Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kitting Coordinator
💰 $40,000 - $65,000
🎯 Role Definition
The Kitting Coordinator is a pivotal role within the supply chain and logistics framework, responsible for orchestrating the entire kitting process from component sourcing to final assembly and quality verification. This position acts as the central hub for ensuring that multi-part products, promotional packages, or manufacturing sub-assemblies are accurately assembled, packaged, and prepared for shipment or internal distribution. The Kitting Coordinator's diligence and precision directly impact inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and ultimate customer satisfaction by guaranteeing that the right components come together at the right time.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Warehouse Associate
- Picker / Packer
- Inventory Clerk
- Assembly Line Worker
Advancement To:
- Kitting Supervisor / Team Lead
- Inventory Control Supervisor
- Warehouse Supervisor
- Production Planner
Lateral Moves:
- Logistics Coordinator
- Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
- Inventory Analyst
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Interpret complex work orders and bills of materials (BOMs) to accurately determine the precise components, quantities, and assembly instructions required for each kit.
- Meticulously pick, count, and stage all necessary components from warehouse inventory locations, ensuring part numbers and quantities are correct before assembly begins.
- Perform the physical assembly of kits, following detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality across all units.
- Conduct rigorous quality control checks on raw components prior to assembly and on all finished kits to verify accuracy, completeness, and adherence to quality standards.
- Operate Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and/or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to execute inventory transactions, track component consumption, and report the production of finished kits.
- Generate, print, and apply appropriate labels to components, work-in-progress bins, and finished kits for clear identification, lot tracking, and system-wide visibility.
- Proactively manage and maintain optimal inventory levels for all kitting components, promptly communicating any shortages, overages, or discrepancies to the Inventory Control or Purchasing departments.
- Coordinate with Production Planning and Warehouse Operations to effectively schedule and prioritize kitting activities in alignment with customer order deadlines and production forecasts.
- Safely operate essential material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and hand trucks, to transport materials and finished goods within the facility.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitting station and surrounding work area, consistently adhering to 5S principles and all company safety protocols.
- Expertly package completed kits for final shipment or for transfer to other internal departments, ensuring they are adequately protected against damage during transit.
- Investigate and systematically resolve any kitting-related discrepancies, such as part number mismatches or quantity variances, by researching transaction histories and performing physical counts.
- Compile and maintain accurate operational records and reports detailing kitting production rates, material usage statistics, and quality assurance results.
- Foster strong collaborative relationships with shipping, receiving, and quality departments to ensure a seamless flow of materials and information throughout the kitting lifecycle.
- Assist in training new team members on established kitting procedures, safety guidelines, and quality expectations to ensure team-wide competence and consistency.
- Actively participate in routine cycle counting programs and annual physical inventory events to support overall inventory accuracy goals.
- Provide insightful feedback and suggestions to supervisors regarding opportunities for process improvements that could enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
- Monitor the on-hand supply of kitting-specific packaging materials, including boxes, bags, inserts, and dunnage, and initiate replenishment requests as needed.
- Efficiently process customer returns and execute rework on kits that require updates, modifications, or correction to meet revised specifications.
- Strategically manage the staging of both raw components and finished kits to optimize workflow, minimize congestion, and maximize space utilization in the kitting area.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc requests for special projects, such as building sample kits or performing rework activities outside of the standard production schedule.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of kitting processes by documenting procedures and suggesting updates to work instructions.
- Collaborate with the inventory team to identify and quarantine non-conforming or obsolete materials found during the kitting process.
- Participate in cross-functional team meetings to provide updates on kitting status and to help resolve broader operational challenges.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Inventory Management Systems: Proficiency in using WMS and/or ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Epicor) for inventory transactions and tracking.
- RF Scanner Operation: Skilled in using radio-frequency (RF) handheld scanners for picking, put-away, and inventory movements.
- Microsoft Excel: Competency in using Excel for tracking production, managing parts lists, and creating basic reports.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) Interpretation: Ability to read and understand multi-level BOMs and technical work instructions.
- Quality Control Principles: Strong understanding of basic quality inspection techniques and a commitment to zero-defect assembly.
- Material Handling Equipment (MHE): Certified or able to be certified to safely operate pallet jacks, and potentially forklifts or other powered industrial trucks.
- Data Entry: High accuracy and speed in data entry to maintain the integrity of inventory and production records.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is critical to ensure every kit is assembled with perfect accuracy.
- Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple work orders, a wide variety of components, and a structured workspace simultaneously.
- Time Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Clear Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors, and other departments, both verbally and in writing.
- Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness to identify issues, investigate the root cause of discrepancies, and implement effective solutions.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a larger operational team.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's Degree or technical certification.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Business Administration
- Operations Management
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 2-4 years of hands-on experience in a warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, or production environment.
Preferred: Direct experience in a role involving assembly, order fulfillment, or inventory control is highly desirable.