Team Lead, Sewing & Repair Operations

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: 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 multiâneedle 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.