Team Lead, Sewing & Repair Operations

Overview

Description

Looking for a job with a purpose? Want to make a real difference in the world? LION Total Care 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!

• 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 Total Care here:

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.

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:

Total Care Center Manager

Pay Rate: $22 - $25 per hour

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment focused on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Communicate daily production targets, updates, and issues to the Total Care Center Manager.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and assist in implementing operational enhancements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• 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.