3rd Shift Production Supervisor – Blow Molding
Salary: Up to $85,000
Location: NW Chicago Suburbs
Job Summary:
We are seeking a 3rd Shift Production Supervisor with blow molding experience to oversee night shift operations, ensure production efficiency, and maintain quality and safety standards. This role is responsible for leading a team, troubleshooting blow molding machines, and optimizing production processes to meet operational goals. The ideal candidate will have experience in plastics manufacturing, extrusion blow molding, or injection blow molding and be comfortable supervising a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and coordinate 3rd shift production teams to ensure safe and efficient blow molding operations.
- Monitor and adjust blow molding machine settings, process parameters, and cycle times to maintain quality and efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with production schedules, quality standards, and company KPIs.
- Train and coach operators on machine setup, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions for equipment downtime and defects.
- Work closely with maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to resolve production issues and improve efficiency.
- Maintain workplace safety standards, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and company policies.
- Oversee raw material usage, scrap rates, and inventory control to minimize waste and optimize resources.
- Complete and maintain production reports, shift handovers, and performance metrics.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce defects.
Qualifications & Skills:
- 3+ years of supervisory experience in blow molding or plastics manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, and/or stretch blow molding processes.
- Experience with machine troubleshooting, process optimization, and cycle time reduction.
- Familiarity with mold changes, tooling maintenance, and material handling (resins, additives, etc.).
- Understanding of quality control standards, defect identification, and SPC (Statistical Process Control).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems, and production tracking software.
- Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work night shifts and occasional weekends or overtime as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with automated blow molding equipment (Bekum, Uniloy, Kautex, Sidel, etc.).
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
