Charles Backstrom
Summary
Production Supervisor with 10+ years of experience leading manufacturing operations in union and non-union environments. Proven record of improving safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement through Lean Manufacturing, standardized work, and hands-on leadership. Strong background in SAP, GMP, ISO standards, inventory control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Supervisor
METALEX
09.2025 - 02.2026
- Oversaw daily production operations, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Monitored workflow efficiency, implementing process improvements to enhance productivity.
- Trained and mentored team members on equipment usage and best practices.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to align production schedules with supply chain needs.
- Led initiatives to reduce waste and improve overall operational efficiency.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Evaluated existing production processes and identified areas for improvement.
- Created an inclusive work culture that encouraged collaboration and open communication among staff members at all levels within the organization.
- Oversaw inventory management, reducing waste by implementing just-in-time inventory practices.
- Cultivated culture of excellence and accountability, leading by example and providing clear expectations.
- Located and resolved problems with team production and performance to maintain consistent quality levels.
Production Supervisor
Honeywell International
05.2023 - 07.2025
- Directed daily production operations while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
- Led, trained, and mentored production associates to support continuous improvement and team engagement.
- Monitored production KPIs and implemented corrective actions to close performance gaps.
- Conducted performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, hiring, onboarding, and employee training.
- Managed payroll review, PTO scheduling, and employee relations issues.
- Developed and implemented new manufacturing processes in collaboration with Engineering and Quality.
- Coordinated with Logistics to ensure timely material ordering and receipt.
- Supported onboarding and evaluation of new vendors, including quality metrics and KPIs.
- Led monthly safety training, audits, accident investigations, and corrective actions.
- Partnered with Production Scheduling to meet build schedules and delivery targets.
- Coordinated preventive maintenance (PMs) and annual maintenance with Maintenance teams.
Production Supervisor
Sealy International
04.2021 - 05.2023
- Supervised day-to-day operations across three manufacturing departments with 23 production associates.
- Conducted daily housekeeping and safety audits; enforced PPE compliance.
- Issued corrective actions for safety violations and unsafe behaviors.
- Completed and monitored Quality Audits and Layered Process Audits (LPAs).
- Coordinated movement and disposition of quarantined material with Quality Assurance.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Safety, QA, Scheduling, Maintenance, HR, and Shipping/Receiving.
- Ensured material availability and workforce alignment to meet daily production schedules.
- Optimized labor and equipment utilization to achieve production targets.
- Investigated inventory discrepancies; supported cycle counts and physical inventories.
- Coordinated preventive and breakdown maintenance activities.
- Maintained employee records, payroll, and recognition programs.
- Conducted interviews for new hires and internal promotions.
Education
Business Management
Washburn University
Topeka, KSSkills
- Production & Operations Management
- Safety Leadership & Incident Investigation
- Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, TPM
- Union & Non-Union Workforce Management
- Employee Training & Development (TWI, Single-Point Lessons)
- Inventory Control, Cycle Counts & Physical Inventory
- SAP, GMP, ISO 9001 / ISO 14001
- Performance Management & Corrective Action
- Quality Audits, LPAs & Root Cause Analysis
- Forklift & Material Handling Equipment (Trainer Certified)
- Robotic Welding Systems (Fanuc, Panasonic)
- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- SAP
- AS/400
- ANDON
- ADP
- Kronos
- Empower
- ECHARGE
Accomplishments
- Achieved [98%] on time delivery to General Motors by completing Production schedule daily with accuracy and efficiency.
- Lead team to 360+ days of no incidents, accidents or OSHA recordables.
- Completed weekly Gemba walks and Safety audits with process and Safety improvements.
- Lead and directed team to ISO 9000 certification.
- Managed team to Successful IATF 16949 audit.
Certification
- Toyota 8-Step Problem Solving
- Manufacturing Leadership School
- Leadership & Team Building (Cosma Body Assembly)
- Lean Team Leader Training
- People Skills & Conflict Resolution
- First Aid & AED Certified
- Safe Start Safety Program
- Forklift and material handling vehicle trainer
Timeline
Production Supervisor
METALEX
09.2025 - 02.2026
Production Supervisor
Honeywell International
05.2023 - 07.2025
Production Supervisor
Sealy International
04.2021 - 05.2023
Business Management
Washburn University
Military Service
- United States Army | 1986 – 1999
- Telecommunications Specialist (E-5)
- Awarded Bronze Star (2x), Army Achievement Medal (2x), National Defense Medal.
- Served during Operation Desert Storm.
- Selected to instruct Cadets at the United States Military Academy (West Point).