Description
Title: Warehouse Lead
Reports to: Warehouse Shipping Manager
Job Summary
The Warehouse Lead will serve as the senior operational resource on the shift, bridging the gap between hands-on execution and team leadership. This highly active and experienced individual will dedicate their time to a cross-functional role, primarily focused on accurate shipping/receiving documentation and essential forklift operations, while concurrently acting as the shift's primary point of contact for daily workflow, issue resolution, and maintaining operational standards. This role requires significant self-initiative and a proven background in shipping and logistics.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Assist in the on-the-job training of new warehouse staff on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, proper equipment usage and the importance of running efficiently.
- Ensure that necessary tools & materials are available for crews to accomplish tasks.
- Oversee crews and ensure that they are reliable, dependable and on-time. Ensure that there is cooperation among crew members while improving morale and make sure that they work as a team.
- Transfer materials to and from storage areas, ensuring accurate physical placement and reporting any discrepancies.
- Perform general warehouse duties, including manual lifting (within safety limits), stacking, wrapping pallets, and assisting with physical inventory counts.
- Address questions, concerns, and problems expressed by the crew and escalate to Shipping Manager.
- Take ownership of the shift’s operational workflow, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and urgency without direct supervision.
- Communicate with other shift leads and Shipping Manager to avoid problems between shift changes.
- Prepare, verify, and maintain accurate shipping documents, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), packing lists, customs paperwork, and delivery confirmations.
- Utilize the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system to accurately process shipments, track inventory movements, and update order statuses.
- Quickly identify and resolve issues related to shipping documentation, missing inventory, or order discrepancies in partnership with the main office/management (during non-shift hours).
- Carries out Warehouse Lead responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
- Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; conflict resolution; team building; coaching and leading employees to improve; addressing complaints and resolving problems; documentation; and setting an example of superior behavior, attitude and performance.
- Implement, maintain, and support all company policies and procedures, including safety, and good housekeeping.
- Communicate with the Shipping Manager on any repairs or preventive maintenance needed.
- Additional duties may be assigned by management.
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or GED
- Prior experience in a Lead, Senior, or Key Operator role is preferred, demonstrating an ability to take initiative and direct workflow.
- Strong working knowledge of standard shipping procedures, freight documentation (BOLs, etc.), and inventory control principles.
- Proficiency with computers and experience utilizing a WMS (Warehouse Management System) and/or basic ERP system for processing orders and inventory.
- Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
Language Skills
- Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Mathematical Skills
- Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
- Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate.
- Able to apply concepts of high school math.
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Technical Skills
The individual must have a working knowledge of the following:
- Equipment design and capabilities that can be translated into efficient operation. This also supports the supervisor's role of teacher and trainer for his/her personnel.
- Cost issues in order to make daily decisions that will reduce overall costs and will help the supervisor find areas that require improvement.
- Quality and Food Safety standards.
- Regulatory requirements including but not limited to wage and hour requirements, environmental and waste minimization, company policies, and personnel requirements including OSHA and EEO.
