Field Operations Support Associate
Waukegan, IL
Full Time
Operations
Entry Level
The Company:
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We’ve been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple — treat each other and our customers like family.
Summary/Objective:
The Field Operations Support Specialist travels to customer retail locations to survey stores for ESL conversion readiness and determine required Kinter components. The role takes accurate measurements and part counts, documenting data using Microsoft Excel and internal templates, tests fit and function across various store fixture environments in accordance with established standards and guidelines and also assists with day-to-day operational activities by supporting reporting, technology systems, and process improvements efforts. The standard schedule is typically Monday–Friday; however, hours may need to flex during travel weeks depending on flight schedules, store access windows, and project timelines. The pay range for this role is fixed at $50,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience. Candidates with strong, relevant experience may be offered salaries toward the higher end of the range, while those earlier in their careers can expect offers aligned with the entry level of the range.
Essential Functions:
Required Skills/Abilities:
Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.
Why Join Our Team?
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We’ve been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple — treat each other and our customers like family.
Summary/Objective:
The Field Operations Support Specialist travels to customer retail locations to survey stores for ESL conversion readiness and determine required Kinter components. The role takes accurate measurements and part counts, documenting data using Microsoft Excel and internal templates, tests fit and function across various store fixture environments in accordance with established standards and guidelines and also assists with day-to-day operational activities by supporting reporting, technology systems, and process improvements efforts. The standard schedule is typically Monday–Friday; however, hours may need to flex during travel weeks depending on flight schedules, store access windows, and project timelines. The pay range for this role is fixed at $50,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience. Candidates with strong, relevant experience may be offered salaries toward the higher end of the range, while those earlier in their careers can expect offers aligned with the entry level of the range.
Essential Functions:
- Travel to customer retail locations to conduct ESL conversion readiness surveys and identify required components.
- Take accurate measurements and part counts, documenting data using Microsoft Excel and internal templates.
- Test product fit and functionality in various retail fixture environments in accordance with established standards and guidelines.
- Document field findings, fixture conditions, and exceptions through reports and photographs.
- Assist with day-to-day operational support activities, including reporting, data entry, and process coordination.
- Support the use of technology systems, software tools, and applications used in field and operational workflows.
- Troubleshoot and resolve routine technical or process-related issues to minimize operational disruptions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders to support project execution.
- Track and maintain accurate operational data and documentation.
- Escalate unclear or unfamiliar installation situations to Product Development for direction.
- Interact professionally with customer store staff and ensure a positive representation of Kinter.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Valid Driver’s License and REAL ID or Passport (required for air travel).
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic math and measurement skills; comfortable using tape measures, calipers, and related tools.
- Ability to troubleshoot or adapt when faced with unique or unfamiliar situations.
- High School Diploma required
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Prior customer service experience is required.
- None
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Adjusting or moving objects up to 15 pounds.
- Ability to make repetitive movements, including moving of the wrists and/or fingers, bending, or squatting.
- Prolonged periods of standing and walking during site visits to customer retail locations.
- This position will work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, with periods of time spent on site visits at customer retail locations. Site conditions may vary by store and include stairs, tight spaces, or uneven surfaces.
- Travel to customer sites averages 50-75% of the time.
Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.
Why Join Our Team?
- Be part of a dedicated, family-owned business with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to its employees.
- Enjoy generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—100% covered for the employee by Kinter, with no payroll deductions.
- Secure your future with our fully employer-funded pension plan (contributions start after 1 year, fully vested after 5 years, with no deductions from your paycheck).
- Unlock long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.
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