teams, and the ability to drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include supervising daily production schedules, mentoring Team Leaders, and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Competitive wages and opportunities for career growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Experience in change management and process optimization is a plus.
• Proficiency in problem-solving methodologies like Lean Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise operations personnel for safe and productive operations.
• Enforce safety protocols and company policies.
• Develop and coach Team Leaders to strengthen frontline capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Team Development

Data Analysis

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing-related Software

Job description

About SHAPE – SHAPE is a strategic network of companies offering high‑pressure waterjet cutting, cleaning, and surface preparation solutions worldwide.

Summary

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading frontline operations teams to safely achieve production, warehousing, quality, cost, and efficiency targets in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and directly supervise operations personnel to ensure safe, disciplined, and productive operations. Maintain a strong presence on the floor, set expectations, and hold teams accountable for safety, quality, and output.
• Uphold and enforce all safety protocols, company policies, work standards, and quality requirements. Champion a zero‑incident safety culture and ensure full compliance with operational best practices.
• Execute daily production schedules and manage workflow in coordination with the Production Scheduler. Balance labor, machines, and priorities to meet customer, delivery, and efficiency targets.
• Develop, coach, and mentor Team Leaders to strengthen frontline leadership capability. Build bench strength by improving communication, decision‑making, and accountability at the team‑lead level.
• Monitor and evaluate direct labor performance; provide real‑time coaching and corrective feedback. Use labor efficiency, earned hours, scrap, and performance data to drive improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and structured problem‑solving. Lead 5‑Why analysis, root‑cause investigations, and corrective actions to eliminate repeat issues.
• Drive compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS). Ensure processes, documentation, and inspections meet internal and external quality standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to implement tooling, process improvements, and cost‑reduction initiatives. Support new tooling, design changes, and process updates that improve quality, throughput, and cost.
• Ensure proper maintenance, care, and uptime of shop equipment. Partner with Maintenance to prioritize repairs, prevent downtime, and support preventive maintenance efforts.
• Develop and deliver training plans that build a cross‑functional, high‑performing workforce. Train team members in standard work and expand skill versatility across machines and operations.
• Prepare, analyze, and review daily production, efficiency, and earned‑hours reports. Use data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations leadership. Communicate issues early, align on priorities, and drive timely resolution of production challenges.
• Other duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Ability to quickly analyze data and implement improvements that drive measurable business impact.
• Experience in change management and process optimization is a plus.
• Proficiency in problem‑solving methodologies (5 Whys, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments, including engineering, quality, and production teams.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, engineering specifications, and manufacturing workflows.
• Strong mathematical skills, including statistical analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing‑related software.
• Knowledge of process auditing techniques to ensure compliance with defined quality standards.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent supervisory and manufacturing leadership experience considered.
• Strong emphasis on growth potential, learning agility, and long‑term capability.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate hourly teams in a complex, continuous, or batch manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement tools.
• Strong understanding of safety systems, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive corrective actions.
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Willingness and ability to work off‑shifts, weekends, and/or holidays as required.

Leadership Competencies

• Results‑oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to lead change and drive performance while minimizing disruption to people and operations.
• Strong situational leadership skills and sound judgment under pressure.
• Commitment to building a culture of safety, respect, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to sit or stand for an 8+ hour shift. Lift, carry, and move 50+ pounds. Push, pull, reach, bend, and twist your body. Travel up and down stairs. Maneuver around tight equipment.