Job Title
Production Supervisor – Injection Molding (Automotive)
Location
Lebanon, KY
Job Summary
The Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily injection molding operations within an automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures production targets are achieved while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. The supervisor leads a team of operators and technicians and collaborates with engineering, maintenance, and quality departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily activities of injection molding production staff
- Ensure production schedules are met in alignment with customer and company requirements
- Monitor machine performance, cycle times, scrap rates, and downtime
- Troubleshoot molding process issues and implement corrective actions
- Ensure all products meet automotive quality standards and specifications
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects
- Coordinate mold changes, setups, and maintenance activities
- Enforce safety policies and ensure compliance with OSHA standards
- Train, coach, and evaluate team members
- Maintain accurate production records and reports
- Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma)
- Collaborate with quality and engineering teams to optimize processes
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Knowledge of injection molding processes and equipment
- Ability to troubleshoot molding defects
- Understanding of automotive quality systems (IATF 16949)
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
- Excellent communication and organizational abilities
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred
- 3–7+ years of injection molding or plastics manufacturing experience
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred
- Automotive industry experience strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle)
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
- Scientific molding experience
Work Environment
- Manufacturing plant setting (heat, noise, machinery)
- Standing/walking for extended periods
- Occasional lifting (25–50 lbs)
- Shift work, overtime, and weekends may be required
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Production Supervisor supervises the following team members on each shift: Team Leaders, Relief Operators, Machine Operators, Process Technicians, Mold Setters, and Material Handlers. Supervises and coordinates activities of employees engaged in molding of plastic components, operating and maintaining injection mold machines.
Other Skill Requirements
- Leadership skills and ability to motivate staff and build trust with the workforce
- Patience
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Organization
- Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality
- Ability to engage in shift work