Warehouse Associate II/III- Lead Trainee

Job Description

Job Description

Warehouse Associate II / III – Trainee Lead

Position Type: Full-Time / Temp-to-Hire

Pay Rate: $22.00 – $24.00 / hour (Based on experience)

Shift: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Equipment: Reach Truck, Stand-up and sit-down forklift experience required

Position Summary

The Warehouse II/III – Trainee Lead plays a key operational role by overseeing core shipping, receiving, and inventory control functions while serving as a hands-on floor lead in training. This role combines high-level execution of daily warehouse operations with emerging leadership responsibilities—including inventory accuracy, workflow coordination, team support, and compliance with safety and efficiency standards.

The ideal candidate possesses strong all-around warehouse expertise, can step in to complete any general warehouse task as needed, and is ready to transition into a full supervisory/lead capacity.

Key Responsibilities: 

Shipping, Receiving & Inventory Leadership

• Operational Oversight: Lead daily shipping and receiving workflows; manage truck loading/unloading, check-in validation, and cross-checking purchase orders against sales orders for prompt sales processing.

• Inventory Control: Lead physical inventory audits, cycle counts, and reconciliations to ensure high inventory accuracy and minimize variance.

• System Tracking: Accurately log, track, and manage incoming/outgoing stock within the WMS/inventory management system.

• Order Preparation: Oversee parcel preparation, staging, weighing, counting, and palletization to meet quality and delivery standards.

Workflow & Team Coordination (Trainee Lead Duties)

• Floor Leadership: Assist in directing daily warehouse flow, prioritizing work orders, and delegating picking/packing assignments to ensure on-time delivery.

• Process Optimization: Model best practices for material handling, organization, and stock placement across racks, bins, and storage areas according to product codes and specifications.

• Training Support: Mentor junior warehouse staff on safety protocols, proper tool usage, and standard operating procedures.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Serve as a reliable liaison between warehouse operations, sales, distribution drivers, and purchasing.

General Warehouse & Operational Support

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks for material movement.

• Order Fulfillment: Accurately read customer orders, requisitions, and work orders to gather, assemble, and transfer items to designated shipping or holding areas.

• Facility Maintenance & Safety: Maintain a clean, safe, and accessible warehouse environment for staff and customer traffic. Complete routine housekeeping (sweeping, organizing, trash disposal) and facilities maintenance as needed.

• Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to all OSHA and company safety guidelines, including mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards.

• Requisition Management: Process supply requisitions to maintain necessary packaging and warehouse supplies.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in shipping, receiving, and inventory management in a warehouse/distribution environment.

• Equipment: Proficiency with sit-down and stand-up forklifts required (certification preferred).

• Leadership Potential: Prior experience as a team lead, senior associate, or a strong desire to transition into warehouse leadership.

• Tech Literacy: Familiarity with WMS software, basic computer navigation, barcode scanners, and inventory programs.

• Physical & Safety Standards: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, and operate in a fast-paced physical environment.

• Core Competencies: Strong organization, attention to detail, clear communication, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.