After spending time gaining experience and advancing through the manufacturing career ladder, it’s normal to be motivated to take the next step in your career. When considering how to get a job as a manufacturing or production supervisor, you must be ready to take on more responsibility and oversee the staff, equipment, and procedures on the production floor.
No matter the industry you’re in, you’re tasked with improving the efficiency of work without compromising the safety of your employees or the quality of the product. Learn more about the different skills and responsibilities manufacturing supervisors must take on and how you can land this job.
What Does a Manufacturing Supervisor Do?
Depending on your industry, the role of a manufacturing supervisor may also be referred to as a production supervisor, team leader, or operations supervisor. While these titles may vary, the responsibilities and skill set required remain consistent.
Working as a manufacturing supervisor can be a challenge because they have a full plate of responsibilities. Their main task is ensuring that employees produce high-quality products and materials efficiently and effectively. Beyond that, supervisors have different duties split into two different categories: responsibility over employees and responsibility over production.
Responsibilities over employees include:
- Offer Guidance and Support: Manufacturing supervisors provide guidance, discipline, and counseling to employees as needed, creating a supportive and safe work environment. Additionally, they recommend valuable employees for promotions and raises.
- Manage Scheduling: These professionals create work schedules and maintain records to ensure efficient production processes.
- Communicate Effectively: Supervisors act as liaisons between workers and upper management, ensuring smooth communication channels within the team.
- Adhere to Strict Policies: Production supervisors must adhere to and enforce company policies and laws to ensure their workforce is operating safely.
- Handle Issues: Supervisors are responsible for handling various issues and promoting timely resolution and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities over production include:
- Oversee Production: Manufacturing supervisors are responsible for ensuring the quantity and quality of work produced in their department or facility.
- Adjust Plans If Necessary: Supervisors continuously monitor production and output levels, adjusting schedules based on budgetary allowances and time constraints to optimize productivity while staying within resource constraints.
- Optimize Techniques: To improve efficiency and quality, manufacturing supervisors utilize various production methods to achieve optimal results and meet production goals.
Benefits of Being a Manufacturing Supervisor
There are many professional and personal benefits to accepting a manufacturing supervisor job. As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reported that the median pay for production supervisors was $63,510. This is a significant raise in salary from manufacturing technicians, who, on average, earn roughly $37,930 a year. This higher income not only provides financial stability but also reflects the added responsibilities and leadership roles that come with being a manufacturing supervisor.
Along with a decrease in available manufacturing jobs and a substantial pay raise, there are additional factors that can help you advance your career in this field. Because supervisors are responsible for overseeing production processes and managing teams, they frequently engage in decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership tasks, all of which contribute to their professional growth.
Through this hands-on experience, supervisors can develop a diverse skill set encompassing managerial, communication, and organizational abilities, which are highly valued in various industries beyond manufacturing.
What Skills Must a Manufacturing Supervisor Possess?
To be a successful manufacturing supervisor, it’s important to possess various technical and soft skills. Here are a few manufacturing skills and qualities you should excel in when applying for supervisor positions:
- Planning and Coordination: These skills are crucial for organizing production schedules and ensuring that materials and equipment are available to the production team when needed.
- Problem-Solving: It’s important to know how to problem-solve so you can quickly identify and resolve any issues to keep operations running smoothly.
- Analytical Thinking: This skill is important for recognizing problems in the manufacturing process and ensuring that the team has the necessary means and equipment to address them effectively.
- Time Management: While delivering a high-quality product is important, it’s also important to remain on task. Optimizing your team’s time can help promote efficiency and focus.
- Decision-Making: This ability is necessary for making timely decisions based on careful assessment, especially when faced with pressure or uncertainty.
- Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential for providing instructions to your employees and addressing any issues efficiently.
- Good People Skills: Building strong relationships and connecting with employees is important for fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork.
By showing your dedication to your work and your employees, you will see an increase in efficiency, as well as retain valuable employees.
How to Become a Manufacturing Supervisor
To become a manufacturing supervisor, you’ll typically need several years of production experience, often within the same industry. While you may enter the field with a high school diploma and extensive work experience, others with higher education—especially in science, engineering, or business—may be favored, although exceptions exist. Some facilities may mandate additional credentials, such as a bachelor’s degree or completion of company-sponsored training courses, before promoting you to a production supervisor role.
It’s also important to connect with other professionals within your industry to find new opportunities and gain valuable insights. Additionally, continuous learning is essential. Attend workshops and take courses related to manufacturing, leadership, and your specific field. This shows employers your dedication to your career and that you’ll go above and beyond expectations.
When facing new challenges, the best way to prove your worth is by showing you’re proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn and take on new tasks. By demonstrating these qualities, you can pave the way for success in your journey to becoming a manufacturing supervisor.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and apply for a Kansas City manufacturing supervisor job, turn to our professional recruiters at Austin Nichols Technical Search. We can match you with positions that you’re qualified for and help you prepare for upcoming interviews and opportunities.
Contact us today to speak to our manufacturing recruiters in the Kansas City Metro area.
