Production Supervisor / Area Leader (Onsite / Newark, OH)

Job Summary

For over 125 years Holophane has been providing indoor and outdoor lighting customers with solutions that meet or exceed a whole host of demanding challenges.  As our business grows, we are looking for an Area Leader-Swing Shift to join our team at the Newark, Ohio location.

The Area Leader is responsible for managing production operations in a unionized glass manufacturing facility. This role ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBA), promotes a positive labor-management relationship, and drives operational excellence in safety, quality, and efficiency. The role will oversee hourly union associates, ensuring adherence to company policies and labor agreements while fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Note: This role will require the Area Leader to work on a rotating schedule without on-site additional management support– 3 days/nights on 3 days/nights off to include weekends and holidays. (Shift Schedule: 4am-4pm or 4pm-4am)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Labor Relations:

• Supervise and direct 25-30+ associates in a manufacturing environment, providing coaching and development to individual team members on a regular basis
• Evaluate daily staffing needs and work assignments for associates and adjust for fluctuations in demand
• Lead and support a team of unionized associates, ensuring fair and consistent application of the CBA
• Partner with HR and union representatives to resolve grievances and maintain constructive labor relations
• Approve timecards, administer corrective action and discipline as needed
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and engagement across all shifts

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee daily plant operations, including glass production, inspection and post processing
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead general facility projects as required
• Inspect and drive production decisions regarding acceptability of the glass products

Safety & Compliance:

• Drive safety, quality, and productivity performance in accordance with Lean principles, standard work and customer requirements
• Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing safety protocols and conducting regular audits
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, company policies, and CBA provisions

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Sourcing and other key partners to support plant objectives
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership on performance, risks, and improvement plans

Skills, Education And Experience (Required To Perform Essential Functions)

• 3+ years of experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Experience working with associates in a union facility, working with an hourly workforce is preferred
• Previous supervisory experience, leading a non-exempt workforce
• Strong problem-solving skills.  Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication.  Demonstrate effective conflict resolutions skills, especially when navigating sensitive or high-stakes conversations
• Demonstrated ability to use a computer, including experience with Oracle, Assembly Cell Portal, O9, Power BI software
• Experience with Lean principles and exposure to Kaizen and continuous improvement events
• Willingness to work in a loud environment and ability to tolerate temperatures in line with the outdoor environment
• Ability to stand 10-12 hours per day, lift, push, pull up to 40 pounds frequently

Education (minimum Education Required)

• A High School graduate or High School Diploma Equivalency/ GED is required

Preferred Education

• Bachelors degree or equivalent

Experience (minimum Experience Required)

• 3+ years of experience

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with hourly workforce in union and non-union environments

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work –Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds

Travel Requirements

• 5% - 10% Domestic and/or International