Job Summary
The Wet End Operations Supervisor leads a high-performance team-consisting of two operations teams working alternating, rotating shifts-responsible for the critical early-stage chemical and printing processes that form the foundation of Kodak Alaris' thermal media donor. This role ensures safe, efficient, and precise execution of Wet End operations-including raw material receiving, chemical mixing, solution batching, printing, quality control, and equipment readiness-while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and team development. Additionally, the role will partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Technical, Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), and Management teams to coordinate departmental efforts across the flow.
This is a hands-on, floor-engaged leadership role for a supervisor who thrives in a technical manufacturing environment, champions safety, and inspires teams to deliver exceptional quality and throughput.
Performance Dimensions and Tasks
Operational Leadership - Time Spent 25%
Direct, coordinate, and monitor daily Wet End production activities to meet safety, quality, cost, and output targets. Assign work, manage staffing levels, and ensure proper shift coverage across all Wet End processes. Maintain real time awareness of production status, equipment performance, and process deviations, taking corrective action as needed. Lead teams to help identify problematic quality defects or machine operating conditions and escalate significant issues appropriately.
People & Team Management & Development - Time Spent 25%
Lead, coach, and mentor two teams of operators fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning. Conduct performance evaluations, deliver feedback, and support employee development plans. Promote cross training to build a flexible, resilient workforce. Ensure staffing levels always support production demands through the fair and equitable scheduling of crew vacations. Manage personnel and team conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner. Oversee the area-specific training programs to ensure the teams have the knowledge and skills to perform.
Quality & Process Control - Time Spent 15%
Oversee adherence to strict process and product specifications for raw materials, chemical preparation and gravure printing operations. Partner with Quality and Technical teams to troubleshoot process issues and maintain product integrity. Review and validate production records, batch documentation, and process logs for accuracy and completeness. Lead investigations into quality excursions and oversee countermeasure corrective actions.
Communication & Coordination - Time Spent 15%
Partner with Supply Chain, EHS, Technical, Maintenance, and Management resources to schedule product changeovers and shutdowns and monitor real-time factors such as raw material, quality, or general flow constraints to
Generate plans to meet output goals. Communicate production status, issues, and priorities to cross functional teams and leadership. Participate in daily meetings, shift handoffs, and production planning sessions.
Safety & Compliance - Time Spent 10%
Enforce Kodak Alaris' safety standards, environmental regulations, and chemical handling protocols. Conduct routine safety audits, lead incident investigations, and implement corrective and preventive actions. Ensure all team members are trained and certified in required safety procedures.
Continuous Improvement - Time Spent 10%
Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance process stability. Champion Lean and 5S initiatives within the Wet End area. Collaborate with Technical and Maintenance teams to optimize equipment reliability and reduce downtime. Ensure operations resources are available for shutdown cleaning and project support work.
Job Specifications
Required Education:
High School Diploma/GED
Preferred Education:
Gravure Operator Certificate
Required Experience:
Minimum of 3+ of supervisory experience
Roll-to-Roll web conveyance manufacturing
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues in a timely manner
Hazardous material manufacturing environments
Preferred Experience:
2+ years in Gravure Printing
Required Skills:
Basic reading, writing, math
Interpersonal Skills
Active Listening
Critical thinking
Learning Strategies
Speaking
Systems Analysis
General troubleshooting methodology
Time management
Decision making
Effective verbal and written communication in English
Microsoft Office suite and electronic mail proficiency
Preferred Skills:
Basic statistical analysis (e.g. measures of central tendency)
Piping & Instrumentation Diagram drawing interpretation
Required Knowledge:
Gravure printing
Basic mathematics
Personnel and Human Resources
Preferred Knowledge:
Statistical Process Control
Lean Manufacturing
Process Safety Management (PSM)
ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Standards
Job Context
Indoors (climate-controlled office and manufacturing area)
Exposure to hazardous equipment and materials
Wears common personal protective safety equipment
Regularly scheduled work
Conflict resolution and management
Primarily unstructured work requiring frequent decision making, prioritization, and planning
Regular time pressure with project deadlines and machine downtime allowances
Mobility required (twisting, bending, stooping, squatting, gripping, kneeling, reaching)
Face-to-face discussions
Key Competencies
Communication
Problem Solving
Managing Change
Fostering Teamwork
Learning
Attention to Detail
Initiative
Compensation: $84,000-$90,000 Based on experience
As a member of the Kodak Alaris team you will be eligible to participate in our flexible benefits program which include paid flexible time off, health, dental and vision coverage, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, 401(k) plan with company match, short-term and long term disability coverage and life insurance.
