Production Supervisor in Jefferson City, Tennessee at Plastic Recycling, Inc

Position Summary

The RTI Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the RTI department, which manufactures recycled plastic cores for the paper industry. This role supervises the extrusion and finishing processes used to produce plastic core products that meet customer specifications for quality, size, and performance.

The RTI process includes operating core line extrusion equipment to manufacture plastic “sticks,” followed by gang saw operations that cut finished products to customer-required dimensions. The RTI Supervisor ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production while leading employees, coordinating workflow, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

This position requires a hands-on leader capable of balancing production demands, quality standards, employee development, and operational efficiency in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily RTI production operations including extrusion lines and gang saw finishing operations.
• Ensure plastic core products are manufactured according to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Coordinate workflow between extrusion production and cutting operations to maintain efficient throughput.
• Monitor production schedules, machine uptime, scrap levels, and labor efficiency.
• Lead and support RTI operators, saw operators, and material handlers during daily operations.
• Train employees on equipment operation, quality standards, safety procedures, and work instructions.
• Troubleshoot operational issues related to extrusion processes, cutting operations, material flow, and finished product quality.
• Coordinate with maintenance to address equipment issues and minimize downtime.
• Enforce all company safety policies including lockout/tagout, PPE usage, and safe material handling practices.
• Conduct shift meetings to communicate production goals, safety topics, and operational priorities.
• Maintain accurate production records including output, downtime, scrap, and labor reporting.
• Work closely with quality and shipping teams to ensure customer requirements and delivery schedules are met.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, organization, and waste reduction.
• Maintain housekeeping and organization standards throughout the RTI department.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership, coaching, and accountability to RTI team members.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, teamwork, professionalism, and operational excellence.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.
• Address employee performance concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support employee development through ongoing coaching and skill-building.
• Assist management with staffing, scheduling, attendance management, and labor planning.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or manufacturing education preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills strongly preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience in manufacturing, plastics, extrusion, recycling, or industrial operations preferred.
• Experience with extrusion equipment, saw operations, or converting processes strongly preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Basic computer and production reporting skills.
• Understanding of manufacturing safety standards and procedures.