Alternative Production System Lead (In Training)

Job Details: Level: Entry, Job Location: Nationwide Plant - Hodgenville, KY, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $15.00 - $15.00Hourly, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Manufacturing, Alternative System Production (APS) Lead (In Training)Company Background:Fechheimer was founded in 1842 and is a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Fechheimer Brothers Company is the premier uniform manufacturer servicing the military, federal, state, and local public safety service markets. Our uniforms represent the honor, respect, and pride reflective in public safety today and at Fechheimer we take pride in serving those who serve us.Our goal is to bring to market premier products and programs through our two brands; Flying Cross® and Vertx® to continue our tradition of providing superior products & service through innovation and technology that continually meets and exceeds our customers’ expectations.At Fechheimer, not only do we pride ourselves on our products and programs but on our company culture. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, a fun and relaxed work environment, and the opportunity for continued growth and learning. Benefits Offered: Competitive Pay Vacation, Sick, and Personal Paid Time Off 9 Paid Holidays Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance FSA and HRA Accounts Long and Short-Term Disability Employer Paid Life Insurance and Voluntary Life Insurance Accidental and Critical Illness Insurance Employee Assistance Program Paid Parental Leave Tuition Assistance 401(k) Plan with Employer Match  Pay Rate: Starting at $15.00/hr (based on experience) Position Summary:The Alternative Production System Lead is a hands-on sewing production lead responsible for supporting the Sewing Training Center and coordinating daily activities within Fechheimer’s Alternative Production System, or APS, area. APS provides a structured environment in which the company can explore, test, and evaluate alternative sewing and production methods, including group and team-based sewing units.This role combines skilled industrial sewing work with team-unit coordination, production balancing, operator development, quality monitoring, and performance tracking. The APS Lead evaluates team member skills, supports appropriate placement within the sewing unit, monitors workflow and output, and makes real-time adjustments to help the unit meet safety, quality, productivity, and training expectations.The APS Lead works closely with Sewing Training Center, production leadership, industrial engineering, quality, mechanics, and other manufacturing partners. This is a non-union working-lead position. The role provides daily work direction and technical guidance within the APS area but does not independently hire, discipline, evaluate, or make other formal employment decisions unless specifically assigned and authorized by management. Responsibilities:In this role you will be required to… APS Sewing Unit Coordination Coordinate daily workflow within the APS sewing unit, including work sequence, team member placement, and movement of work based on operator skills and production requirements. Monitor unit balance and make authorized workflow adjustments to address bottlenecks, excess work in process, or gaps in production coverage.Sewing & Training Support Perform and demonstrate a variety of industrial sewing operations to support production, employee training, and the introduction of alternative sewing methods. Coach new and existing Sewing Machine Operators on approved sewing techniques, garment construction, safe work practices, quality requirements, and production methods.Production Tracking & APS Development Track unit output, efficiency, work in process, and other assigned production measures; communicate progress, constraints, and resource needs to leadership. Support trials of alternative production methods by following approved plans, documenting observations, and providing feedback on workflow, operator placement, quality, and productivity.Quality & Standard of Work Reinforce approved sewing methods, work instructions, garment specifications, and quality standards throughout the APS unit. Monitor in-process quality, complete assigned audits, and address routine concerns through coaching or work adjustment while escalating recurring or significant issues.Team & Operational Support Maintain a safe, organized, and encouraging APS and Sewing Training Center environment while providing daily technical guidance to team members. Collaborate with Production, Training, Industrial Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance, and perform other duties or special projects assigned in support of APS and manufacturing operations.And other duties and project assistance, as assigned, based on business and production needs. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of industrial sewing operations, garment construction, production flow, and team or group sewing methods. Ability to operate and demonstrate multiple industrial sewing machines and operations, which may include single-needle, double-needle, serger, programmable, automated, or semi-automated equipment. Understanding of production-unit balancing, operator placement, work sequencing, bottleneck identification, and work-in-process control. Ability to read and interpret work instructions, production orders, garment specifications, operation requirements, and applicable technical information. Strong attention to detail and ability to identify workmanship, construction, stitch, alignment, measurement, or material concerns. Ability to train, coach, encourage, and provide clear work directions to employees with different levels of sewing experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate production, training, quality, and workflow concerns clearly. Basic math and computer skills, including the ability to enter or review production and training information in applicable systems. Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and make timely decisions in a developing production environment. Ability to work collaboratively with team members, trainees, production leadership, and technical support functions. Adaptability and willingness to test, evaluate, and refine new production methods while maintaining safety and quality standards. Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age. High school diploma or equivalent required. Two or more years of industrial sewing, apparel manufacturing, sewing training, or related production experience is preferred. Demonstrated proficiency in a variety of sewing operations & industrial sewing equipment preferred. Prior experience in team-sewing, modular manufacturing, training, lead, or production-coordination role preferred. Ability to identify individual operator strengths and development needs and use that information to support effective work placement. Ability to work independently while following management direction, approved production methods, and APS testing requirements. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Flexibility to work overtime or modified schedules based on production and training needs. Physical Requirements: Positional: Frequent standing and walking throughout the APS and Sewing Training Center areas; occasional to frequent sitting while sewing, demonstrating operations, completing records, or reviewing production information. Gross Mobility: Rare climbing or crawling; occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; frequent reaching, handling, grasping, and manipulation of fabric, garment components, thread, tools, and sewing-machine controls. Sensory: Frequent near and midrange visual acuity and use of color vision for sewing, inspecting construction, reviewing materials, and monitoring work in process; occasional depth perception and field-of-vision demands; frequent talking and listening while training, coaching, and coordinating the sewing unit. Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to approximately 30 pounds as needed. Ability to work around industrial sewing equipment, production noise, moving materials, fabric lint, and repetitive sewing activity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.Qualifications: