Finishing Bindery Department Lead

Tahoma Print & Manufacturing (Tahoma Print and Manufacturing)•Fife, WA

4d•$28 - $32

About The Position

Tahoma Print and Manufacturing (TPM) is seeking a skilled lead to coordinate and carry out daily finishing and bindery operations. This hands-on leadership role combines operating technical equipment, coordinating production, developing employees, and being accountable for departmental performance. The lead establishes priorities, directs and supports team members, troubleshoots equipment and manufacturing challenges, and ensures finished products meet customer specifications and TPM quality standards. Success requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, sound judgment, effective communication, and commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. The role supports TPM’s manufacturing division as the company grows and diversifies its business. It contributes to TPM’s focus on using existing assets to generate returns for the Puyallup Tribe and strategic partners. The position requires working non-standard hours when business needs arise, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of experience operating industrial finishing, cutting, routing, or comparable manufacturing equipment, or an equivalent combination of experience and demonstrated technical proficiency.
Experience leading, training, supervising, or coordinating employees in a production or manufacturing environment.
Ability to independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot mechanical or computer-controlled production equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to read and interpret work orders and technical drawings.
Ability to use measuring tools such as gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
Good computer skills and ability to learn production-related systems.
Ability to problem-solve, multitask, and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines.
Self-motivated and able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work well with the full diversity of the company and community.
Uncompromising integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to work non-standard hours as needed, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

Mechanical or Machine Operator Certifications.
Experience operating CNC routers, digital flatbed cutters, or laser cutting equipment.
Experience with precision die cutting, laminating, and converting operations.
Familiarity with plastic films, polycarbonate, polyester, vinyl, aluminum, and other rigid or flexible substrates.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Maintain excellent attendance for all scheduled shifts.
Set up, operate, and maintain finishing equipment, including die cutters, digital flatbed cutters, CNC routers, guillotine cutters, laminators, laser cutters, and other finishing machinery.
Perform precision cutting, routing, trimming, laminating, assembly, and other finishing operations according to work orders, technical drawings, and customer specifications.
Verify equipment settings, tooling, materials, and production requirements before starting work to minimize errors, scrap, and rework.
Troubleshoot mechanical, equipment, and production issues to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
Perform routine preventative maintenance, equipment inspections, and minor repairs within established procedures and individual qualifications.
Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient work environment consistent with housekeeping and safety practices.
Ensure finished products meet customer requirements, technical specifications, and TPM quality standards.
Read and interpret work orders, engineering drawings, tolerances, and production instructions.
Use measuring and inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, rulers, and gauges, to verify dimensional accuracy and workmanship.
Identify, contain, document, and communicate nonconforming products or processes, and support corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Monitor departmental productivity, material utilization, scrap, rework, and on-time completion.
Provide daily direction, guidance, and hands-on support to Finishing Department employees.
Coordinate departmental schedules, prioritize work orders, assign tasks, and allocate resources to meet production commitments.
Monitor work in progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and adjust workflow in coordination with the Production Manager and other department leads.
Train, mentor, and develop team members to improve technical proficiency, productivity, versatility, and consistency.
Monitor employee performance, provide constructive feedback, and communicate performance concerns to the Production Manager for follow-up.
Identify improvement opportunities and potential risks, and share information with key stakeholders to maximize results throughout TPM.
Use company resources efficiently to promote financial results and maintain TPM equipment and assets to maximize return on investment.
Establish and maintain effective business relationships with employees, vendors, business partners, government and regulatory entities, and communities in which TPM operates.
Follow workplace safety measures, safeguard the welfare of employees and visitors, and promptly report workplace risks, incidents, injuries, and near misses.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive and proprietary business information and safeguard TPM assets.