Warehouse Lead

Summary: Responsible for coordinating and supporting daily warehouse operations within the manufacturing facility to maximize efficiency while ensuring the safe handling and movement of materials and maintaining product quality. Serves as the primary point of contact for warehouse team members during assigned shifts by providing guidance, training, and work direction. Partners closely with the Warehouse Supervisor and Manager to achieve operational goals related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People.

Primary Tasks/Responsibilities:
• Lead daily warehouse operations by assigning and coordinating work activities to ensure production and shipping schedules are met.
• Serve as a resource for warehouse team members by providing hands-on guidance, coaching, and support throughout the shift.
• Assist with the onboarding and training of new warehouse employees and reinforce standard work practices.
• Monitor workflow and communicate staffing or operational needs to the Warehouse Supervisor.
• Support the Warehouse Supervisor in identifying opportunities to improve warehouse efficiency, material flow, equipment utilization, and overall productivity.
• Utilize a continuous improvement mindset to identify process improvement opportunities and recommend solutions.
• Assist in monitoring inventory accuracy, material movement, and warehouse organization.
• Communicate operational concerns, equipment issues, and employee feedback to the Warehouse Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Model and promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and food safety requirements.
• Wear and promote the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with company policies and OSHA regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe warehouse environment.
• Follow and reinforce all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and food safety requirements.
• Support compliance with all company safety, security, quality, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Shipping, and other departments to support operational objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Warehouse Supervisor.

Qualifications:
• Education: Associate degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and warehouse experience will be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a manufacturing warehouse environment.
• Previous experience serving as a lead, trainer, or informal team leader is preferred.
• Experience working in a food manufacturing environment is preferred.

Other Skills and Relevant Considerations:
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and positively influence team members without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong coaching and training skills with the ability to develop others.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to understand and communicate operational data, inventory information, and warehouse metrics.
• Ability to read, write, perform basic mathematical calculations, and accurately record information.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and varying shifts as business needs require.
• Must be able to frequently stand, walk, kneel, reach, climb, pull, and bend with full range of body motion.
• Must be able to work in wet and/or humid conditions with occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, cleaning chemicals, and nut allergens.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Language Skills:
• English proficiency required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are preferred and considered an asset based on business needs.