We are seeking an experienced Material Handler Lead to oversee daily warehouse and material handling operations within a fast-paced production environment. This individual will provide hands-on leadership to the warehouse team while ensuring the timely movement of materials, maintaining inventory accuracy, and supporting production schedules.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Direct and prioritize the daily activities of Material Handlers to support production, shipping, and operational goals.
- Ensure raw materials, packaging components, and finished products are efficiently transported throughout the facility.
- Maintain adequate material flow to production lines to prevent downtime and ensure schedule attainment.
- Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and support to warehouse personnel.
- Train and mentor team members on warehouse procedures, equipment operation, safety practices, and company standards.
- Promote and enforce compliance with all safety, food safety, GMP, and quality requirements.
- Review employee performance and provide ongoing feedback to drive accountability and productivity.
- Accurately complete and oversee shipping, receiving, inventory, and warehouse documentation.
- Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanning technology to process inventory transactions and maintain system accuracy.
- Conduct cycle counts, investigate inventory variances, and assist with inventory reconciliation efforts.
- Ensure proper product identification, lot traceability, stock rotation practices, and inventory control procedures are followed.
- Maintain organized warehouse, staging, and storage areas that support efficient operations and audit readiness.
- Champion 5S initiatives by promoting a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
- Perform daily inspections of forklifts and material handling equipment to ensure safe operation.
- Communicate equipment concerns, inventory issues, staffing needs, and operational challenges to leadership.
- Provide thorough shift turnover communication to ensure seamless transition between shifts.
- Monitor labor utilization and adjust staffing assignments to support changing business demands.
- Assist with inbound and outbound shipping activities, including product verification and staging.
- Support customer audits, physical inventories, and internal operational inspections.
- Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams to resolve issues and improve workflow.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for material movement and inventory-related concerns during the shift.
- Lead by example through professionalism, reliability, and adherence to company policies and expectations.
- Perform hands-on material handling responsibilities as needed to support business requirements.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to improve safety, efficiency, quality, and inventory performance.
- Assist leadership with workforce planning, onboarding, and employee cross-training activities.
- Recommend process improvements that enhance warehouse operations and customer satisfaction.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- At least 2 years of experience in warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, or material handling operations.
- Minimum of 1 year of forklift operating experience.
- Previous experience leading, training, or directing the work of employees in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of inventory control processes and warehouse best practices.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and customer service.
- Reliable attendance history and strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in cold storage, food manufacturing, distribution, or similar industrial environments.
- Prior experience in a lead or supervisory role.
- Forklift certification preferred.
- Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanners.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.
Working Environment
- Work is performed in a refrigerated warehouse and production setting with temperatures generally ranging from 32°F to 38°F.
- Position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and reaching throughout the shift.
- Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment for extended periods.
- Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
