Screen Printing Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Screen Printing Lead

Job Title: Screen Printing Lead

Department : Production – Screen Printing / Embellishment

Location : Distribution Warehouse Facility

Reports To : Production Manager

Position Summary

The Screen Printing Lead is responsible for leading a team of production operators in the screen printing and embellishment department, ensuring the accurate, high-quality, and efficient decoration and customization of garments and uniforms. This position performs and oversees screen preparation, press setup, printing, curing, and quality inspection, while providing daily direction, coaching, and performance feedback to assigned associates. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing hands-on production work with day-to-day team leadership.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and work alongside a team of production operators, providing direction, coaching, and guidance to ensure daily productivity and quality standards are achieved.
• Perform and oversee screen printing functions including screen preparation, artwork/film positives, ink mixing and color matching, press setup and registration, printing, and curing/heat-setting of finished garments.
• Inspect finished garments for print quality, color accuracy, and placement, and confirm compliance with customer specifications and art approvals prior to shipment.
• Manage the workflow of print jobs and customization orders to maintain productivity standards while meeting delivery and service level requirements.
• Ensure all screen printing equipment (presses, flash cure units, conveyor dryers, exposure units, screen reclaiming equipment) is properly maintained and operating at maximum uptime.
• Support the staffing process and provide input on candidate interviews; ensure new associates are properly oriented, trained, and coached on press operation, embellishment techniques, and safety procedures.
• Provide associates with daily productivity assessments and keep the Production Manager apprised of team performance.
• Lead shift start-up meetings to communicate production priorities, order specifications, and artwork/color requirements to the team.
• Deliver and maintain records of performance coaching and verbal warnings; recommend additional disciplinary action to the Production Manager as needed.
• Troubleshoot production issues as they arise, including registration errors, ink consistency, curing problems, and equipment malfunctions, and implement effective resolutions.
• Ensure proper handling, mixing, and storage of inks and chemicals in compliance with safety data sheets (SDS) and OSHA guidelines.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of the screen printing department, including presses, ink stations, drying racks, and work areas.
• Identify and report safety concerns, equipment deficiencies, and repair needs to the Production Manager.
• Follow all company safety procedures, policies, and OSHA guidelines.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous screen printing, garment decoration, or embellishment production experience required; prior team lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of screen printing techniques, including screen preparation, ink mixing/color matching, registration, and curing processes.
• Knowledge/experience with screen printing equipment such as manual and automatic presses, flash cure units, conveyor dryers, and exposure units.
• Ability to train, coach, and hold a team accountable to quality and productivity standards.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn internal order management systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work near heat-producing equipment such as curing ovens and flash units.
• Ability to work in varying indoor temperature conditions.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

• Active production/warehouse environment.
• Exposure to ink and chemical odors, heat from curing and drying equipment, and warehouse traffic.
• Work is performed indoors within the production facility.
• Occasional overtime, weekends, or off-shift work may be required to meet production deadlines.

Key Competencies

Leadership • Safety Focus • Attention to Detail • Dependability • Quality Workmanship • Problem Solving • Team Development • Time Management • Initiative

This position plays a key role in leading a skilled production team responsible for accurate, high-quality garment decoration and uniform customization, while maintaining a safe and well-organized screen printing department.

EOE/Disability/Vets