Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations

As a Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations at Kairos Power, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the daily activities of the shop, managing a team of machinists, fabricators, and welders, and contributing to the manufacturing of our innovative FHR technology. Your role will encompass hiring and training personnel, ensuring effective work assignments, engaging in design reviews, and maintaining high safety standards in the workplace.

Candidates for the Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations role at Kairos Power should possess a minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing or prototyping environments. Expertise in CNC machining, fabrication, welding, and GD&T is crucial, with familiarity in CAD/CAM software being a preferred advantage. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are also key to managing and developing the team effectively.

The Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations works closely with engineering teams at Kairos Power to ensure that product designs are optimized for manufacturability. This collaboration includes participating in design reviews, applying manufacturing knowledge to suggest improvements, and addressing any challenges to streamline production processes.

Supervisors at Kairos Power experience a dynamic work environment that includes the shop floor and the office. They engage with a variety of tasks that may range from hands-on machine operation to strategic planning and team mentoring. Safety measures and compliance procedures are pivotal, alongside encouraging a supportive and collaborative culture among diverse team members.

At Kairos Power, the Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations position provides significant opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on developing leadership skills and foster team engagement, there are pathways to higher management positions. Continuous training and involvement in diverse projects further enhance your career trajectory within the company.

When addressing your experience managing manufacturing teams, focus on specific leadership techniques you've used, such as motivating employees, handling conflicts, and implementing safety protocols. Share examples of challenges faced and how you overcame them, emphasizing your skills in fostering a collaborative environment.

In your response, outline a structured approach to training that includes hands-on learning, mentorship, and continuous assessment. Emphasize the importance of safety training and how you tailor programs to meet the varying skills of new hires while promoting a culture of open communication and feedback.

Detail the quality control measures you implement, such as regular inspections, process audits, and employee training programs. Explain how you establish benchmarks and hold your team accountable to these standards while fostering a sense of pride in their work.

When discussing continuous improvement, share a specific project or initiative where you identified inefficiencies and successfully implemented changes. Use metrics to show the impact of your efforts and describe how you engaged the team in brainstorming and executing these ideas.

Explain your collaborative approach, emphasizing how you facilitate open communication between manufacturing and engineering. Discuss methods like regular meetings, feedback loops, and joint problem-solving sessions, illustrating your role in driving successful project outcomes.

Your answer should cover essential safety measures you promote, such as PPE requirements, regular safety drills, and hazard assessments. Discuss how you foster a culture of safety awareness among your team and the role of continuous training in upholding these protocols.

Describe your approach to performance evaluations, focusing on constructive feedback and setting measurable goals. Highlight the importance of one-on-one conversations and how you ensure your team feels supported and empowered to grow in their roles.

Discuss your hands-on experience with various types of CNC machines, outlining specific applications and projects you've led. Mention your familiarity with software and programming, emphasizing how you ensure precision and quality in machined parts.

Talk about your strategies for prioritization and time management, including how you engage your team to maintain focus under pressure. Provide examples of past situations where you successfully met deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

Explain how you prioritize team building, including activities and initiatives that foster unity and collaboration. Discuss the positive outcomes this has had on productivity and morale within your teams, sharing specific anecdotes if possible.