Working Site Supervisor
Posted
WORKING SHOP SUPERVISOR
Location: Houston, Texas
Department: Manufacturing / Machine Shop
Reports To: Site VP of Manufacturing
Department: Manufacturing / Machine Shop
Reports To: Site VP of Manufacturing
Hours: 6:00am to 4:00pm Mon – Friday (Some Saturdays will be required)
POSITION SUMMARY
Franklin Gear & Machine is seeking an experienced, hands-on Working Shop Supervisor to oversee daily machine shop operations while actively participating in machining, equipment setups, troubleshooting, and production activities.
This position requires a technically skilled manufacturing professional who can effectively balance direct shop floor responsibilities with employee supervision, production scheduling, quality control, and operational improvements.
The successful candidate must possess strong machine knowledge, demonstrate the ability to lead by example, and be willing to work alongside employees to achieve production goals.
Unlike a traditional supervisory position, the Working Shop Supervisor is expected to actively support production by operating equipment when necessary, assisting machinists with challenging setups, resolving technical issues, and ensuring the efficient utilization of personnel and equipment.
The ideal candidate will be a proactive, results-oriented leader who takes ownership of shop performance, develops employee capabilities, and maintains a safe, productive, and team-oriented manufacturing environment.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Hands-On Machining & Technical Support
- Actively participate in machining operations as production requirements dictate.
- Set up and operate CNC and conventional machining equipment.
- Assist machinists with complex setups, tooling selection, machining methods, and troubleshooting.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and manufacturing specifications.
- Provide technical guidance on machining tolerances, cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling applications.
- Support manufacturing operations involving gears, shafts, housing, and other precision-machined components.
- Troubleshoot machine performance issues and coordinate necessary maintenance.
- Assist with first-piece inspections and manufacturing quality verification.
- Identify opportunities to reduce setup times, improve machining efficiency, and increase equipment utilization.
- Demonstrate proper machining techniques and safe equipment operation.
- Support cross-training initiatives to expand employee capabilities across multiple machines.
2. Shop Floor Supervision & Employee Leadership
- Direct daily activities of machinists and assigned production personnel.
- Establish clear expectations for productivity, workmanship, attendance, and workplace conduct.
- Lead by example through active participation in manufacturing operations.
- Provide ongoing employee coaching, technical mentoring, and performance feedback.
- Address employee performance and behavioral concerns promptly and professionally.
- Ensure consistent adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
- Promote teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.
- Identify opportunities for employee development and cross-training.
- Participate in performance evaluations and corrective action processes.
- Maintain a visible and engaged leadership presence throughout the production facility.
3. Production Management & Scheduling
- Coordinate daily production assignments based on customer requirements and established schedules.
- Monitor manufacturing progress to ensure timely completion of assigned work.
- Balance employee assignments and machine availability to maximize productivity.
- Identify and resolve production bottlenecks.
- Communicate material shortages, equipment failures, and scheduling concerns to management.
- Coordinate with engineering, production planning, purchasing, and quality personnel.
- Monitor labor hours, machine utilization, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Ensure accurate reporting of production activities and job progress.
- Assist with overtime planning and workforce scheduling.
- Support multiple manufacturing operations as business needs require.
4. Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure manufactured components meet customer specifications and quality requirements.
- Support the reduction of scrap, rework, and manufacturing defects.
- Investigate recurring machining issues and implement corrective actions.
- Promote first-time quality and employee ownership of workmanship.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing methods and reduce production costs.
- Implement and maintain workplace organization and 5S practices.
- Encourage employee participation in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor machining practices to ensure consistency and operational efficiency.
5. Safety & Workplace Accountability
- Ensure compliance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.
- Promote safe machining practices and proper equipment operation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and productive shop environment.
- Ensure employees use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Address unsafe conditions and workplace concerns immediately.
- Conduct routine inspections of equipment and work areas.
- Reinforce employee accountability for safety, housekeeping, and equipment care.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 5–7 years of hands-on machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience as a Working Supervisor, Lead Machinist, Shop Foreman, or similar manufacturing leadership position.
- Strong experience setting up and operating CNC and conventional machine tools.
- Ability to interpret complex blueprints, machining drawings, and dimensional tolerances.
- Working knowledge of precision measuring instruments and inspection procedures.
- Strong understanding of tooling applications, machining processes, and equipment capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining problems and improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Experience directing production activities and coordinating employee assignments.
- Strong communication, leadership, and employee development skills.
- Willingness and ability to work directly alongside machinists as operational needs require.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Gear manufacturing, gear cutting, hobbing, shaping, Grinding or related machining experience.
- CNC and manual lathes.
- Horizontal boring mills.
- Vertical turning lathes.
- CNC milling machines.
- Precision machining of large industrial components.
- High-mix, low-volume job shop manufacturing.
- Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience training and developing machinists.
LEADERSHIP & PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
The Working Shop Supervisor will be expected to:
Lead by Example: Demonstrate a willingness to operate equipment, assist employees, and participate directly in manufacturing operations.
Drive Accountability: Ensure employees meet established expectations for productivity, quality, attendance, and workplace conduct.
Improve Manufacturing Performance: Continuously identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve setup efficiency, and increase production output.
Develop Employees: Provide technical guidance, coaching, and cross-training to strengthen the overall capabilities of the workforce.
Communicate Effectively: Maintain consistent communication with employees and management regarding production challenges, scheduling priorities, and operational needs.
Take Ownership: Accept responsibility for shop floor performance and proactively address issues before they affect customer commitments
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Performance will be evaluated based on:
- Achievement of production schedules and on-time delivery requirements.
- Employee productivity and labor efficiency.
- Machine utilization and reduction of downtime.
- Setup time improvements.
- Reduction in scrap, rework, and quality issues.
- Employee training and cross-training progress.
- Workplace safety and housekeeping.
- Employee accountability and team performance.
- Implementation of measurable operational improvements.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
The successful Working Shop Supervisor will be a technically capable, hands-on manufacturing leader who can effectively balance production responsibilities with the supervision and development of employees.
This position requires an individual who is willing to step in and operate equipment, when necessary, assist employees with manufacturing challenges, and take ownership of daily shop performance.
The expectation is straightforward: Lead the team, support production, develop employees, and continuously improve the manufacturing operation.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Franklin Gear & Machine is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional working environment.