Cutting Team Lead

Role Overview

The Cutting Team Lead oversees daily cutting operations to ensure production goals are met in alignment with safety, quality, and efficiency standards. This role is responsible for leading team performance, coordinating workflow, maintaining accurate raw goods and fabric inventory, and ensuring cutting schedules support downstream production. The Cutting Team Lead also partners with the Warehouse and Inventory Lead to resolve discrepancies and drive continuous improvement in material handling and traceability.

This position is assigned to Crew Boss, a member of the Western Protective Solutions family located in Eugene, Oregon and will report to the Crew Boss Operations Manager.

• Oversee and coordinate daily activities of the cutting team to meet production requirements and delivery timelines.
• Ensure all materials are cut according to specifications, patterns, and work orders while maintaining accuracy and minimizing waste.
• Monitor equipment and cutting tools for proper operation and coordinate maintenance as needed.
• Maintain cutting records, work orders, and production tracking documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, throughput, and process efficiency.
• Oversee receipt, storage, and movement of raw materials and fabrics used in the cutting department.
• Manage raw materials stored at a secondary warehouse location including transporting raw materials between warehouses when needed.
• Conduct and verify daily and weekly inventory counts for cutting materials and supplies.
• Ensure accurate raw goods usage reporting and maintain accountability for all materials issued to the cutting area.
• Work with the Warehouse and Inventory Lead to reconcile discrepancies, identify root causes of inventory issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Support process controls to ensure proper material labeling, traceability, and organization within the cutting area.
• Assign work, train, and monitor team performance to ensure adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and open communication.
• Provide feedback, coaching, and performance input to support employee development.
• Ensure compliance with company safety and housekeeping policies across all cutting and material handling areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work with and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to be proactive, recognize potential issues and bottlenecks and take appropriate action to resolve.
• High quality standards for work.

• Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds of material without assistance. Ability to lift over 50 pounds with assistance from others.
• Ability to sit, bend or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to crawl/crouch while cutting fabric components.
• Visual acuity to read instructions, operate machines, and inspect parts produced.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or textile environment required; experience in a cutting department preferred.
• Prior experience in a lead or supervisory role strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of material flow, inventory management, and production processes.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work at or travel to a secondary warehouse location as needed.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred.