Kitting Specialist Lead

Job Title: Kitting Specialist Lead / Assembly Line Lead The Kitting Specialist Lead / Assembly Line Lead oversees multiple assembly lines and kitting operations to ensure production orders are completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. This role leads a team of up to 20 assembly staff, coordinates daily and weekly workloads, and partners closely with assembly leadership to meet production targets related to cost, quantity, bill of material accuracy, quality, and schedule adherence. The position also plays a key role in training temporary labor, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and trust. Responsibilities Lead and coordinate daily activities for assembly line staff of up to 20 people to meet production requirements for cost, quantity, quality, and schedule. Align daily and weekly workload plans with Assembly Operations leadership to ensure production targets are met within budget. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing cost per unit by 5–10% annually. Train, onboard, and coach temporary labor to meet required quality and productivity standards within the defined 30/60/90-day onboarding plan. Maintain a temporary labor productivity rate of at least 95% of standard output through effective training, feedback, and performance support. Lead two or more production lines simultaneously while consistently meeting daily production quotas. Ensure on-time completion of production schedules with a goal of 98% schedule adherence. Demonstrate flexibility by supporting weekend and second-shift operations as required by production demands. Promote and maintain a safe, clean, and organized warehouse environment in line with operational procedures. Conduct routine safety checks, identify issues, and ensure corrective actions are completed within 24 hours. Hold team members accountable for adhering to 5S practices, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and all operational procedures. Interpret and execute production and work orders with 100% accuracy, ensuring all components and steps are correctly followed. Identify, communicate, and recommend improvements to production and work orders to enhance clarity, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. Work toward reducing production-order-related delays or rework by at least 5% through process improvement and attention to detail. Audit kits with a target accuracy rate of 98%, promptly resolving shortages and overages within 24–48 hours. Complete production orders, enter receipts, and log labor data accurately, maintaining zero critical errors in system entries. Maintain timely and accurate documentation to support production traceability, reporting, and inventory control. Obtain onsite certification for powered lift equipment within the required timeframe and operate equipment safely. Move pallets and materials safely with zero handling incidents, supporting smooth material flow to and from production lines. Support material flow improvements that reduce line downtime caused by material shortages. Use RF scanners and inventory systems to pick, kit, and track materials accurately throughout the production process. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues related to inventory, kitting, assembly, and order fulfillment. Communicate clearly with team members and leadership regarding production status, challenges, and improvement opportunities. Essential Skills In-depth, firsthand knowledge and experience with assembly operations and kitting processes in a fast‑paced warehouse or production environment. Proficiency with desktop applications, including MS Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and Microsoft Office (Word and Excel). Ability to interpret, understand, follow, and clearly communicate written and verbal instructions. Proven ability to work effectively both in a team setting and independently with minimal supervision. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English. Strong attention to detail and accuracy when interpreting work orders, auditing kits, and entering production and inventory data. Demonstrated leadership capability in guiding, training, and supporting production or warehouse staff. Comfort using RF scanners for picking, kitting, and inventory tracking activities. High School Diploma or GED. Flexibility to work weekends and extended periods of time when production demands require it. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience leading multiple production or assembly lines simultaneously is highly beneficial. Background in kitting, order picking, packaging, and inventory control in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. Familiarity with 5S principles, PPE requirements, and standard warehouse safety practices. Ability to conduct kit audits and resolve inventory discrepancies within defined timeframes. Bi‑lingual (Spanish) skills are a plus but not required. Comfort working with performance metrics such as productivity rates, schedule adherence, and cost-per-unit improvements. Ability to walk long distances across multiple buildings to check inventory and support production needs. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify process gaps and recommend practical improvements. Why Work Here You will join a growing, family‑owned organization that is passionate about learning, creativity, and helping people of all ages grow through engaging products. The company is recognized as a top workplace and is known for its award‑winning educational and pet‑focused products, reflecting a culture that values innovation, quality, and fun. You will work in an environment that encourages continuous improvement, supports professional development, and celebrates success through industry recognition and customer impact. Work Environment This role is based in a fast‑paced warehouse environment that supports multiple production and kitting lines. You will spend much of the day on your feet, moving between workstations and walking across four buildings to check inventory and support material flow. The standard shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with occasional Saturday work and extended hours as needed to meet production demands. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with adherence to 5S, proper use of PPE, and operational procedures. You will regularly use RF scanners, powered lift equipment (with onsite certification), and desktop applications such as MS Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Office to manage production orders, inventory, and reporting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vernon Hills, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.50/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills, IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek