Team Lead, Sewing & Repair Operations

Job Details Description Looking for a job with a purpose? Want to make a real difference in the world? LION TotalCare is the leader in Firefighter PPE cleaning and repair maintenance. Our NFPA-certified services help enhance firefighter safety and save Fire Departments money by extending the life of their PPE. Join us to help protect our Firefighters! Benefits of Working with Us! • Competitive Salary • Health & Dental Benefits • Vision Care Benefits • Life & Disability Insurance • 401K Plan • Education Reimbursement Program • Company Events and More! LION is an international company that operates in three markets: the emergency services, military and civilian agency uniforms, and personal equipment markets. LION serves a global customer base of fire departments, military installations, institutions, corporate organizations, and training companies from multiple offices around the world. Learn more about LION TotalCare here: https://www.lionprotects.com/totalcare JOB SUMMARY – Team Lead, Sewing & Repair Operations The Team Lead, Sewing & Repair Operations, is responsible for coordinating and overseeing a team of Sewing Machine Operators & Repair Specialists who perform critical repairs on firefighter gear. This role ensures production efficiency, adherence to quality standards, and on-time delivery to support the safety of first responders. The Team Lead will provide hands-on guidance, maintain workflow productivity, and uphold a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Position Details Location: 4433 South Springfield Ave., Warehouse E, Chicago, IL, 60632 Hours: Monday to Friday – 5:00 am – 2:00 pm. Must be flexible and willing to work overtime when needed to meet client needs. Reports to: TotalCare Center Manager Pay Rate: $22 - $25 per hour Essential Functions Team Leadership & Workflow Coordination • Lead, support, and mentor a team of Sewing and Repair Specialists to ensure daily production goals are met. • Assign work tasks, balance workloads, and adjust priorities to meet delivery deadlines. • Provide on-the-job training for new and existing associates on sewing equipment, repair methods, and company best practices. • Monitor work quality throughout the repair process and coach team members as needed. Technical & Operational Responsibilities • Operate industrial sewing machines (single, double, and multi‑needle sergers) as needed to support workflow. • Ensure repairs follow established sewing standards, technical specifications, and safety requirements for firefighter PPE. • Assist team members in preparing machines: changing needles, threading, oiling, adjusting guides, and attaching machine accessories. Quality, Safety & Compliance • Maintain strict quality standards to ensure firefighter gear is repaired to customer and company expectations. • Conduct routine quality checks and support corrective actions. • Promote and enforce safe work practices in compliance with company policies. • Maintain housekeeping standards across the sewing and repair area. Leadership, Communication & Continuous Improvement • Foster a positive, collaborative team environment focused on safety, quality, and efficiency. • Communicate daily production targets, updates, and issues to the TotalCare Center Manager. • Identify process improvement opportunities and assist in implementing operational enhancements. • Perform other duties as assigned. Education & Experience Qualifications • 2+ years of experience operating industrial sewing equipment, with strong sewing and repair competency. • Prior experience in a lead, trainer, or supervisory role preferred. • Strong knowledge of sewing principles, garment construction, and repair techniques. • Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and support a team. • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. • Reliable attendance and strong organizational skills. • Ability to work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive production environment. Physical Requirements • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach regularly throughout the workday. • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs using proper lifting techniques. • Manual dexterity required for sewing machine operation and gear handling.