Production Line Leader

POSITION:    Production Line Leader, Textile Production Line

                        Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, Alabama

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and multidisabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 36,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. 

Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, ten regional centers located throughout the State of Alabama with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility that is the state’s largest employer of adults who are Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

The Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB) is one component of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB).  AIB includes the manufacturing facility in Talladega, Alabama and Birmingham, Alabama along with the operations of five Base Supply Centers in two states, which are located on Anniston Army Depot, Fort Rucker, Maxwell Air Force Base, Moody Air Force Base, Redstone Arsenal, and Robins Air Force Base. 

Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB) partners with the National Industries for the Blind and The AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program exists to create and enhance employment opportunities for individuals that are blind and/or have significant disabilities as it promotes a workplace that provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job equal to those employees without disabilities. A reasonable accommodation will be provided to employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Production Line Leader role will be responsible for assisting the supervisor with production responsibilities related to the manufacturing operations for Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB). 

ABOUT YOU

You will play a vital role in the manufacturing operations as you will be a part of the AIDB team in producing high quality work. This position reports to the Director of Operations. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Certificate or three (3) years of work experience in a commercial manufacturing environment.

• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in apparel or textile manufacturing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, or have other significant disabilities.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Skills & Physical Demands

• Technical Proficiency: Must possess and demonstrate computer skills in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and Google Suite.

• Technical Knowledge: Utilize basic knowledge of production operations, including various production lines, to perform different sewing operations, garment construction, methods, and techniques used in a modern cut and sew operation.

• Physical Capability: Stand and walk for extended lengths of time, and lift, move, carry, or handle numerous boxes weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Production Line Management & Quality Control

• Line Execution: Assist the Supervisor with the direction of activities of a specific production assignment to produce high-quality products; establish production schedules to follow through completion.

• Quality Assurance: Maintain acceptable levels of quality relative to all products.

• Cross-Training & Flexibility: Cross-train on multiple production lines. In the absence of a Production Line Leader, Material Handler/Shipping Packer, or Production Worker, assume those responsibilities to avoid delays in production and/or shipments.

• Process Improvement: Assist the Supervisor with analysis, process improvement, cost reduction, efficiency improvement, work measurement, and problem identification and solution of production.

• Logistics & Equipment: Provide organization guidance necessary to optimize the use of existing space and help determine future needs as indicated by changes in demand. Research and make recommendations relative to equipment purchases and utilization.

Employee Supervision & Workforce Development

• Daily Coordination: Assist with supervision to the employees assigned to the production line by coordinating with employees on their daily production assignment to obtain the goals required to meet on-time delivery schedules.

• Accessible Support: Assist with the planning and preparing work schedules to meet on-time delivery schedules. Work directly with employees who are blind, visually impaired, or have other significant disabilities to assist in providing work aides to maximize performance of the production operation assigned.

• Performance Management: Assist the Supervisor with motivating employees effectively to meet and exceed performance expectations by empowering the employee to meet their highest potential. 

• HR Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the Supervisor, Director of Operations and Human Resources Institute Partner to develop Performance Improvement Plans for employees not meeting expectations. Assist with recommendations relative to employees for employment and/or transfer decisions, the progressive discipline process, and recommendations for termination of employment that follow AIDB Policies and Procedures, Federal and State Law.

• Time & Attendance: Assist the Supervisor with monitoring work schedules and attendance. Record employee timesheets by verifying the work hours, approving requests for time off, and reporting to the payroll department accurately by the deadline.

Compliance, Professionalism & Safety

• Regulatory Compliance: Understand, support, and follow the mission of the AbilityOne Program by remaining in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements set forth in the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. Conduct all business ethically and lawfully.

• Professional Attributes: Display organizational skills and the ability to exercise good judgment, and demonstrate a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and a good attendance record. Deal pleasantly and courteously with all of the AIDB Team.

• Safety & First Aid: Comply with all safety requirements. Complete and maintain Basic Life Support Certification within the first twelve (12) months of employment and maintain certification during employment.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, blind, or deaf/blind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. Attend Disability Sensitivity Training within the first six (6) months of employment.

SALARY:      $13.81 - $15.81        Scale IB Rank 02

The work schedule is based on 8 hours each day with a total of 40 hours each work week.  This is not an exempt position, and is subject to overtime of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

AIDB Benefits Summary:

The annual employment period will be 260 days to include AIDB Benefits as established by the President and the Board of Trustees.

• Teachers’ Retirement System https://www.rsa-al.gov/trs/

• Supplemental Retirement Programs (RSA-1 and TIAA-CREF)

• Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan https://www.rsa-al.gov/peehip/

• Term Life Insurance

• Leave Policy (Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Personal Leave & Paid Holidays)

• Employee Assistance Services Program

• Focus on Upward Mobility Program

• On-Site Daycare