JOB SUMMARY:
Ohio Art is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Supervisor to lead a high-performance can manufacturing operation within a unionized environment. This role will oversee approximately 40–50 hourly employees and will play a key role in balancing operational excellence with a strong, people-first culture.
The ideal candidate is a floor-focused leader who can effectively manage production, support employees, and work collaboratively within the framework of a collective bargaining agreement. This position will also have the opportunity to expand into oversight of the lithography department as operations grow.
JOB SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate will bring a balanced combination of leadership, operational expertise, and union environment experience. This includes the ability to lead and motivate a diverse hourly workforce, effectively apply and interpret collective bargaining agreements, and navigate employee relations with professionalism and consistency. Strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making are essential, along with the ability to manage production demands, analyze performance data, and drive continuous improvement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a hands-on leadership style, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain accountability while fostering a respectful, people-first workplace culture. Experience in metals or packaging manufacturing, familiarity with ISO systems, and comfort working in a union facility are strongly preferred.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner
Creativity – Ability to deviate from standardized work and establish new process and procedures
Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs and requests, solicits feedback, and meets commitments
Organization - Prioritizes and uses time efficiently, requiring limited supervision.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy through thoroughness and strong attention to detail.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and is able to work with unexpected delays or events
Dependability – Consistently at work and on time, responds to management instructions, and solicits feedback to improve performance
Safety and Security – Complies with all Corporate Safety and Security procedures
Team Player – Ability to apply teamwork and positive leadership qualities to promote a collaborative work environment
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Employee Relations
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 40–50 hourly employees in a union environment
- Foster a people-first, respectful workplace culture while maintaining accountability
- Administer and apply the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) consistently and fairly
- Partner with HR and union representatives to address employee concerns, grievances, and workplace issues
- Conduct performance discussions, coaching, and corrective action in alignment with company policy and the CBA
- Promote employee engagement, retention, and development
Union Partnership
- Maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship with union leadership and stewards
- Ensure consistent interpretation and application of contract language
- Participate in grievance investigations and support resolution processes
- Support a positive labor-management relations focused on communication and mutual respect
Safety & Compliance
- Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, company policies, and contractual safety provisions
- Lead safety audits, and incident investigations
- Hold team members accountable to safe work practices and procedures
Production & Operations
- Oversee daily operations to meet production, quality, and efficiency goals
- Manage workforce planning, scheduling, and job assignments in accordance with seniority and contract requirements
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including throughput, scrap, downtime, and labor efficiency
- Coordinate with maintenance, quality, and planning to ensure smooth operations
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure adherence to all product quality standardsand customer requirements
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production or quality issues
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including waste reduction and process optimization
- Engage employees in problem-solving and improvement efforts
Floor Leadership & Problem Solving
- Maintain a strong presence on the production floor (50–70% of time)
- Address operational issues in real time, including staffing, equipment, and process challenges
- Provide clear direction and support to employees to meet daily goals
Future Scope (Growth Opportunity)
- Potential to expand leadership responsibilities into lithography operations, including coordination of production flow, print quality, and cross-functional alignment
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· 3–5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing or industrial operations
· Experience working in a unionized environment
· Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and grievance processes
· Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills
· Ability to balance employee advocacy with operational accountability
PREFERRED
· Experience in metal packaging, can manufacturing, or lithography/printing
· Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience (Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.)
· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Operations, or related field
Work Environment & Expectations
· Fast-paced, industrial manufacturing setting
· Significant time spent on the production floor
· Ability to work flexible schedules, including off-shifts, weekends, or extended hours as needed
· Hands-on leadership approach required
What Sets This Role Apart
· Opportunity to help build and shape a growing can manufacturing operation
· Leadership role within a union environment that values collaboration and respect
· Clear path for expanded responsibility, including lithography oversight
· Strong emphasis on people-first leadership and culture development, not just production output