Production Supervisor - Shift Operations

The Production Supervisor - Shift Operations at Inland Empire Paper Company is responsible for supervising the hourly union workforce to ensure safe and consistent mill operations. This includes resolving crew staffing issues, overseeing training and development, monitoring production operations, problem-solving to improve efficiency, and collaborating with superintendents to enhance processes while adhering to environmental regulations.

Candidates for the Production Supervisor - Shift Operations role at Inland Empire Paper Company should ideally have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field, although it's not mandatory. Additionally, a minimum of three years of supervisory experience, preferably in a union environment, along with strong communication and leadership skills, is highly beneficial.

The work schedule for the Production Supervisor - Shift Operations involves four 12-hour shifts that alternate between days and nights, with multiple days off between each rotation. Candidates should expect to work some weekends and holidays as part of the shift rotation schedule at Inland Empire Paper Company.

Important skills for the Production Supervisor - Shift Operations role at Inland Empire Paper Company include project management, effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is preferred, along with knowledge or experience in pulp and paper manufacturing.

Inland Empire Paper Company offers a competitive benefits package to Production Supervisors which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, 13 paid holidays per year, and two weeks of vacation to start – all designed to support the well-being of employees and their families.

In answering this question, you should highlight specific instances where you've supervised a team, focusing on challenges you faced and how you resolved them. Mention your leadership style and how you ensure productivity and safety among team members.

Share examples of past conflicts you've managed and the strategies you employed to resolve these issues. Emphasize your communication skills and your ability to foster a collaborative environment.

Discuss the importance of safety compliance and describe the measures you take to promote safety, such as regular training sessions, safety audits, and encouraging a culture where team members feel comfortable reporting unsafe conditions.

Provide a concrete example of a process improvement you've implemented and the quantifiable results it had on production efficiency. Highlight your analytical skills and decision-making process.

Explain your philosophy on training and development, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and hands-on training to empower your team and improve overall performance.

Share a specific instance where you had to make a decisive choice under pressure. Detail the context, your thought process, and the outcome, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your familiarity with data management and reporting tools, how you collect data, and your process for analyzing it to drive decisions and improvements in production operations.

If applicable, describe your experiences working with unionized employees, including how you navigate labor relations and ensure a productive working relationship while respecting union agreements.

Focus on your strategies for maintaining team morale, such as open communication, recognition of achievements, and encouraging a supportive atmosphere during difficult periods.

Express your enthusiasm for the position by linking your previous experiences and skills to the responsibilities of the role at Inland Empire Paper Company. Mention your respect for the company's long-standing history and commitment to quality.