Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitting Supervisor

💰 $45,000 - $70,000 Annually

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouse ManagementManufacturingOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitting Supervisor is the operational heart of the warehouse and production floor, a pivotal leader responsible for orchestrating the assembly of product kits. This role is a dynamic blend of team leadership, process optimization, and hands-on inventory management. You are the expert who ensures that all components are correctly picked, organized, and bundled into finished kits, meeting strict quality standards and tight deadlines. Success in this position means guaranteeing that the production lines or fulfillment centers have the exact materials they need, exactly when they need them, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction across the entire supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Kitting Specialist / Assembler
  • Senior Warehouse Associate
  • Inventory Control Coordinator
  • Team Lead (Production or Warehouse)

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Manager
  • Operations Supervisor
  • Logistics Manager
  • Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Manager
  • Production Planner / Scheduler
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and coordinate the daily activities of the kitting team, including planning, assigning, and overseeing work to ensure kits are assembled with exceptional accuracy and meet all production schedules.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows for the kitting department to maximize efficiency, minimize errors, and reduce waste.
  • Lead, train, and mentor kitting associates, fostering a positive and productive team environment while conducting performance evaluations and providing ongoing coaching for skill development.
  • Manage departmental staffing, including creating schedules, approving time off, and ensuring adequate coverage to meet fluctuating operational demands and project deadlines.
  • Maintain rigorous inventory control over all kitting components, leading cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation efforts to ensure system accuracy and material availability.
  • Act as the primary liaison between the kitting department and other key groups like planning, purchasing, and production to forecast component needs and resolve any material shortages proactively.
  • Champion a culture of safety and quality by enforcing all company policies and OSHA standards, conducting regular area audits, and ensuring all team members use personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Utilize the company’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage kit orders, monitor inventory levels, and generate insightful performance reports.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the department, applying principles like 5S, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma to streamline processes and optimize the use of space and resources.
  • Troubleshoot and swiftly resolve any operational, quality, or inventory issues that arise during the kitting process, minimizing downtime and impact on production.
  • Communicate departmental performance and challenges effectively to upper management, providing data-driven reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) like order accuracy, on-time completion, and labor productivity.
  • Investigate and document any kitting discrepancies or customer feedback, implementing robust corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs) to prevent future occurrences.
  • Oversee the proper organization, storage, and handling of all raw materials and components, ensuring they are easily accessible and maintained in optimal condition.
  • Ensure all departmental equipment, such as scales, scanners, and packaging machinery, is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning safely.
  • Lead daily team huddles to communicate objectives, delegate tasks, and address any immediate concerns, promoting clear and open communication.
  • Develop and maintain detailed visual work instructions for complex kit assemblies to standardize processes and ensure consistent quality across all team members and shifts.
  • Participate actively in the recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding process for new kitting team members to build a high-performing and capable team.
  • Manage the reverse logistics for unused kit components, ensuring they are accurately returned to stock and that system inventory is adjusted accordingly.
  • Uphold and administer company policies, addressing employee relations matters with fairness and consistency in collaboration with the Human Resources department.
  • Monitor and control departmental expenses, including labor costs and supplies, to operate within the established budget.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis related to kitting productivity and inventory accuracy.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and roadmap by providing insights from kitting operations.
  • Collaborate with the quality assurance team to refine inspection criteria and in-process checks for kits.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams focused on new product introductions or system implementations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Deep proficiency in using WMS software to manage inventory, process orders, and track productivity.
  • ERP Software Navigation: Experience with enterprise systems like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar for inventory and production modules.
  • Inventory Control Management: Expertise in cycle counting, physical inventory, variance analysis, and stock reconciliation.
  • Lean/5S Methodologies: Proven ability to apply continuous improvement principles to eliminate waste and organize the workspace.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in Excel for data analysis and reporting, as well as Word and Outlook for communication.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to track, analyze, and report on departmental KPIs to drive decision-making.
  • Forklift Operation: Certification or ability to become certified to operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks is often required.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Motivation: An inspiring leader who can guide, develop, and motivate a diverse team to achieve its goals.
  • Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical thinker who can identify the root cause of issues and implement effective solutions.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with team members, peers, and management.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on accuracy and quality to ensure every kit is perfect.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: The ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality or safety.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, production schedules, and business needs.
  • Conflict Resolution: The capacity to handle interpersonal conflicts calmly and constructively to maintain a positive team dynamic.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Distribution
  • Business Administration or Management
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of progressive experience within a warehouse, manufacturing, or logistics environment.

Preferred:

  • At least 2 years of direct experience in a supervisory, lead, or management role, demonstrating the ability to lead a team effectively.
Explore More Careers