Production Supervisor I

Rex Materials of Kansas, LLC; Kansas; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen is seeking a Shift Leader to oversee afternoon manufacturing operations in Kansas, leading a team of about 10. You will manage production schedules, equipment reliability, and secure the plant at shift end, while driving safety and quality improvements.

This role requires ILM Level 3 or equivalent, IOSH Managing Safely, and several years in supervision within manufacturing. You will collaborate with EH&S and Operations leaders on continuous improvement and compliance.

Qualifications

• ILM Level 3 or equivalent qualification.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent).
• Experience in ISO9001 certified environments.
• Min 3 years in a supervisory/management role within manufacturing.
• Min 5 years manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience in team management and performance improvement.
• Experience with lean manufacturing processes and techniques.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• First Aider certification or willingness to obtain it.
• FLT license or willingness to obtain it.
• Fire Warden certification or willingness to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shift manufacturing activities and ensure targets and quality meet standards.
• Lead and develop the shift team; monitor performance and safety.
• Maintain shift documentation, equipment logs, and incident reporting.
• Coordinate with EH&S and Operations to drive safety improvements.
• Secure plant at shift end and prepare for the next shift.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and quality.
• Manage time/attendance and handle disciplinary actions if needed.

Skills

ILM Level 3 or equivalent

IOSH Managing Safely

ISO9001 experience

Team management

Performance improvement

Lean manufacturing

IT proficiency (MS Office)

First Aider

FLT license

Fire Warden certification

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

ILM Level 5 (or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Requirements Why Work for Alkegen? Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Main Purpose of Role The Shift Leader is responsible for overseeing and managing afternoon shift operations in our manufacturing facility, with a strong emphasis on team leadership, performance management, safety compliance and operational efficiency. This role ensures production targets are met while maintaining a safe, secure, and quality-driven environment. The Shift Leader leads a team of c. 10 employees with potential to grow, oversees equipment maintenance, manages shift production schedules, and ensures the facility is secured at the end of the shift. The successful candidate will be required to work a day shift for up to 8 weeks for on-the-job training and to get to know the plant.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

Health, Safety, and Compliance

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations. Complete pre shift inspection and ensure all team members complete the (PTRA) pre task, risk assessment and pre-machine use checklist. Conduct regular safety inspections and partner with the EH&S Manager and Operations Manager on the completion and continued improvements in risk assessments. Ensure all team members follow safety protocols and use PPE as required. Support the investigation of any safety incidents on shift, reporting and documenting incidents according to company policy and initiating corrective actions. Ensure that all team members understand the zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of safety and quality standards and ensure operators are encouraged not to take short cuts. Ensure the shift always has an adequate number of first aiders, fire wardens and FLT drivers.

Operational and Shift Management

Oversee all shift manufacturing activities, ensuring that production targets and quality standards are met within schedule. Monitor workflow and implement improvements to enhance productivity and reduce lost time. Prepare and submit a detailed shift report, summarizing key metrics, production achievements, incidents, and any challenges encountered. Responsible for securing the facility at the end of the shift when required, ensuring that all equipment is properly shut down and operational areas are locked and secure or in the event of a night shift ensuring the plant is prepped for the incoming shift to maximize productivity When required to close the plant conduct a final walkthrough to confirm that all safety and security measures are in place, including locking doors, shutting off lights, and setting alarms. Ensure all shift-related documentation is accurately maintained, including equipment logs, quality checks, and incident reports. Track shift performance metrics, including production output, quality, and downtime, and report trends to the Operations Manager with recommendations for improvement.

Leadership and Team Development

Lead, motivate, and develop the shift team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a positive work environment. Evaluate and reshape the existing team as needed, ensuring each team member aligns with the plant’s goals and contributes effectively. Take proactive steps to address performance issues, skill gaps, or structural adjustments and removal of single point of failures in key skills. Provide regular coaching and feedback to team members, promoting accountability, productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards. Work with the Quality Manager and Training Lead to identify and address training needs to build skills within the team. To monitor time and attendance, take necessary steps in managing the return-to-work process and any required disciplinary action including and up to final written warning stage. Conduct performance evaluations for employee, recognizing high performers and managing any performance improvement plans (PIPs). Develop and mentor a deputy to provide seamless coverage during holidays and absences, ensuring continuity in operations and supporting shift duties as needed. Identify and propose initiatives for continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and quality and employee engagement.

Quality Control and Assurance

Ensure all products manufactured on shift meet established quality standards and address any deviations promptly. Work closely with the Quality team to perform quality checks and implement corrective actions to prevent future quality issues. Encourage a quality-first mindset among all team members and provide guidance on quality standards and procedures.

Resource and Equipment Management

Ensure all equipment is in good working order, and report or arrange maintenance for any issues promptly. Work closely with the maintenance team to minimize downtime. Manage inventory levels of raw materials and supplies, ensuring adequate resources are available for continuous production. Prepare for the incoming shift, ensuring things such as moving work in progress to the next process, providing trolleys, trays and PPE and the printing of works orders for the incoming shift.

Employee Engagement and Morale

Foster an inclusive, positive working environment where team members feel valued and supported. Actively engage with team members, encouraging open communication and addressing any issues or concerns promptly. Organize team briefings or check-ins to communicate shift goals, updates, and provide a forum for employee feedback. Take an active role in improving employee engagement with the goal of improving moral and making positive changes to the plant’s employee survey score.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• ILM Level 3 or equivalent qualification
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent qualification)
• Demonstratable Experience of working within an ISO9001 certified business
• A minimum of 3 years in a supervisory/management role within manufacturing.
• A minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience
• Proven experience in team management and performance improvement, with the ability to motivate, develop, and retain team members in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstratable experience in setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and managing performance improvement processes and conduct disciplinary hearings up to written warning stage and managing absence.
• Demonstratable experience of lean manufacturing processes and techniques
• High proficiency in IT, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• First Aider certification (or be willing to engage in the relevant training)
• To possess a FLT license or (or willing to engage in the relevant training)
• Fire Warden certification (or willing to engage in the relevant training)

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• ILM Level 5 or equivalent
• Qualified First Aider
• Qualified Fire Warden
• Valid Folk Lift Truck License NEBOSHH Certificate 1st Shift Hours: M-TH 5:00AM - 3:30PM

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.

Alkegen is a specialty materials leader serving mission-critical systems that the world is focused on for the future, including: battery technologies, electric vehicles, filtration media, and specialty insulation materials that enable customers to reduce fossil fuel consumption, save energy, and live greener. We help people breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. Our experience speaks for itself. We are a vertically integrated manufacturer with the global reach and talent to solve your most demanding applications. With 60 manufacturing facilities and 9,000+ highly skilled employees located around the world, we can solve any challenge. Dedicated to sustainability and human health, we are uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.