Press Tech Production Supervisor - 1st Shift

Overview

• As a Press Tech Group Leader, you will be essential in ensuring efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement of our stamping operations.
• This position will be based in Ripon WI. on 1st Shift, Monday through Thursday, 5:00am to 3:00pm. There maybe a need to flex hours as needed and occasional overtime required on Fridays.

Technical Oversight

• Optimize the stamping production processes to ensure alignment with company standards and customer requirements.
• Apply expertise in tool and die basics to troubleshoot issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to enhance existing dies.

Leadership & Development

• Foster a culture of servant leadership by empowering, guiding, and mentoring team members.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and commitment to excellence in every task.
• Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions to provide feedback, set goals, and encourage professional growth.

Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles, with a specific focus on SMED, to achieve quicker and more efficient die changeovers.
• Monitor and analyze production metrics to drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preventative Maintenance

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all stamping equipment and tooling.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are documented and tracked to prevent unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to facilitate training and ensure adherence to the established maintenance schedule.

SMED Implementation

• Lead efforts to reduce die changeover times, applying SMED techniques to streamline and standardize the process.
• Train and support shop floor personnel in SMED best practices to ensure consistent and successful application.
• Evaluate and adjust approaches based on metrics and feedback to continuously improve changeover efficiency.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a safe working environment.
• Implement best practices in manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including safety, quality and tool room and maintenance to streamline operations.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment and achieve operational goals.
• Facilitate problem-solving and team decision-making to address challenges and seize opportunities.
• Interface with technical staff to ensure proper support
• Establish annual goals and objectives that support the attainment of operating metrics
• Work to continuously improve processes and reduce inventories and work in progress
• Serve as the first point of contact for employees regarding employee relations issues
• Interface with Union Stewards in contract and discipline issues
• Other duties as assigned.

Project Management

• Lead projects from conception through to implementation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met
• Develop project plans, allocate resources, and coordinate tasks across teams

Shift / Schedule Primary schedule is 1st Shift, Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM–3:00 PM; must be able to flex to all 5 shifts as needed; occasional Friday overtime required.

Must Have:- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field or equivalent relevant experience.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a stamping or manufacturing environment with leadership and process optimization responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of tool and die principles and practices.
• Demonstrated experience implementing SMED and manufacturing process optimization initiatives.
• Proven leadership experience developing and leading high-performance teams.

Nice to Have:- One to three years of experience in a medium/high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additional Information:- Location(s): Ripon, Wisconsin, USA

• Onsite / Hybrid / Remote: Onsite
• Shift or Schedule Requirements: 1st Shift; Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM–3:00 PM. Flex hours as needed with occasional Friday overtime. Must be available to support multiple shifts/days, including weekends.
• Job Grade, Reporting Context, or Other Screening-Relevant Logistics:- Supervises stamping operations.
• Leads continuous improvement, preventative maintenance, and SMED initiatives.
• Interfaces with Engineering, Quality, Safety, Tool Room, Maintenance, and Union Stewards.
• Responsible for employee relations, project leadership, and operational metrics.
• Physical requirements include prolonged standing, stooping, bending, manual dexterity, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Knowledge/Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a stamping or manufacturing environment with a focus on leadership and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of tool and die principles and practices.
• Proven experience in implementing process optimization initiatives, with specific expertise in SMED.
• Proven servant leadership skills with experience nurturing and developing high-performance teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A minimum of one to three years of experience in a medium/high volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Must be self-driven and ambitious with proven leadership capabilities, including providing coaching, mentoring and supervision within a team environment.
• Must have availability and flexibility to work a schedule that supports Team Members across multiple shifts / days of the week (including weekends).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel).
• Strong problem-solving skills, including encouraging others on your team to think proactively and create solutions.

Physical Requirements

• Stooping, bending, standing for long periods of time, manual dexterity and able to lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance.