Lead of Kitting Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Kitting Operations Lead

Job Purpose and Position Overview: The Kitting Operations Lead is responsible for ensuring production teams have the correct materials, components, hardware, and documentation available, organized, and staged to support efficient vessel outfitting, mechanical, and electrical installation activities. This role serves as the primary liaison between Production, Purchasing, Scheduling, and Inventory personnel, to ensure all required materials are identified, tracked, kitted, and staged according to production priorities.

The Kitting Operations Lead maintains visibility of production schedules and proactively verifies material readiness for upcoming work. This position focuses on material coordination, work package preparation, kit accuracy, inventory integrity, and shop floor support to minimize production delays and maximize workforce productivity.

Success in this role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing and marine production processes, the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and bills of material, and the organizational skills necessary to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment. The position is a key member of the operations team responsible for ensuring crews have the materials and resources needed to execute work safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Kitting & Material Readiness

• Lead all kitting activities for outfitting, mechanical, and electrical production departments.
• Review production schedules, work orders, drawings, and bills of material to determine upcoming material requirements.
• Develop, organize, and maintain complete production kits to support scheduled work packages.
• Verify kit accuracy and completeness prior to release to production.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Inventory, and Production personnel to identify shortages, substitutions, or material issues before they impact production.
• Monitor kit status and communicate material readiness to project managers, production supervisors, and scheduling personnel.
• Ensure production teams receive the correct materials, hardware, consumables, and documentation at the point of use.
• Manage kit returns, excess materials, and material reconciliation following job completion.
• Establish and maintain standardized kitting procedures, labeling systems, and staging practices.

Production Support & Coordination

• Maintain daily awareness of production priorities and vessel schedules.
• Attend production planning and scheduling meetings to identify upcoming material needs and potential constraints.
• Work closely with department supervisors to support changing production requirements and expedite critical materials.
• Coordinate the movement and staging of materials between storage locations, production areas, and vessels.
• Assist in resolving material discrepancies, shortages, damaged materials, or inventory variances affecting production.
• Serve as a central point of contact for production-related material issues.

Inventory & Process Improvement

• Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and material verification activities.
• Develop recommendations to improve material flow, staging practices, storage methods, and production efficiency.
• Track and report kitting performance metrics, shortages, and recurring material issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to production readiness and material management.

Facility & Team Support

• Maintain clean, organized, and clearly identified kitting and staging areas.
• Promote safe material handling and ensure compliance with company safety requirements.
• Assist with material handling activities using forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, and other approved equipment.
• Support operational initiatives as assigned by the Operations Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• 3+ years of experience in kitting, material handling, inventory control, or production support in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of marine manufacturing/outfitting, assembly, material management, and production support processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly documentation, bills of material, and work instructions.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple kits and production priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to material accuracy.
• Working knowledge of inventory control and material tracking systems.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and internal systems.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions regarding production priorities.
• Forklift and overhead crane certification, or ability to become certified.
• Preferred experience in shipbuilding, marine construction, or vessel repair
• Preferred familiarity with marine electrical and mechanical components and hardware

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 75 lbs with assistance
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb ladders and stairs for extended periods, including aboard vessels
• Work is performed in shop, warehouse, outdoor, and waterfront environments, with exposure to weather, noise, and industrial equipment
• Required personal protective equipment must be worn in production areas

Key Performance Expectations:

• Production kits are completed accurately and delivered on schedule.
• Material shortages are identified and communicated before impacting production.
• Production downtime caused by missing or incorrect materials is minimized.
• Inventory and kit accuracy standards are maintained.
• Kitting and staging areas remain organized, safe, and efficient.
• Cross-functional communication supports proactive production planning and execution.

All new hires are subject to pre-employment drug screenings and E-Verify in accordance with federal law. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and be at least 18 years of age. 

Pay and Benefits:

• $35 - $45 / hour, depending on experience 
• Full time, non-exempt position (overtime eligible)
• Overtime may be available
• Positive and supportive work environment
• 100% paid medical insurance for employees, 80% for spouses and dependents
• Comprehensive dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance options available
• 401(k) retirement plan
• 9 paid holidays, including the day after the Super Bowl

About Snow & Company: Snow & Company is a leading boatbuilding and ship repair company located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. We specialize in constructing commercial vessels for the fishing industry, government agencies, tugboat operators, aquaculture businesses, and more. In addition to vessel construction, we provide comprehensive overhauls and repair services. Our modern facilities include enclosed fabrication halls and waterfront repair spaces, all situated along the picturesque Ship Canal. Conveniently located on the Burke-Gilman Trail and just one block from the Metro bus stop, Snow & Company is a commuter-friendly workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Snow & Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, age, disability, or genetic information. In addition to federal laws, Snow & Company complies with all applicable state and local nondiscrimination laws.

For more information, check out our website at