Job Description

POSITION: PRESS SUPERVISOR - Lebanon, TN

This is a full-time, salaried position located at our AUTOKINITON Lebanon, TN facility. The Press Supervisor reports directly to the Operations Supervisor and Operations Manager and plays a critical leadership role within our stamping and press operations. The annual salary range for this position is $61,900 to $103,100, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Press Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of press room operations within the manufacturing facility, ensuring that production targets, quality standards, safety protocols, and efficiency goals are consistently met. This mid-career leadership role requires a hands-on, results-driven individual with deep knowledge of metal stamping, press operations, and automotive manufacturing environments. The Press Supervisor will lead, coach, and develop a team of press operators and technicians, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence aligned with AUTOKINITON's core values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Press Supervisor will direct and coordinate all daily press room activities, including scheduling, staffing, and production planning to meet customer delivery requirements. This individual will monitor press operations to ensure all equipment is running at optimal efficiency and that production output meets established quality and throughput standards. The supervisor will enforce all safety regulations and company policies, conducting regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and corrective action follow-ups to maintain a safe working environment. They will collaborate closely with the maintenance, tooling, and quality departments to minimize downtime, resolve tooling issues, and address non-conformances in a timely manner. The Press Supervisor will lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events, 5S programs, and lean manufacturing projects aimed at reducing waste and improving process efficiency. They will be responsible for tracking and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), scrap rates, downtime, and labor efficiency, presenting findings to Operations Management. The supervisor will conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and mentoring to team members, and support workforce development through on-the-job training and skills assessments. They will also manage associate relations, including attendance tracking, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution in accordance with company policies. The Press Supervisor will coordinate die changes, press setups, and first-article approvals to ensure smooth production transitions and minimal changeover time. They will support new program launches and engineering changes by working cross-functionally with program management, engineering, and quality teams.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This full-time, regular/at-will position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $61,900 to $103,100. AUTOKINITON provides a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually through our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs. No per diem is associated with this role.

WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:

At AUTOKINITON, we invest in our people. Many of our associates have been with us for 25+ years because we prioritize work-life balance and support both personal and professional growth. We offer tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization. We empower all associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of metal stamping and press operations in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse workforce
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles including 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction methodologies
• Ability to track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators such as OEE, scrap rates, and downtime
• Strong understanding of OSHA safety regulations and the ability to enforce safety standards in a press room environment
• Experience with die change procedures, press setups, and first-article inspection processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and Outlook for reporting and communication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and team leadership
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis skills using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, and fishbone diagrams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements
• Experience with production scheduling, labor management, and shift planning
• Ability to conduct performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution in accordance with HR policies
• Familiarity with ERP or MES systems used in manufacturing operations

Required Experience

• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on press or stamping operations
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervisory or lead experience in an automotive stamping or metal fabrication facility
• Proven track record of leading production teams to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets
• Hands-on experience with large-tonnage mechanical or hydraulic presses used in automotive structural component manufacturing
• Experience managing die changes, tooling maintenance coordination, and press setup activities
• Demonstrated experience implementing and sustaining lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programs
• Experience working with quality management systems and supporting internal and external audits
• Background in new program launches and engineering change management within an automotive supply environment
• Experience developing and delivering on-the-job training programs for press operators and technicians
• Associate degree (2-year degree) in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required; additional education or certifications are a plus
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with maintenance, engineering, quality, and program management teams
• Proven ability to manage associate relations including performance management, attendance tracking, and disciplinary processes