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1st Shift Production Supervisor

UFP Industries · Janesville, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you turned around a team that was missing its production numbers.

What they are checking: Practical leadership to improve output, including what they actually changed and the result.

Tell me about a continuous improvement project you led on a production floor.

What they are checking: Real CI experience with measurable results, since UFP expects supervisors to lead it.

How do you evaluate performance fairly across a team with very different skill levels?

What they are checking: Objective evaluation methods that avoid favoritism and support development.

What does your role on a Safety Committee look like in practice?

What they are checking: Active safety leadership rather than just attending meetings.

What would you do

You'd manage production across multiple departments and shifts. How do you keep standards the same across shifts you don't personally see?

What they are checking: Systems for consistency like handoffs, metrics and shift leads, rather than relying on being present.

An experienced employee keeps skipping a safety step to go faster. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Willingness to enforce safety with veterans and coach rather than look the other way.

How do you coach someone who's a good worker but has an attendance problem?

What they are checking: Balancing fairness and accountability when counseling employees, as the posting describes.

A machine goes down and you're going to miss a customer shipment. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Response under pressure, including communication with management and customers and moving labor around.

About the work

How do you track cost and profitability in your department day to day?

What they are checking: Business understanding of labor, scrap and throughput, since the posting holds supervisors to cost goals.

How do you manage department inventory so you're not running short or overstocked?

What they are checking: Inventory control knowledge tied to production schedules and cost.

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The full job description

As published by UFP Industries.

Job Summary The Production Department Supervisor is responsible for the overall operation of its department consistent with cost, profit and production goals. It is responsible for the training and development of its employees. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals some creativity and latitude is expected works under the supervision of a manager Develops methods and assists in its implementation to achieve plans and goals of the department. Principle Duties and Responsibilities • Manages the production operation of multiple departments multiple shifts. • Manages the activity of a group of employees and motivates for maximum productivity. • Identifies, researches, and resolves various problems and opportunities. • Evaluates performance of individuals and various programs. • Coaches and counsels' employees. • Manages activities consistent with all UFP policies, procedures, and applicable law. • Communicates to employees and other management members as required. • Manages cost and profitability of the department. • Manages department inventory • Leads employees in continuous improvement and safety initiatives. • Prepares reports and maintains records as required. • Participates in Safety Committee and ensures that department is in compliance with established safety standards. • Performs other duties as required. • If assigned to Treating Department, performs duties consistent with hazardous material handling procedures and practices. • May drive a forklift to assist moving material to and from the production area • Performs other duties as required. Qualifications • Post high school education is required • Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in manufacturing 1 to 3 years of experience managing people. • Demonstrated ability to set up and manage agendas, ensuring clear understanding of time frames and effective use of visual aids. • Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and precisely, engage listeners, and ask pertinent questions. • Proficiency in operating Inside UFPI, with a thorough understanding of available resources, specific UFP policy training, and main page navigation. • Skilled in searching topics, using Citrix, and maintaining email etiquette, with a strong grasp of timelines and deadlines. • Expertise in the Precise Plant Quality Program, including knowledge of quality requirements communication, quality training, and troubleshooting quality issues. • Attention to detail in identifying important production details, reporting and checking for accuracy, and implementing double-check systems. • Ability to maintain a routine for day-to-day work while being organized for flexible periods. • Effective daily communication with employees, holding them accountable, and utilizing various communication methods to convey production expectations. • Commitment to safety, understanding and adhering to the UFP principle that safety is priority one, and working with safety leaders on JDA’s and JSA’s. • Proper training in conducting machine audits, understanding the importance of LOTO, and implementing safety improvements. • Knowledge of continuous improvement (CI) principles, including 5S and TPM, and the ability to communicate the importance of each program before implementation. • Technical knowledge of machinery and equipment, including proper training, understanding machine purposes, documenting training, and developing relationships with maintenance staff. • Strong understanding of preventative maintenance and standard work instructions. • Ability to provide daily feedback and communication, identify potential advancement based on performance, and conduct employee reviews. • Understanding the importance of training employees, communicating effectively during training, and emphasizing safety and safeguards. • Self-awareness to reflect on situations and identify areas for improvement. • Successfully complete Forklift Driver licensing process Click here to watch what a day in the life of a Production Supervisor looks like. The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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