Reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Supervisor will lead day-to-day manufacturing activities, ensure targets are met and maintain safety and quality standards. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
This job description outlines the role, duties and required qualifications for a Production Supervisor in a manufacturing environment. It is designed to help HR teams and recruiters attract experienced candidates.
Production Supervisor Job Profile
The Production Supervisor oversees production lines, manages shift teams and ensures products meet specifications. They coordinate resources, monitor performance and implement improvements to meet output targets.
Working closely with maintenance, quality and planning, the supervisor ensures safe operations and promotes a culture of continuous improvement. The role demands practical manufacturing knowledge and effective people management.
Production Supervisor Job Description
The Production Supervisor is responsible for planning and organising production activities for assigned lines or cells. You will allocate work, set priorities, and balance capacity against demand while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies. You will routinely monitor production metrics, report variances and take corrective action to minimise downtime and waste.
As a frontline leader, you will coach and develop operators, conduct performance reviews and deliver on the training plan. You will liaise with quality assurance to resolve non-conformances, support root cause investigations and implement preventative measures. The role involves scheduling, basic production planning and maintaining accurate records of output, materials and labour.
You will also play an active part in continuous improvement initiatives, applying lean tools to improve flow, reduce cycle times and increase overall equipment effectiveness. Effective communication with cross-functional teams and shift handovers will be essential to maintain consistent performance and meet customer expectations.
Production Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and support production teams across shifts to meet daily and weekly targets
- Ensure adherence to health and safety policies and promote a safe working environment
- Monitor production output, quality and yield; investigate and resolve deviations
- Coordinate with maintenance to reduce downtime and support planned maintenance activities
- Implement and sustain continuous improvement and lean practices
- Train, mentor, and appraise operators and temporary staff
- Manage shift handovers and maintain accurate production records
- Work with quality teams to address defects and support corrective actions
- Control stock usage on the line and report material shortages to planning
- Ensure machines are operated safely and report issues promptly
Production Supervisor Requirements and Qualifications
- Proven experience as a supervisor in a manufacturing or production environment
- Practical understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery and safety regulations
- Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and problem-solving tools
- Strong leadership, communication and team development skills
- Ability to analyse production data and implement corrective actions
- Good IT skills, including production reporting systems and MS Office
- Flexibility to work shifts and respond to operational needs
- A relevant vocational qualification or NVQ in manufacturing or engineering is desirable
- Valid awareness of quality standards, such as ISO or industry-specific standards
