Fashion & Apparel Jobs in Illinois with F-1 OPT Sponsorship

Reports To: Senior Director of Operations

Direct Reports: Yes

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Full Time

Pay: $20.44/ Hourly Rate

Position Overview: The Area Supervisor plays a critical leadership role in our Finishing Department, ensuring high-quality output and efficient workflow across trimming, inspection, folding, bagging, and packaging operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about developing teams, driving quality, and improving processes. You will lead daily operations, support production goals, and partner closely with Manufacturing leadership to ensure products meet NSA’s high standards.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team within the Finishing Department to meet production and quality goals
• Assign and balance daily work to ensure efficient workflow and alignment with production priorities
• Perform and oversee quality inspections to ensure all garments meet NSA standards and customer requirements
• Identify and address quality issues, returning non-conforming products for rework as needed
• Communicate production issues, risks, and improvement opportunities to the Director of Manufacturing and leadership team
• Train employees on processes, equipment, and quality expectations to drive consistency and performance
• Maintain proper inventory levels of packaging materials and supplies to avoid disruptions
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for efficiency, quality, and workflow enhancements (OFIs)
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety on the production floor

Non-Essential Job Functions:

Other tasks and duties, as required.

Qualifications:

Education:

- High School Diploma or GED preferred

Experience:

- 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
- Prior supervisory or team lead experience strongly preferred
- Experience in apparel, textiles, or finishing operations is a plus

Technical Skills:

- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Comfortable using production systems and reporting tools

Preferred:

- Bilingual in Spanish or Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) to support effective communication with a diverse workforce

Key Competencies:

- Leadership & Accountability: Leads by example and drives team performance
- Problem Solving: Identifies issues quickly and implements effective solutions
- Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve processes and results
- Communication: Clear, respectful, and effective with all levels of the organization
- Collaboration: Builds strong working relationships across teams

Physical & Work Environment:

- Standing and/or walking for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
- Fast-paced, high-demand manufacturing environment

Benefits Offered:

- Medical & HSA Plan
- Voluntary Dental & Vision
- Company-paid Short-Term Disability
- Life & AD&D Insurance (company-paid + voluntary options)
- Voluntary benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Legal, Identity Protection)
- Retirement Savings Program
- 10 Paid Holidays
- PTO & Paid Sick Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Referral Bonus Program
- Transportation Benefits (Chicago)
- Paid Leave (Bereavement, Jury Duty, School Visitation, Blood Donation)
- Confidential Employee Relief Fund
- Volunteer Opportunities

EEO Statement: National Safety Apparel provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, ancestry, age, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected group status as defined by law.