Assistant Foreman

Job Title: Assistant Foreman

Location:  Varies

Reports to: Foreman

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary: Reporting to the Foreman, the Assistant Foreman supports the daily operations of the lumber yard, ensuring a safe, efficient, and high-quality work environment. This role serves as a working leader, balancing hands-on operational support with team coordination, problem-solving, and workflow execution to meet delivery schedules and business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Support the foreman in planning daily workflow, assigning tasks, and monitoring team productivity and completion timelines.
• Act as a working leader by assisting with order pulling, loading/unloading, railcar operations, and related documentation to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Coordinate with team members and leadership to maintain productivity, quality standards, and team engagement
• Promote and enforce a safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all safety policies, PPE requirements, and equipment operation standards.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment, materials, and work practices to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
• Report all injuries, incidents, and near-misses promptly to leadership and HR.
• Participate in safety audits, investigations, and time/attendance matters as directed by the foreman.
• Monitor workmanship and order accuracy to ensure customer and company quality standards are consistently met.
• Assist with inventory control processes, including cycle counts, reconciliations, and discrepancy investigation as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, work progress, and operational activities.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments, drivers, customers, vendors, and contractors to support delivery timelines and service expectations.
• Assist with dispatch coordination and routing support as needed.
• Support onboarding, training, and development of yard team members.
• Reinforce company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Assist with timekeeping, attendance tracking, and performance feedback, including corrective action as directed.
• Participate in and help lead or organize team meetings.
• Model positive leadership behaviors and contribute to a respectful, team-oriented culture.
• Proactively identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions to improve efficiency and workflow.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, productivity, and customer service.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2 years of building supply or lumber yard experience
• Previous forklift experience
• Basic computer proficiency (email, systems, handheld devices)
• Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment, often without supervision
• Effective communication skills to communicate to a broad audience (writing, speaking, and active listening)
• Valid WI Driver’s license (to support deliveries as needed between business and customer locations)

Preferred Qualifications: 

• HS Diploma or GED
• Prior lead or supervisory experience
• Experience with dispatching or route planning systems (Descartes)
• Experience in inventory management or cycle counting

Work Environment: This role operates in a fast-paced outdoor lumber yard environment requiring frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting throughout the shift. The position regularly involves exposure to varying weather conditions, loud noise, moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery fumes. Occasional travel to other yards or customer locations may be required (less than 5%).