Production Supervisor

The Planet Group; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is recruiting for an Abrasives Department Lead in Detroit, MI. You will oversee daily operations, coordinate production schedules, and drive improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency within the Abrasives Department.

You will lead and develop department staff, manage materials, troubleshoot issues, and ensure alignment with customer requirements and specifications. This role requires strong math, planning, and communication skills and a hands-on leadership approach.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in a manufacturing environment with at least two years in supervisory or leadership roles.
• Experience in abrasive manufacturing, diamond tooling, material mixing/formulation preferred.
• Strong mathematics proficiency and good communication and computer skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and workflow within the Abrasives Department.
• Lead, train, coach, and support department employees to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities based on customer requirements and production schedules.
• Ensure raw materials, including bond, diamonds, and other materials, are properly handled, measured, and processed per specs.
• Monitor production processes for consistency, quality, and accuracy.
• Troubleshoot production and material issues and work with management on solutions.
• Monitor department supplies and inventory; communicate shortages to management.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Generate in-process and replenishment work orders.
• Create designs for new stone configurations and update Technical Specification Sheets.
• Oversee and control documents driving sinter press processes; train Sinter Press Operators.

Skills

Mathematics

Communication

Mechanical aptitude

Computer skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Technical educationPreferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

The Abrasives Department Lead

responsible for overseeing daily operations and workflow within the Abrasives Department to ensure production goals, quality standards, and customer requirements are consistently met. This role leads and develops department employees, coordinates production schedules, ensures proper handling and processing of raw materials and drives continuous improvement across safety, quality, efficiency, and documentation practices.

Base Pay: $35-$40/hr

Overtime: Paid at 1.5x, As needed

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations and workflow within the Abrasives Department.
• Lead, train, coach, and support department employees to ensure production goals and quality standards are met.
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities-based customer requirements and production schedules.
• Ensure raw materials, including bond, diamonds, and other materials, are properly handled measured, mixed (using weight scales), and processed according to established specifications and procedures.
• Monitor production processes to ensure consistency, quality and accuracy.
• Troubleshoot production and material related issues and work with employees and management to find effective solutions.
• Monitor department supplies, materials, and inventory needs and communicate shortages or concerns to management.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
• Generate in-process work orders.
• Enter new work orders based on sales orders.
• Review replenishment reports – Abrasives (below min quantities).
• Generate in-process work orders based on Tooling Rework requests.
• Creating designs for new stone configurations.
• Updating Technical Specification Sheets (i.e., bond type, crystal type, pressure type, density type, etc.).
• Oversee and control documents that drive the sinter press process.
• Training Sinter Press Operators.
• Sinter Press Calibration.
• Scheduling the daily workflow.
• Sintering – slotted stones, hard stones, small sticks, high scrap jobs.

Machines in the Abrasive Department

• Metallurgical Abrasive Saws
• Wide-Belt Deburring and Finishing Machines
• Dust Collection Systems

Required:

• High School diploma or GED required. Technical, vocational, or manufacturing related education is preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training, and hands‑on experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience in abrasive manufacturing, diamond tooling, material mixing/formulation, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, with strong communication and mechanical, and computer skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to understand and troubleshoot manufacturing processes.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple production requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively with management and other departments.
• Ability to work independently while also being team-oriented leader.