Team Leader

Team Leader

As a Team Leader, you will serve as a key operational support to the Distribution Center Supervisor, acting as a day-to-day extension of leadership on the warehouse floor. This role is hands-on and execution-focused, bridging the gap between strategy and daily operations. You will help ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently by supporting the Supervisor with coordination, problem-solving, and reinforcement of standards, while remaining actively involved in daily warehouse activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary on-floor support to the DC Supervisor, helping translate daily priorities into effective execution.
• Support daily start-ups, task sequencing, and workload balancing to ensure service and productivity targets are met.
• Provide real-time operational feedback to the DC Supervisor regarding workflow constraints, staffing needs, and issues.
• Step in as the lead point of contact on the floor when the DC Supervisor is unavailable. Daily Warehouse Operations (Hands-On Role)
• Pick, pack, and ship customer orders accurately and on time.
• Support internal and inter-branch shipments (technical service groups, vendors, transfers).
• Receive inbound materials and ensure proper identification, staging, and system transactions.
• Package assemblies and receive finished goods from internal or external sources.
• Ensure inventory movements are completed accurately and in compliance with procedures.
• Support cycle counts, W2W activities, inventory reconciliation, and variance investigations.
• Validate shipment accuracy, labeling, and documentation prior to release.

Operational Support & Team Guidance:

• Provide day-to-day guidance to warehouse associates by reinforcing priorities, standard work, and safety expectations.
• Support onboarding and training of new associates by demonstrating correct processes and best practices.
• Monitor work execution and escalate operational risks, inventory discrepancies, or service impacts to the DC Supervisor.
• Reinforce compliance with SOPs, quality requirements, and safety rules; lead by example on the floor.
• Assist with safety discussions, hazard identification, and corrective actions as directed by the Supervisor. Performance & Continuous Improvement
• Support the DC Supervisor in tracking and achieving key operational KPIs such as order accuracy, productivity, and receiving performance.
• Help maintain, follow, and improve standardized work instructions and SOPs.
• Identify day-to-day inefficiencies and propose practical improvement ideas to the Supervisor.
• Participate in Lean initiatives including 5S, waste elimination, and standardized work.
• Support Kaizen activities focused on housekeeping, layout optimization, material flow, and visual management.
• Help sustain improvements by reinforcing standards and accountability on the floor. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with internal departments such as Sales, Customer Service, Technical Services, Purchasing, and Finance to ensure seamless communication and alignment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 13 years of relevant warehouse experience, including 1+ year in a supervisory role or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to interpret safety rules, operational manuals, and procedure documents.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to implement processes, solve problems, and meet critical deadlines.
• Comfortable performing calculations related to discounts, freight estimates, dimensional weight, invoices, and percentages.
• Forklift experience and certification (training can be provided).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with SAP is an asset.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to meet physical requirements: standing, sitting, walking, twisting, lifting up to 20 lbs regularly, 3040 lbs occasionally, climbing ladders, and using pallet jacks.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.