Production Supervisor - Lead Welding & Manufacturing Operations | McCook, IL
Job Description
Job Description
Production Supervisor – Lead Welding & Manufacturing Operations | McCook, IL
Compensation: Competitive Hourly Rate
Role Overview
A growing manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to lead daily production operations with primary oversight of welding and fabrication activities across a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This onsite leadership role is heavily focused on supervising MIG, TIG, and robotic welding operations while ensuring production schedules, quality standards, safety initiatives, and operational efficiency goals are consistently achieved.
The ideal candidate brings strong welding operations knowledge, manufacturing leadership experience, and a continuous improvement mindset within high-volume or high-mix production environments.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Scheduling Management
Supervise daily manufacturing and production operations
Lead weld department activities including:
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
- Robotic welding systems
Ensure production schedules and delivery commitments are achieved
Coordinate workflow across welding booths, robotic cells, assembly, testing, and finishing operations
Balance labor and production resources to maintain throughput and reduce bottlenecks
Collaborate with Planning, Quality, and Maintenance teams to resolve operational challenges
Weld Department Oversight
Support weld quality and production improvement initiatives
Oversee setup and operation of welding systems and production equipment
Monitor weld cell utilization and operational performance
Identify opportunities to:
- Improve arc-on time
- Reduce rework
- Improve operational efficiency
Support weld troubleshooting and corrective actions
Work closely with Quality and welding personnel regarding quality standards and compliance
Quality & Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
- AWS standards
- ASME standards
- ISO requirements
- Company quality procedures
Support first-article inspections and in-process quality checks
Lead corrective action efforts related to non-conformance issues
Maintain production and quality documentation
Ensure accurate operational reporting and recordkeeping
Safety & Environmental Leadership
Enforce OSHA and company safety standards
Ensure proper PPE use and safe welding practices
Monitor ventilation and fume extraction systems
Conduct safety meetings and address production floor hazards proactively
Promote safe and organized manufacturing operations
Leadership & Workforce Development
Supervise, coach, and develop production employees and weld personnel
Support hiring, onboarding, and workforce training efforts
Conduct employee performance evaluations and coaching sessions
Manage attendance, scheduling, overtime, and staffing levels
Foster accountability, teamwork, and operational discipline
Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives
Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including:
- 5S
- Workflow improvements
- Waste reduction
- Productivity optimization
Track KPIs including:
- Productivity
- Scrap rates
- Rework
- Labor efficiency
- On-time delivery
Recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements
Support workforce cross-training initiatives
Requirements
High School Diploma or GED required
Technical or trade school education preferred
Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience required
Strong exposure to welding and fabrication operations required
Minimum 2 years of production supervisory experience
Experience within high-mix or high-volume manufacturing environments preferred
Technical Qualifications
Strong understanding of:
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
- Robotic welding systems
Ability to read and interpret:
- Blueprints
- Weld symbols
- Fabrication drawings
Familiarity with WPS/PQR documentation preferred
Experience using ERP systems and production reporting tools
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Leadership Competencies
Strong organizational and decision-making abilities
Effective communication skills across all organizational levels
Ability to manage multiple priorities within fast-paced environments
Data-driven operational mindset
Strong coaching and leadership skills
Continuous improvement orientation
Physical Requirements
Ability to spend extended time on the production floor
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
Comfortable working within industrial manufacturing environments including:
- Heat
- Noise
- Welding operations
- Fabrication environments
Work Environment
Onsite manufacturing and welding facility
Fast-paced production environment
Team-oriented operational culture
High focus on quality, safety, and production efficiency
Hands-on leadership role with direct production floor involvement
Ideal Candidate
Experienced manufacturing supervisor with strong welding operations expertise
Hands-on production leader comfortable managing fast-paced operations
Strong communicator and team developer
Skilled at balancing production output, quality, and safety
Lean-minded and process improvement focused
Comfortable working closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams