Production Line Kitting Operations Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Is this you?

• Do you excel at keeping production lines continuously supplied with the right parts at the right time?
• Have you successfully supervised unionized teams while balancing performance, relationships, and contract compliance?
• Are you energized by coordinating across production, warehousing, and supply chain to solve material flow challenges—fast?

If yes, you’ll thrive as our Production Line Kitting Operations Lead. This on-site role in Ripon, WI runs on 2nd shift (3:00 pm – 1:00 am) and centers on moving materials and finished goods efficiently on the shop floor—while guiding a team that makes it all happen.

What you’ll tackle

• Lead and coach a union team: Supervise material handlers and kitting staff, set schedules, deliver training, manage performance, and resolve issues. Oversee line delivery activities to prevent production disruptions.
• Respect and uphold union agreements: Navigate contract requirements and work constructively with union reps to maintain a positive work environment.
• Be the hub for communications: Liaise with production teams, warehouse personnel, and buyers to address material concerns and align expectations. Coordinate with buyers and warehouse to handle returns and replacements of defective goods.
• Own the numbers: Produce and interpret reports on delivery times and inventory levels; capture time, attendance, vacation, and coverage details for your team.

Where you’ll focus

• Kitting coordination: Run the daily mechanics of kitting—distribution, inventory control, and fulfillment. Direct the flow of materials and finished products across the Ripon shop floor and coordinate with Manitowoc as needed, ensuring finished goods are routed correctly.
• Inventory discipline: Monitor stock on the floor, trigger replenishment, and sync with warehouse teams to avoid shortages. Conduct inventory audits and verify materials against production schedules, sequences, department orders, and related documentation.
• Safe material handling: Oversee efficient loading and unloading and reinforce safety protocols at every step.
• Rapid issue resolution: Tackle transportation or supply chain snags—delays, damages, discrepancies—before they impact output. Track team performance against organizational goals.
• Process improvement: Analyze kitting workflows to drive efficiency and reduce waste; implement procedural upgrades to support production targets.
• Admin essentials: Approve union team members’ time and vacation requests and ensure completion of required safety, team leader, and compliance training.

What you bring

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; degree/certification in leadership management or a related field is a plus. 2–3 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience: Proven background in production or warehouse management with supervisory experience in a unionized environment.
• Skills: Strong leadership, organization, and communication; comfortable working hands-on in a fast-paced setting.
• Knowledge: Shop-floor operations, material handling equipment, safety standards, and union regulations/agreements.

Schedule & environment

• Shift: 2nd shift, 3:00 pm – 1:00 am, on-site in Ripon, WI.
• Conditions: Manufacturing floor coverage across a large footprint with noise, temperature variation, and physical activity including lifting and moving materials.
• Hours: Full-time with occasional overtime or weekend work as business requires.