Production Supervisor - Finishing Department

Description:

About the Company

IDOC Labs is our own optical laboratory network, built exclusively for independent eye care practices. Three Rivers Optical has been serving independent practices since 1969 with cutting-edge digital freeform technology, exceptional turnaround times, and a customer service team that averages 12 years of optical experience. When quality matters, Three Rivers Optical delivers.

Role Summary

The Production Supervisor – Finishing is responsible for leading the day-to-day performance of the Finishing department, ensuring safe, consistent and efficient delivery against quality, service, productivity and cost expectations.

The role provides visible leadership on the floor, develops a flexible and skilled team, drives standard work, and uses data to identify issues, reduce breakage, improve flow and support continuous improvement across the lab.

Responsibilities

Operational Delivery

· Lead daily finishing operations, including lensometry , edging, mounting, inspection and work prioritization.

· Manage daily workload, WIP, aged jobs and escalations to support turnaround time and customer service expectations.

· Ensure work is allocated effectively across the team, balancing skill, capacity, absence and production priorities.

· Participate in daily operational meetings/stand-ups, providing clear updates on performance, risks and support needed.

Quality, Breakage and Technical Standards

· Ensure final inspection standards are consistently understood, applied and followed by the team.

· Ensure final inspection processes for surfaced and edged lenses are carried out consistently, accurately and in line with agreed quality standards.

· Use breakage, redo, reject and quality data to identify trends and take corrective action.

· Support the root cause investigation for repeat defects, machine issues, process failures and handling errors.

· Ensure SOP’s, work instructions and quality standards are followed and updated where required.

People Leadership and Development

· Coach, develop and support team members to build capability, confidence and flexibility across the Finish Department.

· Maintain training records, skills matrices and performance records for all employees; routinely communicate performance and provide colleague development.

· Address attendance, conduct or performance concerns promptly and fairly, in line with company policy.

· Effectively manage employee schedules while considering seasonal workload fluctuations.

· Provide regular feedback, recognition and coaching to improve individual and team performance.

· Create an inclusive, respectful and positive team environment where colleagues understand expectations and feel supported.

Continuous Improvement

· Identify and implement practical improvements to reduce waste, rework, breakage and delays.

· Work with Production, Maintenance, Quality, AR/Coating, Surface and Customer Service to resolve process issues.

· Support implementation of new equipment, process changes, training plans and standard work.

· Use production data and team feedback to improve flow, quality and operator utilization.

Safety and Compliance

· Lead by example on safety, PPE, housekeeping, and safe working practices

· Ensure incidents, near misses and hazards are reported and followed up appropriately

· Reinforce safe handling of lenses, tools, equipment and materials

· Adhere to company policies, attendance, and safety rules, while maintaining confidentiality of proprietary and HIPAA-protected information.

· Assist others as needed to meet deadlines and balance workloads, demonstrating a cooperative and positive attitude.

· Work flexible hours including weekends, as needed, to meet lab and department objectives.

· Perform other tasks as assigned by management.

Requirements:

Requirements

· High school diploma or equivalent, with proven management experience in a production environment.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain positive customer relations is essential.

· Strong supervisory skills, including the ability to motivate employees to achieve performance goals, effective communication, and proficiency in coaching and training both individuals and teams.

Preferred

· Experience in Optical Lab production finish and inspection, with a focus on providing technical expertise, leadership, and career development to team members.

· Proficiency in computer skills, including MS Office applications.

· Experience with statistical analysis tools for data gathering and reporting.

· Previous experience working with technical equipment is preferred.

Competencies

· Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage and inspire a diverse team.

· Communicates clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.

· Demonstrates full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.

· Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information, or deliver services.

· Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Working Environment

• Ability to work Monday through Friday, daylight.
• Work is performed primarily in an optical laboratory setting.
• Environment often fast-paced, deadline oriented.