The Kitting Group Leader plays a key role in managing the daily delivery operations directly within the production environment. You will be the first point of contact to support team members within your area/zone.  You will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day activities in order to maintain scheduled production requirements and to ensure your team is successful. 

This position involves overseeing the movement of materials and finished products on the shop floor, ensuring seamless coordination between production, warehousing, and supply chain teams.

Additionally, this role includes direct supervision of a team working in a Unionized environment, requiring effective management and adherence to Union agreements.

Supervisory duties:

• Team Supervision: Directly supervise and lead a team of material handlers and Kitting staff working in a Union environment, including scheduling, training, performance management, and resolving any workplace issues. Supervises employees engaged in the process of items being delivered to the production lines to minimize production disruptions.
• Union Relations: Navigate and comply with Union agreements and regulations, addressing concerns and working collaboratively with Union representatives to maintain a positive working relationship.

• Communication: Act as the liaison between production teams, warehouse staff, and buyers to address material issues, manage expectations, and coordinate activities. Coordinates with buyers and the warehouse team to ensure the return and replacement of all defective goods.
• Reporting: Generate and analyze reports on performance, including delivery times, inventory levels, and provide insights for decision-making. Records time, attendance, vacation, and staff coverage.

Primary responsibilities:

• Shop Floor Coordination: Coordinates the day-to-day operation of all aspects of Kitting (i.e., distribution, inventory control, fulfillment, etc.). Oversee the flow of materials and finished products on the shop floor, Manitowoc, and Ripon and ensuring production lines are supplied with necessary items and finished goods are properly routed.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels on the shop floor, manage stock replenishment, and coordinate with warehouse teams to ensure adequate supplies and minimize production disruptions. Conduct inventory audits to monitor production and plant inventory levels. Ensures that materials are checked against production schedules, sequences, department orders, and similar documentation.
• Material Handling: Ensure safe and efficient handling of materials and products, including overseeing loading and unloading processes, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Problem Solving: Address and resolve any transportation or supply chain issues, such as delays, damage, or discrepancies, in a proactive and efficient manner. Monitors and tracks staff performance against organizational objectives.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance Kitting processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support production goals. Evaluates the efficiency of existing Kitting processes, implementing procedural improvements when necessary.
• Administrative: Approving Union team members times and vacation requests. Making sure team members are up to date on all safety training, team leader training, and required compliance training.

Position Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree or certification in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field is advantageous with 2-3 years of experience.
• Experience: Proven experience in logistics or warehouse management, with at least some experience in a supervisory role within a Unionized environment.
• Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on setting.
• Knowledge: Understanding of shop floor operations, material handling equipment, safety standards, and Union regulations and agreements.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: On the shop floor, which involves working in a manufacturing or production setting. This may include exposure to noise, varying temperatures, and physical activity such as lifting and moving materials.
• Hours: Full-time, with occasional overtime or weekend work required depending on business needs.