Sheetmetal Manufacturing Supervisor at ebm-papst Inc. – Farmington, Connecticut

Summary

The Manufacturing Supervisor – Sheet Metal is responsible for directing daily operations within the Sheet Metal Department to meet production, quality, cost, and safety targets. This role ensures the right headcount, tooling readiness, and machine uptime are in place to support reliable, efficient manufacturing operations while developing a high performing, engaged team.

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Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Workforce Management

· Supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate department personnel to maintain a skilled and engaged workforce.

· Plan and optimize headcount, daily labor assignments, cross-training, and shift coverage to support production needs.

· Promote a positive, collaborative work environment built on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

· Provide timely recognition, constructive feedback, and performance guidance.

Safety & Compliance

· Communicate, enforce, and model all company safety policies and OSHA requirements.

· Identify and correct unsafe behaviors or conditions; escalate as needed.

· Ensure compliance with company policies, work standards, and manufacturing procedures.

Production Execution & Uptime Management

· Direct day-to-day execution of Sheet Metal operations to meet schedule commitments and delivery goals.

· Monitor and manage machine uptime, escalating downtime events and coordinating with Maintenance for rapid recovery.

· Ensure tooling availability, readiness, and preventive maintenance needs are addressed ahead of production.

· Interpret specifications, blueprints, and MO requirements to support accurate job execution.

Process & Performance Management

· Adjust work procedures, staffing, and priorities to meet production schedules.

· Track production performance, labor reporting, and departmental metrics; identify issues and implement corrective actions.

· Continuously evaluate work methods and equipment to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost.

· Collaborate with other Supervisors and cross-functional partners to ensure smooth upstream and downstream flow.

Materials, Tooling & Resource Planning

· Plan and requisition raw materials, tooling, fixtures, and other resources necessary to support the production schedule.

· Reduce delays by proactively coordinating material shortages, tooling repairs, and equipment needs.

· Work closely with Engineering, Planning, and Maintenance to prevent bottlenecks and downtime.

Systems & Technology

· Utilize Shop Floor Control, MRP II, CAD, and Microsoft Office tools to manage production activities, reporting, and communication.

· Champion the adoption of digital tools and data transparency to improve decision-making and operational control.

Other Responsibilities

· Maintain accurate time, attendance, and production records.

· Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manufacturing Manager.

· May require cross shift coordination and support on 2nd and 3rd shift as needed.

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Education & Experience Requirements

· Associate’s degree in manufacturing technology or related field preferred.

· Minimum 4 years of relevant manufacturing experience, preferably in sheet metal fabrication or a similar environment.

· Previous supervisory or team-lead experience is strongly preferred.