Warehouse Lead 101 - Reports to Sam Sassaman

Warehouse Lead

Purpose and role of job: Hands-on leadership role responsible for executing daily warehouse and production support activities while leading forklift drivers and coordinating material flow. This position acts as the first line of escalation for warehouse operations and ensures alignment between production, shipping, and internal logistics.

Principal Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

• Observes all safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment at all times.
• Enforce safety standards, operating procedures, and housekeeping expectations across the warehouse.
• Follows necessary regulations/guidelines.
• Provide day-to-day leadership on the floor while actively participating in warehouse operations (material handling, staging, movements).
• Serve as primary support and point of contact for the AGV system; monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with maintenance or vendors as needed.
• Train, coach, and oversee production forklift drivers to ensure safe, efficient, and standardized operations.
• Act as the first point of escalation for all warehouse (101) issues, including material shortages, inventory discrepancies, equipment issues, and workflow disruptions.
• Support shipping operations (101 shipper), ensuring timely and accurate outbound material flow and coordination with production schedules.
• Ensure materials are delivered to production lines in alignment with the production plan and priority changes.
• Coordinate with Production, Planning, and Warehouse leadership to maintain flow and resolve constraints in real time.
• Assist in inventory control processes, including cycle counts, location accuracy, and material traceability.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities related to material flow, labor efficiency, and AGV utilization.
• Other duties as assigned

Education and experience requirements:

• 35+ years of warehouse experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong working knowledge of forklift operations and warehouse material flow.
• Forklift certification using forks, roll clamp, box clamp, and pole.
• Experience supporting or working alongside automated systems (AGVs preferred).
• Proven ability to lead by example in a hands-on environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced setting.
• Effective communication skills across multiple functions and shifts.
• Familiarity with ERP/WMS systems (e.g., JDE; SAP experience a plus).
• Strong ownership and accountability for daily operations.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change

Physical Requirements:

• Active, floor-based role requiring standing, walking, and operating equipment for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including off-shifts and weekends.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional repetitive use of hands.