Finishing Bindery Department Lead in Fife, Washington at Tahoma Print and Manufacturing

POSITION SUMMARY:

Tahoma Print and Manufacturing (TPM) is seeking a skilled Lead for our Finishing/Bindery department. This position is responsible for coordinating and executing daily finishing operations to ensure safe, efficient, accurate, and timely production of customer orders. This hands-on leadership position combines technical equipment operation, production coordination, employee development, and departmental performance accountability. The Lead establishes production priorities, directs and supports team members, troubleshoots equipment and manufacturing challenges, and ensures finished products meet customer specifications and TPM's quality standards. Success requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, sound judgment, effective communication, and a commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

TPM is focused on leveraging our existing assets to generate above-market returns for the Puyallup Tribe and our strategic partners. We are looking for highly motivated professionals with proven technical, strategic, and analytical skills. This critical role will support our manufacturing division, as we continue to grow and diversify our business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 beginning work to minimize errors, scrap, and rework
• Troubleshoot mechanical, equipment, and production-related 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 established housekeeping and safety practices
• Ensure finished products meet customer requirements, technical specifications, and established TPM quality standards
• Read and interpret work orders, engineering drawings, tolerances, and production instructions
• Use appropriate 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 proactively 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 appropriate follow-up
• Identify opportunities for improvements, identify potential areas of risk, and share information with key stakeholders to maximize results throughout TPM
• Use all company resources efficiently to promote maximum financial results for TPM; maintain TPM equipment and assets to maximize return on investment
• Establish and maintain effective business relationships with all employees, vendors, business partners, government/regulatory entities, and communities in which we operate
• Strictly follow workplace safety measures; safeguard the welfare of all employees, guests, visitors, and business partners at all times; promptly report workplace risks, incidents, injuries, and near misses
• Always maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive and proprietary business information and safeguard TPM assets

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years 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
• Culturally sensitive and works well with the full diversity of our company and community
• Uncompromising integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work non-standard hours to accommodate business needs, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to pass a background check

Preferred

• 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

ABOUT TAHOMA PRINT AND MANUFACTURING

Tahoma Print and Manufacturing is a leading provider of innovative printing and production services, committed to delivering high-quality solutions for businesses across various industries. Our mission is to combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional craftsmanship to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Socially, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and growth-driven work environment, while creating opportunities for professional development within our team. Economically, we focus on leveraging our industry expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to drive superior results for the Puyallup Tribe, our clients, and strategic partners. Tribal and Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law