Manufacturing Supervisor

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Ohio Art is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Supervisor to lead a high-performance can manufacturing operation within a unionized environment. This role will oversee approximately 40–50 hourly employees and will play a key role in balancing operational excellence with a strong, people-first culture.

The ideal candidate is a floor-focused leader who can effectively manage production, support employees, and work collaboratively within the framework of a collective bargaining agreement. This position will also have the opportunity to expand into oversight of the lithography department as operations grow.

Requirements

JOB SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will bring a balanced combination of leadership, operational expertise, and union environment experience. This includes the ability to lead and motivate a diverse hourly workforce, effectively apply and interpret collective bargaining agreements, and navigate employee relations with professionalism and consistency. Strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making are essential, along with the ability to manage production demands, analyze performance data, and drive continuous improvement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a hands-on leadership style, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain accountability while fostering a respectful, people-first workplace culture. Experience in metals or packaging manufacturing, familiarity with ISO systems, and comfort working in a union facility are strongly preferred.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner

Creativity – Ability to deviate from standardized work and establish new process and procedures 

Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs and requests, solicits feedback, and meets commitments

Organization - Prioritizes and uses time efficiently, requiring limited supervision. 

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy through thoroughness and strong attention to detail.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and is able to work with unexpected delays or events

Dependability – Consistently at work and on time, responds to management instructions, and solicits feedback to improve performance

Safety and Security – Complies with all Corporate Safety and Security procedures 

Team Player – Ability to apply teamwork and positive leadership qualities to promote a collaborative work environment

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership & Employee Relations

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 40–50 hourly employees in a union environment
• Foster a people-first, respectful workplace culture while maintaining accountability
• Administer and apply the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) consistently and fairly
• Partner with HR and union representatives to address employee concerns, grievances, and workplace issues
• Conduct performance discussions, coaching, and  corrective action in alignment with company policy and the CBA
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and  development 

Union Partnership

• Maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship with union leadership and stewards
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of contract language
• Participate in grievance investigations and support resolution processes
• Support a positive labor-management relations focused on communication and mutual respect 

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, company policies, and contractual safety provisions
• Lead safety audits, and incident investigations
• Hold team members accountable to safe work  practices and procedures 

Production & Operations

• Oversee daily operations to meet production, quality, and efficiency goals
• Manage workforce planning, scheduling, and job assignments in accordance with seniority and contract requirements
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including throughput, scrap, downtime, and labor efficiency
• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, and planning to ensure smooth operations

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure adherence to all product quality standardsand customer requirements
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production or quality issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including waste reduction and process optimization
• Engage employees in problem-solving and improvement efforts

Floor Leadership & Problem Solving

• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor (50–70% of time)
• Address operational issues in real time, including staffing, equipment, and process challenges
• Provide clear direction and support to employees to meet daily goals

Future Scope (Growth Opportunity)

• Potential to expand leadership responsibilities into lithography operations, including coordination of production flow, print quality, and cross-functional alignment

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

· 3–5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing or industrial operations

· Experience working in a unionized environment

· Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and grievance processes

· Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills

· Ability to balance employee advocacy with operational accountability

PREFERRED

· Experience in metal packaging, can manufacturing, or lithography/printing

· Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience (Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.)

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Operations, or related field

Work Environment & Expectations

· Fast-paced, industrial manufacturing setting

· Significant time spent on the production floor

· Ability to work flexible schedules, including off-shifts, weekends, or extended hours as needed

· Hands-on leadership approach required

What Sets This Role Apart

· Opportunity to help build and shape a growing can manufacturing operation

· Leadership role within a union environment that values collaboration and respect

· Clear path for expanded responsibility, including lithography oversight

· Strong emphasis on people-first leadership and culture development, not just production output