Job Description
Job Description
Lead Welding Production Operations in a Growing Manufacturing Environment
A well-established Chicago-area manufacturer is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to oversee daily manufacturing operations with a primary focus on the Weld Department, including MIG, TIG, and robotic welding processes. This onsite leadership role is responsible for driving production performance, weld quality, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing leader with experience supervising welders, managing production schedules, improving throughput, and leading Lean manufacturing initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Welding Operations
- Supervise daily manufacturing and weld shop operations
- Oversee MIG, TIG, and robotic welding production processes
- Ensure production schedules, throughput, and delivery targets are achieved
- Balance labor resources and workflow to reduce bottlenecks and downtime
- Coordinate with Planning, Quality, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues
- Monitor KPIs, including output, efficiency, scrap, rework, and on-time delivery
Quality & Compliance
- Support weld quality programs and corrective actions
- Ensure compliance with AWS, ASME, ISO, OSHA, and company standards
- Assist with first-article inspections and in-process quality checks
- Maintain production documentation and reporting records
- Support the weld process, troubleshooting, and continuous process improvement
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop welders and production employees
- Manage scheduling, attendance, overtime, and staffing needs
- Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations
- Promote accountability, teamwork, and a strong safety culture
Continuous Improvement & Safety
- Lead Lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives
- Identify opportunities to improve weld cell utilization and reduce waste
- Enforce PPE requirements and safe welding practices
- Monitor ventilation and welding safety systems
- Conduct safety meetings and address workplace hazards proactively
Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or GED
- 5+ years of manufacturing experience with strong welding operations exposure
- 2+ years of production supervisory experience
- Strong knowledge of MIG, TIG, and robotic welding
- Ability to read blueprints and interpret weld symbols
Preferred
- Technical or trade school education
- Experience in high-mix or high-volume manufacturing
- Familiarity with WPS/PQR documentation
- Experience using ERP systems and production reporting tools
- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 5S, and KPI tracking
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
- Short-Term Disability
- AFLAC Benefits
Apply Today
If you have experience leading welding production teams and improving manufacturing performance in a fabrication or industrial environment, we encourage you to apply.