Job Description

Production Supervisor Trainee- Future Value Stream Manager

Rock Hill, SC

$60,000–$70,000 + structured pay increases

About American Roller Company

Since 1938, American Roller Company has been a leader in industrial rollers and coatings. Guided by the American Roller Way, we focus on safety, quality, innovation, and developing our people. With facilities across the U.S., we offer long-term career growth for individuals who want to learn the business from the ground up and grow into leadership roles.

The Opportunity: A True Management Training Program

This role is designed for someone who comes from the shop floor, understands machining, and is ready to step into leadership.

As a Production Supervisor Trainee, you’ll enter a structured, hands-on development program where you will:

• Run machines and learn operations firsthand
• Lead people on the floor
• Learn the rubber value stream inside and out
• Progress into a Value Stream / Production Supervisor role.

This is not a desk-only role and not an entry-level manufacturing job. You must be comfortable leading people and working hands-on in production.

Compensation increases every 3–6 months based on progress through the program.

What You’ll Do (During the Trainee Program)

Learn the Business from the Floor Up

• Operate and support production equipment (lathes, grinders, rubber processing equipment, etc.)
• Learn rubber department workflows, production standards, and quality expectations
• Understand scheduling, material flow, and customer requirements

Lead People

• Act as a floor leader and point of contact for operators
• Assign work, support setups, and help troubleshoot production issues
• Build trust and credibility with operators through hands-on leadership
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and consistently

Safety, Quality & Accountability

• Model and promote a strong safety-first culture
• Ensure work is completed to specification and quality standards
• Partner with Quality and Engineering when issues arise

Grow into a Supervisor Role

• Learn how to manage labor, workflow, and daily production priorities
• Participate in performance conversations, coaching, and employee development
• Support continuous improvement efforts (Lean knowledge is not required we’ll teach it)

Where This Role Leads

By the end of approximately 12 months, you will be positioned to step into a:

• Rubber Value Stream Supervisor / Production Manager role

with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people leadership.

This is a long-term leadership pipeline role.

What We’re Looking For (Must-Haves)

Manufacturing & Machining Background (Required)

• Hands-on experience running machines such as lathes, grinders, or similar equipment
• OR a 2-year technical degree in machining, manufacturing, or a related field
• Strong understanding of how production floors actually operate

Leadership Experience (Required)

• Prior experience as a lead, trainer, or informal supervisor
• Must be comfortable giving direction, holding people accountable, and communicating clearly
• Strong people skills. We cannot train someone to lead if they don’t already have it

Leadership Mindset

• Hands-on, floor-first approach
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and grow
• Strong work ethic and professionalism
• Comfortable working alongside operators, not above them