Material Handler Lead

Material Handling LeadUnited Plastic Fabricating (UPF) is seeking an organized, dependable, and hands-on Material Handling Lead to help coordinate daily material handling, inventory, staging, and receiving operations at our Neenah facility.This position is responsible for supporting the daily activities of the Material Handling team while actively participating in department operations. The Lead will help prioritize work assignments, maintain inventory accuracy, ensure materials are available to meet production schedules, and support the timely movement of materials throughout the facility.The ideal candidate is a strong team player who leads by example, communicates effectively, and takes initiative to resolve issues before they impact production.Team Leadership and Daily Coordination• Coordinate and prioritize daily work assignments for a team of Material Handlers.• Work alongside team members to ensure inventory, staging, and receiving activities are completed accurately and on schedule.• Train employees on standard work procedures, inventory transactions, equipment operation, and safety practices.• Monitor daily workflow and adjust priorities based on production needs.• Ensure team members follow established procedures and maintain accurate inventory records.• Identify and communicate performance concerns, material shortages, and operational issues to management.• Encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.• Serve as the primary point of contact between Material Handling, Production, and Purchasing for daily operational needs.Inventory Management and Material Control• Monitor and maintain production-related inventory at appropriate stock levels to support manufacturing requirements.• Coordinate material replenishment requests with Purchasing.• Work closely with Production and Purchasing to anticipate future inventory needs and prevent shortages.• Assist in coordinating and conducting inventory audits and cycle counts.• Investigate and help resolve inventory discrepancies.• Ensure all inventory movements and transactions are accurately recorded in the ERP system.• Maintain organized and clearly identified inventory storage locations.Production Material StagingCoordinate the pulling and staging of materials for CNC machinery and other production operations according to each job's Bill of Materials (BOM).Ensure materials are staged accurately and on time to prevent production interruptions.Verify inventory pulls and ensure transactions are properly entered into the ERP system.Coordinate the movement of scrap and excess materials to designated locations.Work with Production to address changing priorities and material requirements.Receiving and Material MovementCoordinate daily receiving activities to ensure incoming materials are inspected, documented, and processed accurately.Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders for quantity, condition, and accuracy.Ensure damaged packaging or materials are photographed and properly documented on freight paperwork.Communicate shipment discrepancies or damaged materials to Purchasing and Production Management.Ensure receiving transactions are completed accurately and promptly in the appropriate systems.Oversee the timely restocking of primary and backup inventory locations.Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as needed.Assist with loading, unloading, and securing materials for transportation when required.Safety, Quality, and Continuous ImprovementReinforce safe material handling practices and proper equipment operation.Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.Ensure employees follow established standard work procedures and inventory control processes.Identify opportunities to improve material flow, inventory accuracy, productivity, and department efficiency.Assist management with implementing process improvements and maintaining consistent work practices.RequirementsPrevious material handling, warehouse, inventory control, or manufacturing experience.Forklift operating experience required.Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Experience using computers and inventory management or ERP systems.Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.Ability to read and interpret work orders, inventory records, and Bills of Materials.Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to inventory accuracy.Ability to work independently while supporting and guiding other team members.Willingness to perform hands-on material handling duties throughout the workday.Preferred QualificationsPrevious experience as a Line Leader, Team Lead, or in a similar leadership role.Experience coordinating inventory, receiving, and material staging in a manufacturing environment.Experience delivering flatbed cargo locally, including loading and securing materials.Familiarity with cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and continuous improvement practices.Experience training employees and coordinating daily work assignments.Excellent benefits including Medical, Life, Dental, Disability insurance, 401K with employer match, student loan assistance, and gainsharing!