Shipping Lead

Job Description

Job Description

The Republic of Tea is a progressive and socially conscious business recognized as a leading purveyor of nearly 400 all-natural premium teas, herbs and gifts. We enrich people’s lives through great-tasting teas, education and innovation while championing a “Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp” lifestyle. In keeping with our whimsical identity as an independent Republic, we refer to our employees as Ministers, sales representatives as Ambassadors, consumers as Citizens and our retail partners as Embassies.  As a family-owned company, we are dedicated to sharing our prosperity through meaningful philanthropic partnerships and creating opportunities for learning and growth within our TEAm. Join us and become part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture—where you can grow your career, expand your network, and help lead the tea revolution.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We’re looking for a Shipping Lead – Minister of Exports to help lead our daily warehouse shipping operations and keep orders moving accurately, efficiently, and on time. In this role, you’ll provide hands-on leadership to our picking, packing, and shipping TEAm while working closely with other departments to keep workflows running smoothly. You’ll play an important role in maintaining our quality, inventory, safety, and customer service standards while helping the TEAm meet daily operational goals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily Operations

• Manage all daily shipping activities to ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment.
• Process and ship orders according to internal performance metrics and cost-efficiency standards.

Supervision and Training

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and training to the picking, packing, and shipping TEAm.
• Support the onboarding and training of new Ministers.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work collaboratively with inventory control, production, customer service, maintenance, and quality assurance to ensure workflow alignment and operational accuracy.
• Maintain effective communication with internal departments regarding order requirements, inventory status, and shipment priorities.

Cost and Inventory Oversight

• Monitor shipping costs and implement strategies to reduce expenses without compromising quality.
• Review inventory processes, including code rotation, finished goods accuracy, and audit compliance.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all shipping procedures comply with company policies, food safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment and participate actively in the plant safety committee.
• Support injury-prevention initiatives and ensure consistent safety practices within the department.

Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate shipping and inventory records and prepare operational reports as required.

Issue Resolution

• Investigate and resolve shipping discrepancies, delays, damages, and related issues.

Process and System Improvement

• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Support automation efforts and initiatives to improve labor utilization and workflow consistency.

Order Processing

• Prepare pallet shipments and ensure compliance with retailer and vendor specifications.

Expertise Development

• Develop subject-matter expertise across all shipping workflows, including retail, wholesale, and truck shipments.
• Become proficient in ERP systems, warehouse operating systems, and robotic picking technologies.
• Maintain intermediate proficiency in Excel and email communication platforms.

Staffing and Workflow Management

• Allocate daily labor to meet productivity, quality, and customer service expectations.
• Monitor departmental performance goals, including customer complaint metrics.

Team and Culture Development

• Support training, development, and coaching efforts within the department.
• Assist in fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Perform all shipping roles as needed to support operational coverage and maintain working knowledge.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in shipping or logistics; leadership experience preferred.
• Certified forklift trainer or willingness to obtain certification.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with shipping software and warehouse management systems.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Additional education or certification in logistics or supply chain management.
• Experience in a food-grade or consumer-goods environment.
• Experience working with warehouse automation.

COMPETENCIES

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and planning
• Sense of urgency and follow-through
• Attention to detail
• Leadership and coaching
• Collaboration
• Positive and proactive approach to work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to handle and manipulate materials with precision.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. independently multiple times daily.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and to stoop or bend as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned. This position may be required to perform additional responsibilities as operational needs evolve or as directed by leadership.

The Republic of Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer