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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Lead Material Handler

💰 $42,000 - $58,000 annually

Supply ChainLogisticsWarehouseOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Lead Material Handler is a cornerstone of our operations, acting as both a hands-on expert and a frontline leader within the warehouse. This individual is responsible for orchestrating the daily activities of the material handling team to ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient movement of materials from receiving through production to final shipment. More than just moving goods, this role involves mentoring team members, troubleshooting process bottlenecks, upholding stringent safety and quality standards, and serving as the primary communication link between the warehouse floor and supervisory management. The Lead Material Handler champions inventory integrity and process excellence, directly impacting our ability to meet production goals and customer commitments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Material Handler
  • Experienced Warehouse Associate
  • Inventory Control Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Inventory Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping & Receiving Lead
  • Production Control Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct, coordinate, and delegate daily work assignments to a team of material handlers to ensure efficient workflow and the timely completion of operational tasks.
  • Serve as the first point of contact for the material handling team, providing guidance, answering questions, and resolving operational issues as they arise.
  • Train new and existing team members on proper material handling procedures, equipment operation, safety protocols, and the use of inventory management systems.
  • Monitor team performance and productivity levels, offering constructive feedback and coaching to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and professional growth.
  • Champion and enforce all safety regulations (including OSHA standards) and company policies to cultivate a secure and compliant work environment.
  • Oversee the accurate and timely receipt, verification, storage, and issuance of all raw materials, components, and finished goods.
  • Manage the physical movement of materials between the warehouse, staging areas, production lines, and shipping/receiving docks to support the master production schedule.
  • Lead and conduct regular cycle counts and participate actively in full physical inventory audits to maintain the highest degree of inventory accuracy.
  • Investigate inventory discrepancies by researching transaction histories, identifying root causes, and implementing effective and sustainable corrective actions.
  • Operate and demonstrate expert proficiency on a variety of material handling equipment (MHE), including sit-down forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and electric pallet jacks.
  • Ensure the operational readiness of all MHE by conducting pre-use inspections, reporting malfunctions promptly, and coordinating with maintenance for repairs.
  • Collaborate closely with Production, Planning, Quality, and Shipping departments to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted flow of materials.
  • Generate, review, and analyze reports on inventory levels, material movements, and team productivity using the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement within the warehouse and lead initiatives to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness (SQDC).
  • Foster a positive team environment that encourages communication, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Secondary Functions

  • Prepare, pick, and stage materials for upcoming production runs or customer shipments, ensuring all components are correct, damage-free, and properly documented.
  • Process and document returned materials (RMAs), ensuring they are properly inspected, dispositioned, and returned to inventory or designated for scrap.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment throughout the warehouse and storage areas, actively promoting 5S or similar lean principles.
  • Assist in the creation, review, and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key material handling and inventory control tasks.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings to represent the material handling department, provide operational updates, and contribute to problem-solving efforts.
  • Manage the disposition of non-conforming, obsolete, or scrap materials in accordance with established company and environmental procedures.
  • Utilize RF scanning devices and other inventory management technology to accurately record all material transactions in real-time.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • MHE Operation Certification: Certified and highly proficient in operating various Material Handling Equipment, especially forklifts and reach trucks.
  • WMS/ERP Proficiency: Hands-on experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and/or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite for inventory transactions.
  • Inventory Control Expertise: Strong understanding of inventory management principles, including cycle counting, FIFO/LIFO, and reconciliation processes.
  • RF Technology: Competency in using RF (Radio Frequency) scanning guns for picking, put-away, and inventory adjustments.
  • Logistics Documentation: Ability to accurately read, interpret, and process bills of lading, packing slips, work orders, and production schedules.
  • Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel) for communication and basic reporting.
  • Safety Regulation Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of warehouse safety standards and OSHA regulations.

Soft Skills

  • Frontline Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team, setting a positive example through work ethic and attitude.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively delegate tasks, train employees, and liaise with other departments.
  • Critical Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to quickly identify operational issues, assess options, and implement effective solutions.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Exceptional organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks for oneself and the team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in inventory counts, order fulfillment, and documentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certification in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of progressive experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • At least 1-2 years of experience in a team lead, senior-level, or training role with demonstrated leadership and mentoring responsibilities.
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