Finally — a leadership program built for manufacturing supervisors.
Your best operators don't automatically become your best leaders. Modern Manufacturing Supervision equips frontline supervisors with the communication, coaching, data, and change-leadership skills the modern shop floor demands — including AI, IoT, and real-time SPC.
Program at a Glance
Format 6 In-Person Sessions
Includes LSS Yellow Belt Cert.
Requires Computer Access
Built For Floor & Frontline Supervisors
Invoicing Corporate Available
The Challenge
Leading on the floor is a different job than working on the floor.
Most manufacturing supervisors are promoted because they were excellent operators — not because anyone taught them how to lead. They're handed a team, a scorecard, and a mountain of new responsibility, with no roadmap for the transition from individual contributor to leader.
Meanwhile, the floor itself is changing faster than ever. Supervisors are now expected to lead a multigenerational workforce, hold real accountability conversations, and make sense of AI-driven dashboards and real-time SPC data — often without ever being trained on any of it.
Modern Manufacturing Supervision closes that gap.
Continuously Refreshed
Built around how the floor actually works today
Change happens fast in manufacturing. Every cohort, we review and update the curriculum based on what supervisors are facing right now.
AI & IoT on the Shop Floor
Plain-English coverage of predictive maintenance alerts, AI scheduling, visual inspection, and ChatGPT— tools you're likely already using.
Real-Time SPC Dashboards
Connect machine outputs to live SPC data and learn to read, trust, and act on it in the moment — not after the fact.
The COACH Framework
A practical model for coaching conversations, skill-vs-will assessments, and matching your leadership style to the person in front of you.
Multigenerational Leadership
Lead across real differences on your team — without leaning on stereotypes — and adapt how you communicate and motivate.
Capstone Project
Supervisors leave with a completed Leadership Development Plan and a Development Plan for someone on their own team.
Safety & Accountability
OSHA and EPA fundamentals folded into a practical culture of safety, quality, and accountability supervisors can lead day one.
Curriculum
Six sessions. Five modules. One capstone.
Each module builds directly into your Capstone Leadership Development Project — this isn't a binder you file away.
01
Navigate the transition from individual contributor to equipped leader. Understand your role in the larger organization and your direct impact on safety, quality, productivity, and morale.
Foundations of Manufacturing Leadership
02
Apply active listening and empathy in a production setting. Master the COACH framework, navigate conflict, and lead effectively across cultural and generational differences.
Communication & Team Building
03
Set performance expectations using SMART goals, build hard and soft skills through mentoring, manage documentation, navigate HR fundamentals, and lead a culture of safety and accountability.
Coaching, Mentoring, Performance Management & Safety
04
Learn Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen fundamentals, conduct Root Cause Analysis in Minitab Workplace, and build a working foundation in SPC using Minitab and Excel.
Includes LSS Yellow Belt Certification
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
05
Lead your team through change using the Change Curve and the 4 C's of Change Leadership. Get a plain-English introduction to AI and real-time data tools, and connect machine outputs for live SPC.
Adaptability, Change Management & Future Readiness
CS
Build a personal Leadership Development Plan and an Employee Development Plan for someone on your team, plus a focused 30-day leadership action plan — a structured commitment to growth on the floor.
Capstone - Leadership Deveopment Project
What You Walk Away With
More than a certificate
Personal Leadership Development Plan
Built module by module, ready to use the day you finish.
Working SPC Skills
Hands-on familiarity with SPC in Minitab and Excel, plus everyday AI tools.
An Employee Development Plan
For one of your own team members, ready to put into action immediately.
A Coaching Framework
A repeatable approach to accountability and difficult conversations.
LSS Yellow Belt Certification
Accredited Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt credential included.
A Peer Network
Fellow supervisors working through the same challenges as you.
Who Should Attend
Built for people leading people on the floor
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Frontline and floor supervisors
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Team leads and shift leaders preparing to step into supervision
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Recently promoted supervisors and managers
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Manufacturing leaders who want a shared leadership language across their supervisory team
John Scanlon
MBA, LSSMBB — Founder, StonePath Business Solutions
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StonePath was built on one idea: your technology investment shouldn't outpace your people. Modern Manufacturing Supervision was developed specifically for manufacturing supervisors — not adapted from generic corporate training — and is refined cohort over cohort based on what's actually happening on plant floors today.
Where Modern Manufacturing Leaders Are Made
Seats are limited to keep each cohort practical and hands-on.
Ask about tuition reimbursement. For corporate invoicing, contact jscanlon@mystonepath.com.