POSITION SUMMARY
The 3rd Shift Production Supervisor is responsible for leading the overnight production team at Rockford, IL facility. This position oversees plating / coating line operations, quality, safety, and personnel during 3rd shift, ensuring the facility meets daily production schedules, customer specifications, and operational targets. The Supervisor is the senior on-site leader during shift hours and is accountable for the safe, efficient, and quality-driven execution of all plating, finishing, and packaging activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Production & Operations
- Direct daily plating / coating line operations to meet production schedules, throughput targets, and on-time shipping commitments.
- Monitor line speeds, bath chemistry checks, rack/barrel loading, and process parameters to ensure consistent product quality.
- Coordinate with the prior shift on hand-off issues, in-process work, and open priorities; provide a clean hand-off to 1st shift.
- Ensure equipment is operating within specification; coordinate with maintenance on breakdowns, PMs, and corrective work.
- Complete and submit accurate End-of-Shift (EOS) reports covering production output, downtime, scrap, and shift issues.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Enforce all EHS policies, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and chemical handling protocols across the shift.
- Lead by example on safe behaviors; conduct shift safety talks and immediately address unsafe acts or conditions.
- Ensure plated parts meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, and applicable industry requirements (ISO 9001, AS9100 as applicable).
- Verify in-process inspections, thickness checks, and adherence to control plans are being completed and documented.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action on quality issues, customer concerns, and internal nonconformances.
People Leadership
- Supervise, coach, and develop 3rd shift production operators, line leads, and support personnel.
- Manage timekeeping, attendance, breaks, and overtime within budget and policy guidelines.
- Train new operators using a structured, hands-on approach (Watch It, Involve Me, Now You Try, Show Me You Know); verify competency before sign-off.
- Conduct shift start-up meetings to communicate priorities, safety items, quality concerns, and customer expectations.
- Hold team members accountable to performance, attendance, and conduct standards; escalate HR matters appropriately.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive shift performance against Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost metrics and visual board updates.
- Identify and implement improvements to reduce downtime, scrap, rework, and chemical/utility consumption.
- Participate in 5S, standard work, and problem-solving activities; sustain visual controls on the floor.
- Support cross-shift consistency by following and reinforcing Leader Standard Work (LSW) routines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical or operations discipline preferred.
- Minimum 3–5 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
- Proven ability to lead production teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong working knowledge of safety standards, lockout/tagout, and chemical handling requirements.
- Solid computer skills — Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word), Enterprise Resource Planning/Manufacturing Execution Systems (ERP/MES), and shift reporting tools.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, give feedback, and resolve conflict on the floor.
- Willingness and ability to work 3rd shift hours, weekends, and overtime as production demands require.
Preferred
- Direct experience in metal finishing / coatings, electroplating, zinc/zinc-nickel, phosphate, or e-coat operations.
- Familiarity with automotive quality systems (IATF 16949), PPAP, control plans, and customer-specific requirements.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools: 5S, standard work, kaizen, A3 problem solving.
- Bilingual (English / Spanish) a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to chemicals, heat, humidity, noise, and moving equipment; PPE required.
- Must be able to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for the majority of the shift.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally and perform repetitive motion tasks as needed.
- Required to climb stairs, platforms, and access elevated work areas in and around plating / coating lines.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive salary with shift premium for 3rd shift.
- Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k).
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Stable, growing operation with long-tenured leadership and a strong customer base.
- Opportunity to lead and develop a team in a critical role supporting major automotive and industrial customers.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their résumé and a brief cover note to VanSpeag Group LLC. All inquiries will be handled with discretion and professionalism.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent
Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
