Production Supervisor

Kalmar Inc.; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Base Salary

Eligible for Annual Bonus

Annual Salary Review & Merit Increase

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Kalmar is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead daily manufacturing operations in our assembly environment, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery. You will guide hourly associates, drive continuous improvement, and foster accountability and teamwork.

You will manage schedules, labor resources, and adherence to takt time, while coaching staff, reducing waste, and partnering with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance and Materials to optimize production.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience leading union or non-union workforces.

Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership: Promote a culture where safety is the highest priority and ensure OSHA compliance.
• Production Management: Supervise daily assembly operations to meet production schedules and optimize takt time.
• Quality: Ensure products are built to engineering specifications and drive Lean initiatives to reduce defects and waste.
• Employee Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop production associates; conduct daily shift meetings and provide feedback.
• Scheduling & Resource Management: Ensure staffing supports production requirements and coordinate with other departments.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Supervisory leadership

Union workforce experience

Education

Associate's degree in Manufacturing, Business, Engineering, or related field

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

At Kalmar, we are moving goods in critical supply chains around the world. As the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services, we set the industry benchmark for a zero-emission future. We are driven by teamwork, innovation, and taking ownership to deliver results. With our global reach and local expertise, our success starts with a strong focus on the customer, ensuring their needs guide our daily work. We are dedicated to respecting others and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, empowering us to succeed together. With us, your work has an impact. Your work moves the world!

Join us and take your career to the next level

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading and directing daily manufacturing operations within an assembly environment to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and delivery objectives are achieved. This position provides frontline leadership to hourly associates, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence. The Production Supervisor is expected to effectively manage production schedules, labor resources, quality standards, and employee development while ensuring compliance with company policies and safety regulations.

What are your key responsibilities:

Safety Leadership:

• Promote and maintain a culture where safety is the highest priority.


• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.


• Conduct daily safety meetings and toolbox talks.


• Investigate accidents, near misses, and safety concerns.


• Ensure proper PPE usage and safe work practices.


• Support ergonomic improvements and hazard elimination.

Production Management:

• Supervise daily assembly operations to meet production schedules.


• Monitor hourly production performance and adjust resources as necessary.


• Coordinate manpower to maximize productivity.


• Ensure takt time and production flow are maintained.


• Minimize downtime through rapid problem solving.


• Monitor labor efficiency and utilization.

Quality:

• Ensure products are built to engineering specifications.


• Promote "Built Right the First Time" principles.


• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions.


• Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams.


• Ensure standardized work instructions are followed.


• Drive reduction in defects and rework.


• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives.


• Support Kaizen events.


• Drive 5S implementation and sustainment.


• Identify waste and improve processes.


• Support Standard Work development.


• Promote visual management.

Employee Leadership:

• Lead, coach, and develop production associates.


• Conduct daily shift meetings.


• Provide regular feedback and coaching.


• Complete performance evaluations.


• Address attendance and disciplinary issues.


• Build employee engagement and morale.

Scheduling & Resource Management:

• Ensure staffing supports production requirements.


• Support cross-training initiatives.


• Balance workloads across production areas.


• Coordinate with Materials, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality departments.

A successful Production Supervisor consistently demonstrates the ability to lead with a strong commitment to safety, ensuring the achievement of safety objectives while striving for zero preventable injuries. They effectively manage daily operations to meet or exceed production schedules, deliver products that consistently meet customer quality expectations, and develop high-performing, engaged teams through coaching, accountability, and leadership. They are dedicated to reducing waste, improving operational efficiency, and managing labor and production costs responsibly. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, and mutual respect, the Production Supervisor supports organizational goals through proactive leadership, sound decision-making, and a relentless focus on operational excellence.

Other information:
Will work with all departments and functions locally and globally between different Kalmar sites.

What we offer you:

• Competitive Base Salary


• Eligible for Annual Bonus


• Eligible for Annual Salary Review & Performance-based Merit Increase


• Willing to assist with relocation

We offer a supportive, challenging and diverse working environment with competitive compensation and fantastic best-in-class benefits packages, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans with paid vacation and ten paid holidays. We value passion and commitment, and reward your performance. If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding career, are motivated and have a strong work ethic, and are interested in working in a world-class, global environment with state-of-the-art projects and technology then we invite you to apply for our role. Preference will be given to military veterans and those with advanced technical training and experience.

What you bring to the role:

Education:

• Associate's degree in Manufacturing, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.


• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of manufacturing experience.


• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.


• Experience in an assembly manufacturing environment is preferred.


• Experience leading union or non-union workforces.

Core Competencies:

About Kalmar

Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with the vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,300 people. In 2025, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion.www.kalmarglobal.com