ASSEMBLY SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION

An Assembly Supervisor is the person on the production floor who owns the shift. That single sentence covers a wide range of real daily authority: direct supervision of hourly and temporary assembly workers, accountability for hitting SQDC targets (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost), and ownership of the 6S Lean program within the department. In general manufacturing, this supervisor is the most immediate link between the production schedule and the people executing it, making staffing calls, resolving material variances, and escalating equipment problems before a line stoppage ripples into a missed delivery. The role demands someone equally capable of enforcing attendance policy in the morning and writing a corrective action report by end of shift.

As the Assembly Supervisor, you are responsible for the daily execution of the production plan, coordinating direct labor, sustaining lean standards, and holding the team accountable to safety, output, and quality targets. You report to a plant or operations manager and work laterally with production planning, quality, and materials teams to keep the assembly floor running at full rate.

Career Impact: Owning a production floor with direct labor accountability accelerates the management track in manufacturing faster than most lateral moves, particularly for candidates seeking Plant Manager or Operations Manager roles within five years.

Business Impact: When on-time delivery rates and first-pass yield drop, it is usually the Assembly Supervisor's daily decisions on staffing, line balance, and corrective action that determine how fast the floor recovers.

Growth Opportunity: Hands-on experience managing 6S compliance, CAPA processes, and cross-functional production scheduling builds a resume that travels across industrial manufacturing sectors, from consumer goods to precision components.

• Supervise assembly workers, material handlers, and temporary staff to meet daily production schedule requirements.
• Drive 6S Lean compliance across the assembly floor, packing area, and related workspaces to sustain safe and organized conditions.
• Monitor planned-versus-actual output each shift and escalate variances to production planning within the same day.
• Enforce safety policies, conduct area audits, and eliminate identified hazards to maintain a zero-incident environment.
• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) investigations and document findings in the production system for review and approval.
• Coach, counsel, and formally develop direct reports through performance reviews, attendance tracking, and structured improvement plans.
• Collaborate with quality, engineering, and materials teams to resolve nonconforming product and return it to normal flow.
• Review and revise standard work instructions when process changes or observed errors require updated documentation.

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, engineering, business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of assembly or production supervisory experience, with direct oversight of hourly and contract labor.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, including 6S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, work instructions, process sheets, and basic mechanical drawings.
• Proven capability to manage employee performance through coaching, counseling, and progressive discipline.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document corrective actions and shift reports clearly.
• Physical ability to work on the production floor, including lifting to 50 pounds and standing for extended periods.

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent Lean certification demonstrating formal, structured problem-solving experience.
• Prior experience with ERP-based production reporting and time-and-attendance systems in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Background in an ISO-certified or cGMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience interviewing, selecting, and onboarding both permanent and temporary production associates.

• Planned-vs.-actual output variance per shift, measuring schedule adherence against the daily production target.
• First-pass yield rate within the supervised area, reflecting defect containment before product leaves the line.
• Process defect count per production run, tracking the Assembly Supervisor's corrective action effectiveness.
• Safety audit score per period, measuring compliance with 6S standards and hazard elimination follow-through.
• Employee attendance rate across the supervised team, reflecting disciplinary and engagement management outcomes.
• Typical tools: ERP systems (commonly SAP or equivalent); productivity suites (commonly Microsoft Office or equivalent)

• Base Salary Range: $60,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on industry segment and facility size
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 10% of base salary, tied to production and safety KPIs
• Equity: Typically not offered at this level in manufacturing; occasional profit-sharing plans at larger firms
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company size
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; increases with tenure; separate sick leave policies common
• Common Perks: Safety boot and PPE allowances, shift differential pay, tuition reimbursement for manufacturing-related coursework

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion is a condition of employment for all candidates who receive a conditional offer. All applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the hiring process and in the workplace upon request. Candidates must hold current authorization to work in the United States.

The Assembly Supervisor owns daily oversight of assembly personnel, material handlers, packers, and temporary staffing while driving CAPA, Continuous Improvement, and 6S Lean activities across the production floor. Reporting to plant leadership, this role shapes manufacturing output by ensuring ISO and cGMP conformance, resolving material variances, and maintaining safe, well-ordered assembly and packing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise assembly personnel, material handlers, packers, and temporary staffing.
• Follow and review the production schedule daily and make appropriate changes according to priority lists.
• Complete the supervisor's log and report into the ERP system every shift.
• Communicate production problems to the appropriate person.
• Act as a focal point for all Assembly Department activities, including interaction with other departments.
• Set up, troubleshoot, and assist in resolving process and equipment problems.
• Monitor processes, policies, and procedures and recommend improvements in production methods, equipment, operating procedures, working conditions, and cost effectiveness.
• Investigate and resolve production material variances.
• Perform Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA), Continuous Improvement, and 6S Lean activities as assigned.
• Revise or write standard work instructions for review, approval, and submission to document control where errors exist.
• Maintain a high level of housekeeping on the assembly floor, in the packing room, gowning rooms, and all other related areas.
• Identify and support team growth and development.
• Track and address employee attendance and performance.
• Conform to ISO and cGMP standards and all applicable procedures.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following all safety policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Assembly Supervisor.
• Experience leading Kaizen, 6S, and other Lean activities.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as a self-starter.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Embedded within the assembly manufacturing operation, the Assembly Supervisor develops, directs, and coordinates team members to deliver continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, business systems, and process standardization to meet customer demands most cost-effectively. Working closely with all levels of the organization through daily Gemba meetings, the Assembly Supervisor fosters an environment that promotes organizational goals, values, and philosophies across every business aspect.

Core Functions

• Drive a Zero Incident Safety culture by leading safety communications, conducting training and area audits, and eliminating safety hazards.
• Lead the 5S program and implement cycles of improvement.
• Lead team member engagement culture and reward and recognition programs.
• Reduce cost of operations by facilitating lean manufacturing concepts, cost reductions, and continuous improvements.
• Participate as an active member of the leadership team, joining daily Gemba meetings and engaging all levels of team members.
• Champion wellness by leading daily stretching and ergonomics programs.
• Manage the daily schedule, issues, and staffing to optimize productivity and output.
• Communicate expectations clearly and hold self and team members accountable for performance.
• Manage the performance and development of direct reports through coaching, counseling, and corrective action.
• Provide timely answers and ensure team members have access to appropriate information sources and growth opportunities.
• Interview and select new team members and ensure new or transferred associates are adequately trained.
• Manage team time and attendance while implementing measures to maximize productivity and minimize overtime.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of assembly, manufacturing, or production experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience.
• Lean or Six Sigma experience.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate employees, drive change, and build positive working relationships with direct reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Reporting to factory leadership, the Sub Assembly Supervisor coordinates and steers the collective efforts of all engine assembly production technicians to ensure product quality and conformance to specifications across full-rate production. Partnering with work center leaders, engineering, and design communities, this role delivers measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and product flow while leading the transition of hardware from development into production.

Primary Duties

• Coordinate and steer the collective efforts of all engine assembly production technicians.
• Enforce area standards and operational rules, including annual reviews, regular mentoring, and disciplinary action.
• Interface with work center leaders within the factory and prioritize work based on the production schedule and organizational goals.
• Identify and mitigate schedule risks.
• Coordinate support organization efforts to minimize production interruptions.
• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications.
• Assist with non-conforming hardware dispositions to efficiently return them to a conforming state and normal product flow.
• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement.
• Establish and analyze area metrics to drive personnel training and development, efficiency improvement projects, product flow optimization, root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and defect elimination.
• Lead efforts to transition product from engineering development to full-rate production.
• Review drawings and technical data packages for manufacturability and provide constructive feedback to the engineering and design community.

Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 5 years of experience in a rocket engine assembly manufacturing environment.
• Six Sigma Certification preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years in a leadership position leading a team of 15 or more people.
• Lean manufacturing training and experience, including familiarity with Design for Manufacturability, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.
• Experience monitoring, tracking, and continually improving total cost.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret controlled documentation, including mechanical drawings, GD&T, assembly procedures, work instructions, schematics, and parts lists.
• Proficient with MS Office, shop floor management software, and ERP systems.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed, with up to 10% travel.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen a culture of inclusion.

Sitting at the intersection of production leadership and quality assurance, the Assembly Supervisor provides direction for assembly operations within the Chesapeake, VA facility to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory objectives. Operating across internal stakeholder groups through Gemba walks, toolbox talks, and continuous improvement initiatives, this role enables customer satisfaction by resolving nonconformance issues and sustaining lean principles throughout the operation.

Duties

• Oversee assembly operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory objectives.
• Reduce cost of poor quality by fostering an environment of accountability and pride in workmanship.
• Participate in and maintain improvement projects to enhance safety, improve quality, reduce nonconformance costs, adopt lean principles, and promote customer satisfaction.
• Provide leadership and encourage a teamwork-focused environment, with accountability for safety performance, engagement, and employee development.
• Actively participate in Gemba walks, safety training, toolbox talks, and safety observations to continuously improve facility safety.
• Lead assembly operations to ensure tasks are completed in accordance with design drawings, process sheets, and work instructions.
• Address recognition, coaching, and progressive discipline needs proactively.
• Apply and enforce work rules and attendance policies consistently and fairly.
• Conduct performance management in a timely, fair, and consistent manner.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve problems to minimize impact on customer satisfaction and performance objectives.
• Communicate effectively with all internal stakeholders and ensure programs and initiatives are communicated clearly.
• Drive a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering background preferred or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience working in a production or assembly environment.
• Experience with problem-solving techniques encountered during manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Experience in a supervisory or team leader role in a manufacturing or equivalent environment preferred.
• Lean Practitioner or similar background a plus.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to drive change, hold employees accountable, and collaborate with internal customers to reach production goals.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

A key member of the pastry kitchen production team, the Assembly Supervisor leads daily production planning and floor supervision while ensuring adherence to HACCP regulations, FDA requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices across the assembly station and kitchen. Collaborating across production and supervisory staff, this role sustains food cost goals and on-time delivery of finished product by identifying process gaps and maintaining production control systems.

Functions

• Oversee and motivate the pastry kitchen production team.
• Review the day's production plan daily.
• Support the streamlining of current processes to guarantee best productivity in accessibility, quality, and production assurance.
• Adhere to food safety compliance, HACCP regulations, and FDA regulations.
• Maintain adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and processing practices within the scope of the position.
• Support the day-to-day needs of the pastry kitchen production, assembly station, and kitchen staff.
• Support food cost goals and on-time delivery of finished product.
• Identify problematic areas and suggest solutions.
• Maintain production control systems, including daily production processes and hygiene process check recordings.
• Inform the Production Supervisor and Jr. Production Supervisor of any production issues daily.
• Ensure all necessary tools are always on hand, including scales and temperature logs.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume food service or food manufacturing establishment.
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and general food safety standards knowledge required.
• Culinary knowledge of procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of catering setup procedures and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong leadership, communication, and multitasking skills with the ability to work well in a team and independently.
• Flexible to work on different shifts.

Consistent quality and on-time production in refrigeration and high-end consumer goods manufacturing depend on the Assembly Supervisor, who plans operations, assigns workflow, and drives continuous improvement efforts across a complex, multi-skilled assembly department. Based within a manufacturing facility, the Assembly Supervisor collaborates with internal groups on cost reduction, production scheduling, and manpower planning while promoting positive employee relations and ensuring conformance with company policies.

Accountabilities

• Plan operations, utilization of skills and man-hours, material, and workflow to assure timely production and quality standards.
• Organize and assign work, instruct, cross-train, and assist employees in the performance of their work.
• Ensure consistent use of safety devices and personal protective equipment (PPE), supervise departmental housekeeping, and maintain constant alertness for hazardous conditions and practices.
• Monitor and drive quality measures and implement continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide information and collaborate with internal groups to effect cost reduction, work simplification, production scheduling, and manpower planning.
• Participate in and coordinate programs related to employee communications, placement, training and development, orientation, and quality.
• Promote positive employee relations through daily, open, and direct communications.
• Ensure conformance with company policies, practices, and work rules related to attendance and performance.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or better.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with emphasis on refrigeration and/or high-end consumer products.
• Problem-solving and conflict management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong initiative and follow-through.
• Familiarity with Windows-based PC software and AS400 ERP systems desired.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

As the Assembly Supervisor, this role monitors and evaluates all production areas for safety, quality, delivery, and cost while managing Area Leader performance against KPIs through planned versus actual output tracking and process defect reduction. The sub-assembly team relies on this work to sustain buffer levels, maximize machine output, and ensure new associates are properly trained, mentored, and guided toward consistent production performance.

Activities

• Monitor and evaluate all areas for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Manage Area Leader performance to achieve production KPIs by monitoring planned vs. actual output, process defects, and cost management.
• Maximize machine output to drive productivity.
• Perform safety audits in each area and ensure all safety features are functioning.
• Drive the reduction of defective parts by sustaining best production conditions and promoting corrective actions.
• Manage and sustain buffer levels in all areas.
• Participate in training new associates and mentor, guide, and coach associates as needed.
• Assist in managing inventory control when required.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or GED plus 3 years in production; Associate's degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and problem-solving ability.
• Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems, including GMES-PM/RM/SAP.
• Ability to stand and walk frequently, lift and move up to 50 pounds occasionally, with visual abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Assembly Supervisor leads the organizing and planning of assembly production resources to meet schedule demands while focusing on safety, talent, and continuous process improvement across all product lines. The work directly supports operational goals by building a cross-trained organization, removing barriers to production through problem-solving, and managing assembly production resources through effective use of continuous improvement tools, ERP systems, and team accountability.

Operational Focus

• Promote and ensure a safe work environment.
• Lead, develop, and maintain accountability for a world-class team.
• Schedule and manage assembly production resources adequate for schedule demands.
• Ensure all equipment meets quality standards.
• Identify and remove barriers to production through problem-solving.
• Use continuous improvement tools to analyze processes and act on opportunities to reduce complexity and improve efficiencies.
• Coordinate production floor organization and planning with team leaders.
• Develop a cross-trained organization to support the growing needs of all product lines.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred, or 4 years of experience instead of a degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of management and leadership experience with a proven ability to lead and motivate effective teams.
• Continuous improvement implementation experience and experience with mechanical and electrical assemblies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ERP, and timekeeping systems.
• Highly effective communication skills.
• Ability to produce results, gain alignment, and develop productive working relationships at all levels.
• Skilled in responsible decision-making, with financial acumen and a data-driven, strategic mindset.

The Assembly Supervisor produces a quality manufacturing output by executing the Paint/Assembly production plan and developing operations to improve productivity within the paint and assembly departments. The work directly supports on-time customer delivery and financial objectives through regular staff communication, continuous improvement leadership, and sustained adherence to quality standards, 6S organization, and scrap and rework reduction.

Key Deliverables

• Execute the Paint/Assembly production plan and develop operations to improve productivity.
• Promote and maintain safe work behaviors and organization in the paint/assembly areas (6S).
• Drive on-time delivery to the customer and achieve financial objectives.
• Ensure product quality and reduce scrap and rework.
• Communicate regularly with the Paint and Assembly department and support internal and external customer service.
• Manage staff respectfully and develop human resources.
• Lead the continuous improvement effort and maintain professional and technical knowledge.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree or vocational or technical school degree in Business or Accounting preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience analyzing job results and planning workflow.
• Proficient in Movex, Vault, and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to read blueprints and understand manufacturing processes with close attention to detail.
• Advanced management and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills.

Embedded within an electromechanical manufacturing environment, the Assembly Supervisor develops and oversees hands-on assembly work spanning mechanical housing systems, printed circuit board assemblies, soldering, electrical testing, and pipe bending across a technically specialized production floor. Working closely with assembly staff to ensure proper use of work instructions, schematics, and blueprints, the Assembly Supervisor advances product quality and team capability through mentoring, fault-finding on PCBs and cables, and direct technical supervision.

Areas of Ownership

• Assemble mechanical housing systems and hardware for both stand-alone products and products containing printed circuit board assemblies.
• Assemble and put together circuit boards and test boards.
• Utilize powered and manual hand tools.
• Perform electrical testing using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and simulators.
• Solder cables, attach wires to printed circuit boards point to point, and solder adapters to cables.
• Identify and manage parts for each assembly BOM.
• Perform fitting and pipe bending.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate's degree in electronics with the ability to fault-find on PCBs and cables.
• Soldering certifications preferred, including J-STD-001 and IPC WHMA-A-620C.
• 5 or more years of electromechanical assembly and supervisory experience.
• 3–5 years of supervisory experience with the ability to train and mentor staff.
• Experience in mechanical assembly, including mounting and assembling PCBs and components into enclosures.
• Ability to work from work instructions, schematics, and blueprints.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.