Production Supervisor

Komatsu America Corp.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k / Employee savings programs

Employee time off (vacation & holidays

Employee and family assistance plans

Disability benefits

Life insurance

Employee learning and development

Job summary

Komatsu America Corp. in Milwaukee seeks a Production Supervisor to lead daily manufacturing operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost. You will supervise hourly staff, read engineering drawings, and coordinate production to meet customer delivery expectations.

The role requires progressive manufacturing experience, supervisory background, and strong communication. You will reinforce standard work and partner with maintenance, quality, HR, and other teams to drive

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 2 years in a team lead or supervisory role.
• Experience supervising hourly manufacturing staff.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and support diverse production areas.
• Strong communication, coaching and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities to meet delivery and safety goals.
• Supervise and coach a team of skilled hourly employees.
• Promote a Zero Harm safety culture with meetings and audits.
• Ensure equipment and lines operate efficiently with cross-functional partners.
• Monitor workflow, remove barriers, and coordinate resources.
• Ensure standard work is documented, followed and improved.
• Manage timekeeping, attendance and overtime via timekeeping systems.

Skills

Team leadership

Safety leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Workforce/timekeeping systems

Job description

Onsite or Remote: Onsite Position

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement. This role supervises a team of skilled hourly employees, coordinates production to meet customer delivery expectations, ensures equipment and production flow are operating efficiently, and reinforces standard work across the department.

The position also supports employee relations, time and attendance, overtime management, safety meetings and audits, and performance accountability. The ideal candidate brings progressive manufacturing experience, supervisory or team lead background, strong communication skills, and the ability to read engineering drawings and support operations involving welding, cutting, remanufacturing, assembly, or heavy equipment production.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities to meet customer delivery requirements while driving performance against safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement goals.
• Supervise, coach, and support a team of skilled hourly employees, including machinists, welders, mechanics, electricians, assemblers, or other production team members.
• Promote and maintain a Zero Harm safety culture by conducting safety meetings, completing safety audits, addressing unsafe conditions, and reinforcing safe work practices.
• Ensure production lines, equipment, and machinery are operating efficiently by partnering with maintenance, engineering, quality, and other support departments.
• Monitor daily workflow, remove barriers, and coordinate resources to support consistent production output and operational efficiency.
• Ensure standard work is documented, followed, audited, and continuously improved across the department.
• Manage employee timekeeping, attendance, vacation requests, absence tracking, and overtime through Workforce Management systems.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive manufacturing experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years of team lead, supervisory, or related leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or supporting skilled hourly employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production flow, safety expectations, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.
• Ability to lead daily production activities with limited supervision while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication, coaching, problem-solving, and employee relations skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and workforce/timekeeping systems.
• Ability to partner effectively with HR, Quality, Maintenance, Production Control, Purchasing, Engineering, and other support teams.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and reinforcing safety policies, procedures, PPE requirements, and standard work expectations.

Additional Information

• Support employee relations by providing timely communication, coaching, feedback, recognition, and corrective action when appropriate.
• Partner cross-functionally with Human Resources, Quality, Production Control, Purchasing, Maintenance, and Accounting to resolve issues and support business needs.
• Requisition materials and supplies needed for production, including paint, grease, cutting oils, saw blades, cutting tools, and other department resources.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, production requirements, and work instructions to support accurate and efficient manufacturing execution.
• Drive morale, accountability, and engagement by creating a respectful, productive, and team-oriented work environment.

Safety

• Lead by example in promoting a safety-first culture across the production floor, ensuring employees understand and follow all safety policies, procedures, PPE requirements, and work rules.
• Reinforce Komatsu’s commitment to safety by actively identifying hazards, addressing unsafe behaviors, and supporting corrective actions before incidents occur.
• Conduct regular shop-floor observations, safety conversations, and employee check-ins to ensure safe work practices are being followed consistently.
• Ensure team members are properly trained on job-specific safety requirements, equipment use, material handling, crane/forklift awareness, lockout/tagout expectations, and other critical safety procedures.
• Partner with Safety, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and HR to investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions, while supporting root cause analysis and prevention efforts.
• Hold employees accountable for working safely, following standard work, reporting hazards, and stopping work when conditions are unsafe.

Company Benefits

Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.

• 401k and/or employee savings programs
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
• Employee and family assistance programs
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions.We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for our customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company’s founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society. Learn more at www.komatsu.com .

EEO Statement

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.