Kitting Associate

Your Role at Baxter

The Kitting Associate at Baxter is responsible for assembling and preparing kits of materials, components, or products for custom customer requested components for distribution. This role involves accurately following instructions, maintaining inventory, and ensuring that kits are complete, accurate, and ready for use. The Kitting Associate plays a crucial role in streamlining operations, reducing errors, and improving overall efficiency.

What you'll be doing

• Assemble kits according to specified work instructions for each customer orders, ensuring that all components are included and correctly packaged.
• Assemble LED lights for the use in physical assessment medical device.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of each kit, checking against bill of materials (BOM) or other documentation.
• Pack and label kits according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels of kit components, ensuring that sufficient stock is available to meet production demands.
• Monitor and replenish inventory as needed, coordinating with procurement or warehouse teams.
• Conduct regular inventory audits to identify and address any discrepancies or shortages.
• Inspect kit components for defects or damage, ensuring that only high-quality materials are used.
• Follow quality control measures to minimize errors and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Document and report any quality issues or non-conformances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of kit assembly, inventory levels, and quality control activities.
• Generate reports on kit assembly performance, including metrics such as accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Document and report any incidents or deviations from standard procedures, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Report to leadership any opportunities for process improvement and implement changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in kitting technologies and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to drive innovation and improvement in kitting processes.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and logistics.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of kit components.
• Act as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to kit assembly and inventory.

What you'll bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Additional training or certification in inventory management or quality control is a plus.
• Proven experience in a kitting, assembly, or inventory management role, preferably in a Medical Devices manufacturing or healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining accurate inventory levels and ensuring kit accuracy and completeness.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and inventory management software.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality control measures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with inventory management software and email.

Preferred Certifications

Certification in inventory management (e.g., CPIM) or quality control (e.g., CQT) is a plus. Additional certifications in specialized areas (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9001).

Work Environment

The work environment for a Kitting Associate in a medical equipment manufacturing plant is dynamic and structured, reflecting the critical nature of the products being handled. This environment is designed to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with industry regulations. The physical demands of a Kitting Associate in a medical equipment manufacturing plant are significant and varied, reflecting the nature of the work involved in handling medical supplies and equipment.

• Extended Periods of Standing: Associates may be required to stand for long periods while performing tasks such as packing, sorting, or inspecting items.
• Walking: The role involves frequent walking throughout the warehouse to pick items, check inventory, and coordinate with other team members. This can include navigating through aisles and around equipment.
• Heavy Lifting: Warehouse Associates often need to lift and carry items that can weigh up to 50 pounds or more. This includes boxes of medical equipment, pallets, and other materials.
• Assistance: Use of mechanical aids or team lifting when handling heavier items to ensure safety and compliance with ergonomic standards.
• Repetitive Tasks: Many tasks, such as picking, packing, and scanning items, involve repetitive motions that can lead to strain if not performed correctly. This includes reaching, bending, and twisting.
• Use of Tools: Operating tools and equipment, such as scanners and pallet jack, requires repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Handling Small Parts: Some medical equipment may involve handling small components that require fine motor skills and dexterity.
• Packing and Labeling: Tasks such as packing items securely and labeling boxes require careful hand-eye coordination.
• Climbing: Associates may need to climb ladders or step stools to access items stored at higher levels, which requires balance and coordination.
• Reaching: Frequently reaching for items on shelves or in storage areas is common, necessitating good upper body strength and flexibility.
• Temperature Variations: Depending on the warehouse setup, associates may work in environments with varying temperatures, such as cold storage areas for certain medical supplies.
• Cleanroom Standards: In some cases, associates may need to work in cleanroom environments, requiring adherence to specific protocols and wearing protective gear.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate PPE, such as gloves, safety shoes, safety vests and safety glasses, is often required to ensure safety while handling medical equipment.
• Awareness of Surroundings: Maintaining awareness of the warehouse environment is crucial to avoid accidents, especially when operating machinery or moving heavy items.