Production Team Leader

Did you know you can make a positive impact on first responder health and safety? 

Gear Wash is a family-owned Independent Service Provider (ISP) of personal protective equipment (PPE) care and maintenance. As a subsidiary of Fire-Dex, we specialize in advanced cleaning, inspection, repair, alteration, and equipment customizations for first responders. Our services and rentals meet established industry and manufacturer standards.  

You could have very purposeful work being a Sewing Team Lead at Gear Wash! We’re seeking self-motivated leaders to ensure proper organization of work and maintaining high efficiency and quality of Gear Wash teams.

Work Hours:

• 1st Shift: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
• The shift includes two 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute meal break
• Location: 11821 Wakeman Street Santa Fe Springs, CA 9067

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership

• Perform advanced sewing and repair tasks on firefighter PPE, ensuring high-quality workmanship. 
• Prioritize and complete work orders within established turnaround times. 
• Lead and coordinate daily team activities to meet productivity, quality, and safety goals. 
• Recognize and report sewing machine malfunctions or maintenance needs to appropriate personnel. 
• Coordinate with other departments or locations for timely routing and completion of work orders.

Team Development 

• Provide hands-on coaching, training, and feedback to team members, especially in sewing and repair techniques.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees as directed by the supervisor. 
• Foster a positive team culture, encourage morale, and support employee engagement.

Operational Excellence 

• Communicate effectively within the team and with supervisors.
• Monitor attendance and address minor employee issues, escalating more complex matters to the supervisor.
• Uphold and enforce company policies, operational standards, and safety protocols.
• Maintain equipment and workspace per company guidelines. 
• Suggest and help implement efficiency improvements as directed. 
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and safety training. 
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Position Scope 

• Direct oversight of assigned team members for daily operations.
• Authority to assign daily tasks and make minor operational adjustments within established guidelines. 
• Responsible for routine work order completion and supporting process improvements, but does not have hiring, disciplinary, or budget authority.

Qualifications 

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. 
• Demonstrated expertise in industrial sewing and garment repair, preferably with firefighter PPE or similar technical textiles. 
• Previous experience in manufacturing or production team leadership preferred. 
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred. 
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; able to learn new systems. 
• Effective communicator and collaborator. 
• Demonstrates servant leadership, urgency, and attention to detail. 
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Competencies 

• Consistent adherence to safety protocols and procedures. 
• Active participation in safety and operational training. 
• Ability to follow and enforce SOPs and company standards.
• Teamwork, professionalism, and customer focus. 
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset. 
• Coaching and Developing Others: Actively coaches, mentors, and develops team members, demonstrating patience and a commitment to their growth and success. 
• Patience: Maintains composure and a supportive attitude, especially when training or assisting others.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly; occasionally up to 50 pounds as needed. 
• Prolonged periods of standing or walking.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, or reaching. 
• Manual dexterity for operating sewing machines and tools. 
• Visual acuity for detailed sewing and repair work. 
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions or alarms. 
• Ability to sit for extended periods and perform repetitive motions. 
• Ability to work in a production/warehouse environment with exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals.
• Must be able to work in-person; may require shift work or weekend availability.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities, in compliance with California and federal law.

Career Path & Growth 

• Opportunities for advancement to Operations Supervisor or other leadership roles. 
• Skill development, certifications, and cross-training available.

Company Culture & Values 

Find purposeful work cleaning and repairing firefighter PPE. Gear Wash is committed to servant leadership, operational excellence, and a diverse, inclusive workforce. 

Learn more about our culture and team: https://youtu.be/ahI3yYQeCX4

Equal Opportunity Statement

Gear Wash is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, disability (physical and mental, including HIV and AIDS), genetic information, gender identity and expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race (includes traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion (includes religious dress and grooming practices), sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively seek to ensure that our hiring and employment practices reflect this commitment.