Assistant Yard Foreman

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