Lead Warehouse Operator

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Supply Chain Job Profile Lead Warehouse Operator Management Level Individual Contributor Flexible Work Option No remote option; must work at a specified Cox location Travel % No Work Shift Day Compensation Hourly base pay rate is $24.23 - $36.35/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program. Job Description The Lead Warehouse Operator oversees material handling, inventory control, warehouse layout, and equipment maintenance, ensuring safe and efficient operations. This role leads warehouse staff, drives compliance with safety standards, models adherence to established processes, and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by training, coaching, mentoring, and developing team members while supporting ongoing operational excellence initiatives.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Establishes and reinforces a safety- and process-driven culture by modeling compliance with operational standards and coaching team members to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
• Directs daily warehouse operations, including material movement, task prioritization, and team assignments to meet operational goals.
• Ensures safe operation and maintenance of warehouse equipment (e.g., forklifts), including completing and maintaining required inspection records.
• Trains and mentors warehouse operators on EVBS safety, compliance requirements, and operational procedures.
• Executes and oversees inventory transactions using scanners and warehouse systems to ensure accurate tracking of incoming/outgoing materials, inventory balances, and shipment fulfillment.
• Maintains inventory accuracy by enforcing warehouse protocols, monitoring material movements, and leading cycle counts and audits, including researching discrepancies and implementing corrective actions.
• Optimizes warehouse layout and rack locations to support efficient workflow and material flow.
• Coordinates crate inventory, repair, and maintenance activities to support operational readiness.
• Performs quality and safety inspections on incoming and outgoing materials to ensure compliance with standards.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and compliant warehouse environment, including adherence to OSHA and hazardous material handling requirements.
• Troubleshoots operational issues and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Experience & Specialized Knowledge and skills

• High School Diploma/GED and 7 years’ experience in a warehouse, logistics, or related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as any level degree/certification beyond a HS diploma/GED in a related discipline and 5 years’ experience; or 9 years’ experience in a related field.
• Strong experience in warehouse operations, including material handling, inventory control processes, and shipping/receiving functions, with the ability to oversee day-to-day operations.
• Advanced knowledge of warehouse safety practices and procedures, including experience ensuring team compliance with OSHA and hazardous material handling standards.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot operational issues, resolve inventory discrepancies, and support process improvements in a fast-paced environment.
• Requires strong knowledge of warehouse tools and systems, including scanning devices, inventory management systems/WMS, and basic business applications (e.g., email, data entry).
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills, with the ability to guide and support team members and work effectively with cross-functional partners.
• Forklift certification required, with demonstrated experience operating material handling equipment in a production or high-volume environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain hazardous materials certification in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Experience & Specialized Knowledge & Skills

• Degree or certification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in warehouse operations within automotive, EV, manufacturing, or logistics environments supporting regulated or safety-critical materials.
• Current hazardous materials (HAZMAT) certification.
• Advanced experience operating and supporting safe use of material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks), including coaching or guiding others.
• Experience working with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP platforms, or EVBS-specific systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate warehouse equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, and scanners) in compliance with all safety and certification requirements.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 50 lbs. independently, with occasional team-assisted lifting of heavier items.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to handle materials at all storage levels.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks (e.g., scanning, labeling, sorting, packaging) with strong attention to detail and visual accuracy.
• Ability to work in a warehouse environment with varying conditions, safely handle hazardous materials with required PPE, and load/unload materials including work on loading docks and trailers.

Work Environment: This position takes place in a warehouse environment where the standard PPE includes safety glasses, safety vest, hearing protection, and safety footwear. Benefits Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave. About Us Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. EOE, including disability/vets Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.