Alternative Production System Lead (In Training)

Fechheimer Brothers•Hodgenville, KY

4d•$15 - $15•Onsite

About The Position

The Alternative Production System Lead is a hands-on sewing production lead who supports the Sewing Training Center and coordinates daily activities in Fechheimer’s Alternative Production System (APS) area. APS is a structured environment for exploring, testing, and evaluating alternative sewing and production methods, including group- and team-based sewing units. The role combines industrial sewing with team coordination, production balancing, operator development, quality monitoring, and performance tracking. The lead assesses team members’ skills and supports appropriate placement, monitors workflow and output, and makes real-time adjustments to help meet safety, quality, productivity, and training expectations. The position works closely with the Sewing Training Center, production leadership, industrial engineering, quality, mechanics, and other manufacturing partners. It is a non-union working-lead role that provides daily work direction and technical guidance in the APS area. The role does not independently hire, discipline, evaluate, or make other formal employment decisions unless specifically assigned and authorized by management.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
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 varying levels of sewing experience.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate production, training, quality, and workflow concerns.
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 collaborate 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.
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.
Flexibility to work overtime or modified schedules based on production and training needs.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of industrial sewing, apparel manufacturing, sewing training, or related production experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in a variety of sewing operations and industrial sewing equipment.
Prior experience in team sewing, modular manufacturing, training, a lead role, or production coordination.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily workflow in the APS sewing unit, including work sequence, team member placement, and movement of work according to operator skills and production requirements.
Monitor unit balance and make authorized workflow adjustments to address bottlenecks, excess work in process, or production-coverage gaps.
Perform and demonstrate 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.
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.
Reinforce approved sewing methods, work instructions, garment specifications, and quality standards throughout the APS unit.
Monitor in-process quality, complete assigned audits, address routine concerns through coaching or work adjustments, and escalate recurring or significant issues.
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.
Perform other assigned duties and project assistance in support of APS and manufacturing operations, based on business and production needs.

Benefits

Competitive pay.
Vacation, sick, and personal paid time off.
Nine paid holidays.
Health, vision, and dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (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.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Fun and relaxed work environment.
Opportunity for continued growth and learning.