As part of the Health & Safety Team, the Senior Distribution Forklift Trainer is responsible for delivering effective, compliant powered industrial truck (PIT) training to ensure operators are competent, confident, and safety focused. This role provides classroom instruction, hands-on practical training, and performance evaluations in accordance with OSHA standards, company policies, and site-specific hazards. Additionally, this role supports operational excellence by reducing incidents, improving operator proficiency, and reinforcing a strong safety culture. The Senior Forklift Trainer works closely with supervision and operations leadership across the U.S Distribution Center locations to assess training needs, address skill gaps, and support new hire onboarding, refresher training, and remedial coaching. While the trainer provides instruction and evaluation, they do not replace supervisory accountability for daily operator performance or enforcement. Ensures training program standardization across sites and leads program continuous improvement efforts. Ensures compliance with local regulations and maximizing organizational risk resilience.
Become a Subject Matter Expert in assigned area(s) of responsibility
Develop, maintain, and train to standard work processes for each job in assigned area(s)
Coordinate new hire training plan for forklift operators with area leaders to ensure all new hires receive timely and accurate training in area of responsibility
Ensure effective instructional design for forklift training blending OSHA compliance requirements with classroom theory, hands-on practice, and rigorous performance evaluation. Incorporate advanced learning techniques to ensure operators can apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace hazards.
Ensure all training guides, materials, videos, job aids, and other means of communication for training purposes are readily available and in active use.
Support and validate compliance with federal, state, and local laws for the distribution center and to maintain, promote and exceed safety standards.
Maintain a database of all standard work processes training materials
Train and certify workers to operate powered industrial trucks or vehicles (e.g., cherry pickers, reach forklifts, sit-down stand-up forklifts, and clamp trucks, scissor lifts)
Maintain site-wide electronic database of forklift job training status and levels for all forklift operators
Ensure all worker training documents are properly completed, filed and stored
Complete job specific forklift training and assessments on a frequent and ongoing basis for all new hires and experienced operators
Conduct employee surveys, interviews, and observations to determine the effectiveness of training provided
Conduct observations and audits to determine adherence to defined safety protocol in the operation of forklifts or other powered industrial vehicles.
Review forklift operator performance with operations management and devise a plan to address under-performing associates including additional methods observations, further training, and regular checkpoints to evaluate progress.
Consult with other trainers, management and leadership regarding forklift operator training needs in the area of responsibility and facility-wide
Conduct group-wide training on revisions to processes procedures or processes as needed ensuring that all employee referenced documents align to the latest revision
Communicate forklift operator training needs, plans and schedules to leadership on a frequent and ongoing basis
Create forklift training strategies, initiatives, and materials as needed
This position will assist with implementing programs to drive a culture of safety at their location
Share knowledge and experiences and discuss industry trends and best practices which can be leveraged across all distribution centers.
Delivers, monitors, coaches and guides technical and non-technical training for Distribution Center Supervision and associates related to powered industrial trucks. Provides feedback, facilitates discussions, and makes recommendations for associate and D/C Supervisor developmental needs related to the operation of powered industrial trucks.
Stay up to date on the latest trends in new forklift technology.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed as assigned for this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements; additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Bachelor's Degree preferred
Proficient in both operating and training others in the operation of Powered Industrial Trucks (Raymond and Jungheinrich preferred)
Minimum 3-5+ years forklift trainer experience preferred
Forklift Train-the-Trainer Certification required
Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel), and instructional software
Strict adherence to safety policies and procedures
Encouraging to team and staff; able to mentor and lead
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience providing training in distribution or manufacturing environments
OSHA 30 or OSHA 10 certification a plus
Warehouse environment. Incumbent will walk and may occasionally sit, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 40lbs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Must be flexible to work varying schedules, hours, and overtime as needed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
