Production supervisor job description

Production supervisors typically require a minimum of 3 years production experience and preferably previous supervisory experience. Certificate IV in Leadership and Management or Certificate IV in Competitive Manufacturing are preferred qualifications. First Aid certification is required, and a forklift licence is often preferred. Industry-specific certifications may also be required depending on the manufacturing sector.

A Certificate IV in Leadership and Management typically takes 6-12 months to complete. It can be studied full-time, part-time, or through workplace-based training. The qualification covers team leadership, operational planning, workplace safety, and performance management - all essential skills for production supervisors.

Yes, First Aid certification is typically required for production supervisors in manufacturing environments. As supervisors are responsible for workplace safety and emergency response, current First Aid and CPR certification is essential. Many manufacturing facilities also require additional safety certifications specific to their operations.

Production supervisors are typically hired as permanent full-time employees due to their leadership role and the need for consistency in team management. Some manufacturers may use casual or contract supervisors for short-term projects or peak periods. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Penalty rates under the Manufacturing Award 2020 apply for shift work, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Supervisors working afternoon or night shifts receive shift loadings. Weekend and public holiday work attracts higher penalty rates. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately based on the specific classification level.

Production supervisors typically work the same shift patterns as their teams, which may include day, afternoon or night shifts on rotating rosters. Many manufacturing facilities operate 24/7 requiring supervisors to work various shifts. Supervisors are often on-call for production emergencies outside their regular hours. Shift patterns should be clearly outlined in the employment contract.

Key elements include: position title and classification level (C5–C7), employment type, hourly or salary rate, applicable award, reporting structure, supervisory responsibilities (number of staff supervised), shift patterns and hours, overtime expectations, on-call requirements, safety responsibilities, and required certifications. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Under the Manufacturing Award 2020, rosters must be provided at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period require employee agreement. For supervisors managing multiple shifts or coordinating team rosters, providing schedules further in advance helps with production planning. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives supervisors visibility for team coordination.

Production supervisors should be rostered to align with team shifts, ensuring supervisory coverage during all production hours. Consider shift changeovers, production peaks, and the need for supervisor presence during critical operations. For 24/7 operations, rotate supervisors through different shifts or assign dedicated shift supervisors. Use rostering software to manage complex shift patterns.

Under the Manufacturing Award 2020, employees are entitled to meal breaks and paid rest breaks based on their shift length. Supervisors receive the same break entitlements as other employees, though they may need to coordinate their breaks to ensure continuous supervisory coverage on the factory floor.

On-call arrangements for production supervisors should be clearly defined in their employment contract, including on-call allowances (if applicable under the award), response time expectations, and call-out rates. Rotate on-call duties fairly among supervisors and ensure adequate rest periods between shifts. Use rostering software to track on-call schedules and support compliance with minimum rest requirements.