Material Handling Lead

Description Position Purpose: The Material Handler Lead is responsible for leading the daily activities of Material Handlers while ensuring the safe, accurate, and efficient movement of product and materials throughout warehouse and production operations, as well as enforcing warehouse flow and organization standards. This position serves as the first level of leadership within the department and is responsible for coordinating work assignments, maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting production schedules, enforcing safety and GMP standards, maximizing operational efficiency, and maintaining an organized warehouse environment. The Material Handler Lead works closely with Warehouse Supervisors, Production Supervisors, Quality Assurance, and Operations leadership to ensure customer requirements and business objectives are met. Job Responsibilities:

• Assign daily work activities and priorities to Material Handlers based on production schedules, shipping requirements, and operational needs.
• Coordinate the movement of raw materials, packaging materials, finished

goods, and customer products throughout the facility. • Monitor workflow to ensure production lines are adequately supplied and finished goods are removed in a timely manner. • Lead, coach, and support Material Handlers to ensure compliance with safety, GMP, food safety, and company policies. • Train new Material Handlers on equipment operation, inventory procedures, warehouse processes, and safety requirements. • Monitor employee performance and provide feedback to support productivity, quality, and attendance expectations.

• Ensure accurate completion of shipping, receiving, inventory, and warehouse documentation.
• Oversee inventory transactions utilizing warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF scanning equipment while

ensuring the accuracy of all material putaways, picks, inventory movements, and system transactions.

• Perform inventory cycle counts and investigate inventory discrepancies.
• Verify proper product identification, lost control, FIFO rotation, and inventory

accuracy. • Ensure trailers, staging areas, warehouse locations, and production support areas remain organized and audit ready. • Own and maintain 5S standards within the warehouse and material staging areas, ensuring work areas remain organized, clean, and efficient while supporting accurate material putaways, picks, and inventory control. POSITION TITLE: Material Lead LOCATION: All locations EXPERIENCE LEVEL: 2-3 years REPORTS TO: Warehouse Supervisor DATE REVIEWED: 06/25/2026 APPROVED BY: Human Resources JOB LEVEL: Lead DEPARTMENT: Warehouse

• Conduct and verify daily equipment inspections and ensure all material handling equipment is operating safely.
• Communicate equipment issues, inventory concerns, staffing needs, and operational challenges to supervisors.
• Complete and communicate a comprehensive end-of-shift handoff to the oncoming Material Lead or Supervisor, including open inventory discrepancies, production line supply status, equipment issues, and any operational concerns requiring follow-up.
• Monitor productivity and labor utilization while adjusting assignments to meet changing operational demands.
• Support shipping and receiving activities including inbound and outbound product verification.
• Assist with customer audits, inventory audits, and operational inspections as needed.
• Collaborate with Production, Warehouse, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance teams to resolve operational issues.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for material flow, inventory, and warehouse-related concerns.
• Lead by example through consistent attendance, professionalism, and adherence to company standards.
• Perform Material Handler duties as needed to support operational requirements.
• Lead and direct the daily activities of two (or more) Material Handlers on the assigned shift, ensuring priorities and performance goals are met.
• Partner directly with Production Supervisors to ensure production lines remain adequately supplied and production schedules are achieved.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for material flow, consumables inventory issues, and operational constraints impact production.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist supervisors with daily staffing plans and labor allocation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, inventory accuracy, productivity, and quality.
• Support onboarding and cross-training efforts within warehouse operations.
• Provide recommendations for process improvements to improve efficiency and customer service.
• Assist with physical inventories and year-end inventory counts.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and food safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in cold storage, warehouse, manufacturing, food production, or distribution environments.
• Prior leadership, lead, trainer, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Forklift certification and demonstrated material handling equipment experience.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory control systems.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2-3 years of warehouse, logistics, material handling, or manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience operating forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience serving in a Team Lead, Lead, or higher-level leadership role directing the work of others..
• Strong inventory control and inventory accuracy knowledge.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to balance safety, quality, productivity, and customer service expectations.
• Proven satisfactory attendance and work performance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.

Working Conditions

• This position operates in a refrigerated warehouse and production environment with temperatures typically ranging from 32°F to 38°F.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to operate forklifts and material handling equipment for extended periods.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules, including weekends, overtime, and holidays as business needs require.

Food Safety and Allergen Statement Universal Pure facilities may process, package, and store products containing allergenic food ingredients as identified by the FDA. Team members who may come into direct or indirect contact with these ingredients must be able to work safely in these environments. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Universal Pure Is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Requirements Experience operating a Stand-up Forklift in a Manufacturing/Production facility is mandatory to qualify for the role. Universal Pure