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Great Dane

Builds freight trailers and truck bodies

Production Supervisor

Full-TimeDeadline 9/17/27
$52.9k - $99.1k/yr
Mid
Kewanee, IL, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production Operations

About the job

Requirements
  • High school education or GED is required.
  • Team Leader experience is required.
  • A graduate of Team Leader Academy or a college degree is required.
  • Ability to utilize Microsoft Office products.
  • Knowledge and/or skill in all processes for which the employee is responsible, including production techniques and procedures, safety rules and regulations, inspection criteria and methods, and plant-wide initiatives.
  • Ability to effectively instruct, direct, supervise, and lead individuals and teams of people.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other customer specifications.
  • Ability to operate a computer and use basic database, spreadsheet, word-processing, and email programs.
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including standing and moving on concrete for 8–12 hours a day, performing a range of physical movements, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, and maneuvering parts and assemblies up to 50 pounds.
  • Emergency First Aid, CPR, and Automatic External Defibrillator certifications are required and will be provided by the company after hire.
  • Certifications required to effectively lead and perform the job, such as welding or paint certification.
  • Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English.
  • Must wear required personal protective equipment and comply with company dress policy.
Responsibilities
  • Direct and manage trailer production activities in the assigned area, ensuring the area meets the production schedule and that trailers conform to the provided engineering drawings.
  • Ensure individual and employee compliance with all safety rules and requirements.
  • Manage and direct employee activities to consistently meet production, quality, and safety requirements.
  • Define the weekly staffing plan based on production volume and prepare the line for the next shift.
  • Manage team-generated rework, defects, and scrap, and implement preventative measures.
  • Implement and follow up on Lean Manufacturing activities; perform safety observations; define and review standard work with the Manufacturing Engineering department; update team training matrices; and keep the area clean and organized using 5S principles.
  • Interview and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; resolve grievances and complaints; and address problems in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
  • Attend weekly safety meetings, communicate the discussed topics to employees, ensure employees follow safety guidelines, and discipline employees when they do not.
  • Attend weekly review meetings to compare Sales Order information and the Bill of Materials, identify discrepancies, and ensure they are resolved before production begins.
  • Coordinate with other supervisors and the superintendent to resolve issues that could prevent the production schedule from being met.
  • Work with the Engineering department to resolve build-process issues that could affect product quality, safety, or performance.
  • Communicate with the Production Manager and the Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance Manager to address tooling, quality, and safety concerns while maintaining the production schedule.
  • Manage direct reports’ timecards, including in/out punches, timecard approvals, and vacation submissions and approvals.

About the company

Great Dane builds trailers and truck bodies for trucking fleets that move dry freight, temperature-sensitive goods, and open-deck loads. Its Everest refrigerated trailers support single or multiple temperature zones, while its dry vans and flatbeds cover other freight needs. Customers order equipment configured for their operations, from trailer specifications to technology integrations. The business sells trailers and truck bodies through its distribution network and supplies aftermarket parts and repair services to keep commercial equipment on the road. Great Dane was founded in 1900 and has its corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Savannah, Georgia.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, IL

Founded

1900

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Retirement support uses two vehicles: Great Dane lists an employer-matched 401(k) and a pension plan.
  • Paid internships ease relocation costs: Great Dane supplies housing assistance for interns who require relocation support.
  • Product development continues: Great Dane launched Freedom Ultra, an aluminum flatbed with a welded main beam, in August 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Wayne's supervisor posting specifies long days: 10-hour second shifts Monday-Thursday, plus straight-time pay for Friday/Saturday overtime.
  • Wayne's supervisor listing sets qualification gates: candidates need Team Leader Academy graduation or a degree, plus satisfactory annual reviews.
  • Internships are time-limited: Great Dane requires 20-40 hours weekly for approximately 10 weeks, depending on the role.

What makes Great Dane unique

  • Connected equipment is standard: every Great Dane trailer includes FleetPulse asset tracking, with upgrade options for deeper diagnostics.
  • Refrigerated interiors include antimicrobial protection: Great Dane sells liners infused with Microban to reduce bacteria and control odors.
  • Production spans a national footprint: Great Dane operates eleven manufacturing plants across the United States.

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