Warehouse & Logistics Lead

Warehouse & Logistics Lead

Ditsch USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean-label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the ART OF PRETZEL MAKING!

We seek those who want to learn and grow within our organization. Ditsch USA offers development options to add to your skill set and open new opportunities for you within our organization. At Ditsch USA you will find a welcoming, safe, and team-orientated environment.

As a Warehouse & Logistics Lead you are responsible for directing day to day warehouse activities on the floor, ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient movement and storage of materials. This role provides real-time coordination of staffing, workflow, and priorities, serving as the primary point of contact between front line warehouse employees and warehouse leadership. The Warehouse & Logistics Lead leverages deep knowledge of PIT equipment and warehouse processes to train, coach, and support the team, reinforcing consistent standards and best practices. By improving safety, reliability, and service to internal and external customers, the Warehouse & Logistics Lead directly supports the company's mission to deliver high-quality products, on time, in a safe and responsible manner.

Responsibilities:

• Support and coordinate daily warehouse activities, including receiving, storage, internal material movement, and shipping across two locations, as directed by the Supervisor.
• May contribute to performance metrics such as on-time shipping/receiving performance, dock schedule adherence, and workflow efficiency.
• Help align warehouse activities, dock usage, and freezer space with the production plan by communicating priorities and directing team members to assigned tasks.
• Promote and model safe operation of powered industrial trucks (PIT) and warehouse equipment, promptly addressing unsafe behaviors and escalating as needed.
• Support correct shipping, receiving, and storage labeling, FIFO rotation, traceability, and storage practices on the floor.
• Help maintain accurate warehouse documentation and audit-ready conditions in alignment with SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards, escalating issues to the Supervisor.
• Train and coach team members on virtual and physical inventory integrity, including accurate scanning in/out of product, location moves, and material transactions using the WMS/ERP.
• Monitor day to day inventory practices on the floor and promptly escalate discrepancies, damage, or location issues to the Supervisor.
• Support cycle counts and inventory audits by preparing areas, guiding team members, and assisting with count execution.
• Help monitor warehouse and freezer capacity conditions (full locations, blocked aisles, staging congestion) and communicate corrective actions to leadership.
• Assign and adjust dock positions and tasks for team members in inbound and outbound, based on the dock schedule and business priorities set by the Supervisor.
• Coordinate with the Warehouse & Logistics Supervisor and production teams to ensure the right people and equipment are at the right dock at the right time.
• Support inspection and verification of inbound and outbound shipments for accuracy, condition, and SQF requirements, escalating nonconformances.
• Assist with staging, trailer checks, and load preparation to support appointment adherence and efficient dock turnaround.
• Serve as a role model for safe and efficient PIT operation, following all site rules and procedures.
• Act as primary trainer with PIT training and recertification activities under the direction of the Supervisor and Safety/Training teams.
• Provide hands-on coaching to forklift and pallet jack operators, reinforcing safe driving, proper stacking, and correct handling of product.
• Report equipment issues, near-misses, and safety concerns promptly and participate in corrective actions if necessary.
• Act as a working lead by setting the pace, demonstrating standard work, and assisting team members with problem-solving during the shift.
• Help communicate daily priorities, changes, and expectations from the Supervisor to the warehouse team.
• Support new-hire and cross-training efforts on standard work, safety, food safety, scanning, and warehouse procedures.
• Provide input and observations to the Supervisor on team performance, training needs, and workflow challenges, but does not perform formal performance reviews or disciplinary actions.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry, production, and technical documents in English. Basic math skills in all units of measure.
• Proven experience as a forklift warehouse operator (within a food manufacturing environment preferred).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and familiarity of inventory management principles and systems.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehouse Practices
• Commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced environment with a focus on quality and safety.
• Basic knowledge of workplace safety regulations (e.g., OSHA standards).
• Excellent time management and effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to clearly articulate process problems or troubleshooting issues.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in warehouse and logistics operations required.
• Prior experience as a lead, trainer, or subject-matter expert in warehouse operations preferred.
• Experience with WMS/ERP systems, scanning, and PIT operation and training.
• Strong communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.????
• Ability to adjust or move objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions.
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Ability to withstand various climates through the facility i.e. freezer, dock, production (as low as -15 degrees up to 110 degrees)
• Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position and often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to move self into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and/or confined spaces.
• Must be physically able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, poles and scaffolding.
• Excellent hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.?
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
• Stand and move around the manufacturing floor for up to 8 hours.
• Capability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks.

If you're seeking a role where you where you can become an integral part of our innovative team, apply today.

What we offer you (perks, bonuses, benefits):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Automatic, FREE $25,000 life insurance policy
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Additional voluntary life, AD&D, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability
• 401k Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Ongoing training and development

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The physical requirements are representative of those an employee may