Production Supervisor, New Product Introduction

Position Summary

The NPI Production Supervisor is responsible for leading production activities associated with the introduction and launch of new products into manufacturing. This role ensures new products are safely, efficiently, and successfully transitioned from development into full-scale production. The supervisor works closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Accounts teams to achieve project milestones, meet customer requirements, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will provide hands-on leadership within the manufacturing environment, coordinating resources, supporting production readiness, and driving operational excellence throughout the New Product Introduction (NPI) process.

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership

- Supervise daily NPI production activities and assigned personnel.
- Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate manufacturing resources to support prototype, pilot, and production builds.
- Monitor production schedules and ensure on-time completion of NPI milestones.
- Resolve production issues that could impact product launch timelines.
- Drive accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and productivity within the NPI production team.
- Support production ramp-up activities and readiness for full-scale manufacturing.

New Product Introduction Support

- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Accounts teams throughout product development and launch phases.
- Participate in manufacturing readiness reviews, launch meetings, and project status updates.
- Support process validation, trial builds, and first-article production activities.
- Identify manufacturability concerns and provide feedback to Engineering teams.
- Assist in developing and implementing production processes, manufacturing instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure manufacturing resources, tooling, equipment, and work instructions are in place prior to production launch.
- Support the successful transition of products from development to standard production operations.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

- Ensure products meet quality standards, customer specifications, and company requirements.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to NPI builds.
- Monitor process performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain documentation required for production, quality, and customer audits.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Team Development

- Train, mentor, and develop production employees on new products, processes, and equipment.
- Provide coaching, direction, and performance feedback to team members.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Assist with workforce planning and staffing requirements to support project timelines and production ramp-up activities.
- Promote employee engagement and professional development.

Cross-Functional Coordination

- Act as the primary production contact for NPI projects.
- Coordinate production readiness and material availability with Supply Chain and Planning teams.
- Work closely with the Accounts team to support customer requirements, delivery commitments, and project updates.
- Communicate project status, risks, resource requirements, and production readiness to the NPI Manager.
- Support the successful handoff of products from NPI into routine production operations.

Qualifications

Education

- Diploma, Technical Certificate, or post-secondary education in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

- Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience.
- Minimum 2 years of supervisory, lead hand, or team leadership experience preferred.
- Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI), product launches, or manufacturing process implementation is considered an asset, but not required.
- Experience in industrial manufacturing, fabrication, machining, assembly, or engineered products is considered an asset.

Skills & Competencies

- Strong leadership and employee development skills.
- Thorough understanding of manufacturing operations and production processes.
- Knowledge of quality systems, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Successful execution of NPI projects and product launches.
- On-time completion of prototype, pilot, and production builds.
- Production schedule adherence.
- First-pass yield and overall quality performance.
- Safety performance and compliance.
- Continuous improvement implementation and cost savings.
- Employee training, development, and engagement.
- Successful transition of NPI products into standard production operations.

Travel Requirements

- Occasional travel may be required to support customer meetings, supplier visits, training activities, product launches, or other business needs.
- A valid passport is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
- Ability to travel within Canada and internationally as business needs dictate.

Work Environment

- Manufacturing and production facility environment.
- Frequent interaction with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Accounts personnel.
- Moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting.
- Flexibility to support critical project launches, pilot builds, and production ramp-up activities as required.

Core Purpose of the Role

To lead the execution of new product introductions from prototype through production launch, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing processes while meeting customer expectations, project timelines, and business objectives.

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Johnson Controls’ Canadian subsidiaries are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants, candidates and employees with disabilities, in accordance with applicable human rights legislation, and in Ontario, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”). When requested, accommodation will be provided throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. To request accommodation, please contact us. Any information you provide related to accommodation measures will be treated as confidential. A copy of Johnson Controls’ applicable AODA policies are available on our website at www.johnsoncontrols.com for your reference, and can be made available in accessible formats upon request.