Imperial is seeking a crew lead to help lead our second shift embroidery production team. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, excels at coaching teams, and is committed to achieving production goals while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 

• Full Time  
• Location: Winona, MO  
• Hours:
  
  • 2:15PM - 10:15 PM 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure shift output meets or exceeds production quotas, delivery deadlines, and efficiency targets. 
• Monitor production schedules and prioritize work to meet customer expectations and business objectives. 
• Conduct routine quality inspections of embroidered caps to identify and correct issues such as:  
• Thread tension problems 
• Puckering 
• Birdnesting 
• Registration errors 
• Monitor machine uptime and production flow to minimize bottlenecks and maximize efficiency across multi-head embroidery machines. 
• Balance workloads among operators to optimize productivity and resource utilization. 
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives through Management Daily Improvement (MDI) practices, including:  
• Conducting hourly production walks 
• Coaching operators on missed goals and opportunities 
• Updating and maintaining Gemba boards 
• Reinforcing standard operating procedures 
• Identifying and eliminating waste 
• Complete accurate shift handover reports documenting production output, downtime, completed orders, pending issues, and key performance metrics. 

Personnel & Team Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and supervise embroidery machine operators, hoopers, trimmers, utility personnel, and packaging team members. 
• Assign daily responsibilities based on employee skill levels, machine capabilities, production demands, and order priorities. 
• Train, coach, and develop team members while supporting new employee onboarding and cross-training initiatives. 
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and overall performance to ensure departmental goals are achieved. 
• Provide real-time coaching, constructive feedback, and corrective action when necessary. 
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. 

Equipment & Material Maintenance 

• Ensure operators complete required daily maintenance activities, including machine cleaning, hook maintenance, oiling, and lint removal. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve minor machine issues such as:  
• Thread breaks 
• Needle jams 
• Software interruptions 
• Basic mechanical errors 
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel to address complex equipment repairs and minimize downtime. 
• Monitor equipment condition and communicate maintenance concerns proactively. 

Safety & Facility Compliance 

• Enforce all company safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment. 
• Promote and maintain 6S workplace organization standards:  
• Sort 
• Set in Order 
• Shine 
• Standardize 
• Sustain 
• Safety 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free production floor. 
• Respond appropriately to workplace incidents and injuries, ensuring compliance with company reporting procedures. 
• Complete and maintain all required incident documentation and corrective action reports. 

Qualifications 

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing, production, or embroidery environment preferred. 
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality standards, and continuous improvement principles. 
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and work effectively with maintenance teams. 
• Excellent communication, coaching, and team-building skills. 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities. 
• Proficiency with production tracking, reporting, and performance metrics.  

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift. 
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 pounds as needed. 
• Ability to work in a production environment with machinery and moderate noise levels. 

Benefits 

• 401(k) with company match  
• Health care (medical, dental, vision)  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• PTO (vacation, personal days, and 9 company holidays)  
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional growth  
• Employee product discounts  
• Free hats 

Company Overview  

Since 1916, Imperial has epitomized luxury, authenticity, and individuality by crafting premium headwear, apparel, and accessories with an unwavering dedication to quality and detail. Our team is committed to excellence–serving customers in golf, retail, corporate, and destination/leisure markets. We are available in the top resorts, golf courses, national sporting events, and retail locations nationwide. As the #1 headwear brand* in the golf market and an entrusted licensing partner for companies including Nike, Adidas, and Peter Millar–Imperial is leading the industry in decorative apparel. 

*Voted by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported by Golf Datatech   

Our Mission: We create and deliver innovative, and premium quality products with unmatched speed and exceptional service. 

Imperial is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds.