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Department Supervisor

UFP Industries · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 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 the largest team you've supervised in a production setting and how you organized it.

What they are checking: Scale of leadership experience and practical structure for running a department.

Tell me about a problem in your department you identified, researched and solved.

What they are checking: Problem-solving skill with a clear process and result, as the posting describes.

How do you develop someone on your team who wants to become a lead?

What they are checking: Commitment to employee development, which the posting names as a core responsibility.

Tell me about a continuous improvement change you made that your team resisted at first.

What they are checking: Leading change and getting buy-in on the floor.

What would you do

How do you balance cost and profit goals with keeping your people safe?

What they are checking: Whether they treat safety as non-negotiable while still managing cost, as UFP expects.

An employee you supervise comes to you with a complaint about another employee's behavior. What do you do?

What they are checking: Handling people issues fairly and following policy and applicable law.

Your department is behind on orders and your manager asks for overtime. How do you approach your crew?

What they are checking: Communicating demands honestly and fairly while protecting morale.

About the work

What does a good daily start-up meeting with your crew look like?

What they are checking: Daily communication habits covering safety, goals and problems from the prior shift.

How do you evaluate whether a program, like a new incentive or training plan, is working?

What they are checking: Using data to judge programs instead of assuming success.

How do you keep department inventory accurate?

What they are checking: Practical inventory control tied to production 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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