Material Handling Specialist

Lead Material Handler

The Lead Material Handler is responsible for overseeing and organizing daily workflow across order fulfillment, product assembly, receiving, and shipping operations within Distribution. This role ensures work is properly prioritized, tasks are assigned efficiently, and processes are executed smoothly to meet operational goals and deadlines while actively supporting hands-on functions. In a leadership capacity, the Lead Material Handler works with senior leadership and coordinates day-to-day activities, supports associate training, answers team questions, and provides guidance to maintain consistent and productive workflow. Fully cross-trained across all Material Handler functions, including raw materials, this role serves as a key resource for optimizing workflow, resolving operational issues, and ensuring efficient, accurate, and well-coordinated daily operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist department leaders in developing and prioritizing daily staffing and workflow plans, optimizing resource allocation across distribution operations while providing effective cross-functional support to all serviced departments.
• Provide leadership coverage and operational support in the absence of Distribution Leaders, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Investigate, resolve, and communicate issues related to order fulfillment and order fulfillment support functions to minimize operational disruptions.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, task groups, and special projects focused on enhancing operational performance and work environment.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for distribution staff, providing guidance, support, and direction to ensure daily operational objectives are achieved.
• Assist department leadership with managing warehouse space utilization by helping monitor capacity, identifying constraints, and supporting the execution of space conservation initiatives to maximize storage efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for operational technology issues, troubleshooting scan guns, tablets, and handheld devices to support uninterrupted workflow.
• Support team members in achieving departmental goals by sharing daily productivity metrics and performance results, helping to provide clarity, encourage accountability, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Performs and maintains proficiency in all responsibilities identified within the Material Handler/Sr. Material Handler job description to support operational flexibility and business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) Required
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in warehousing
• Experience operating lift truck and other material handling equipment.
• Experience in a leadership role
• Other Requirements: Ability to lift 60-pound boxes. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Ability to ride up in an order picker to height of 21 feet. Manual dexterity skills. Basic math skills. Good communication and organizational skills. Demonstrates ability to set and reach productivity goals in all distribution functions. Strong aptitude for learning and applying software applications (e.g. SAP, databases, spreadsheets, etc.)

Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and involves operation of personal computer equipment for extended periods of time. Occasional travel to offsite offices, customer sites and/or industry and training events may also be required, depending on assignment.

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.