Operational Safety and Training Lead

The Operational Safety and Training Lead is a hands-on, floor-based leadership role responsible for building a safe, organized, and highly capable warehouse team. This role supports associate training and onboarding, leads forklift certification, drives 5S standards, reinforces safety culture, and acts as the site-level liaison to IT for operational devices.

This position is ideal for a strong operator who leads by example, coaches in real time, and helps keep the site running safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Onboarding

• Train and onboard new hires and cross-trained associates to standard work
• Provide hands-on coaching and refresher training as needed
• Track training completion and competency sign-offs
• Oversee top-tier training program administration and facilitation.
• Ensure seamless coordination and deliver regular reports on training initiatives.
• Collaborate with managers, supervisors, leads, hr, and support staff to synchronize all training activities.
• Schedule and oversee ambassador training sessions.
• Conduct training at all hourly team levels and conduct facility tours for new hires.
• Audit ambassador training to ensure adherence to the SOP and maintain quality and consistency.
• Manage tracking and deliver post-training debriefs to the site operations team.
• Execute training-related audits and provide support for operational audits, such as area readiness and quality audits.
• Monitor team performance metrics and identify re-training opportunities to enhance associate performance in alignment with the progressive accountability coaching and training program (PACT).
• Develop and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and ensure adherence to established standards.
• Pursue ongoing skill development through participation in skill classes, cross-training, whistle training, etc.
• Document feedback and audit results to aid the operations team in identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• Assess coaching needs for individuals and groups to support development.
• Understand daily workflow and production goals to effectively align training efforts.
• Resolve training-related issues efficiently, serve as a resource, and take necessary steps for resolution.

Forklift Training & Certification

• Train, certify, and recertify associates on powered industrial equipment
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company standards
• Conduct retraining following incidents or unsafe behaviors

5S & Workplace Organization

• Lead and sustain 5S standards across all warehouse areas
• Conduct audits and follow up on corrective actions
• Support continuous improvement and kaizen activities

Safety Leadership

• Serve as a visible safety advocate on the warehouse floor
• Lead safety huddles and reinforce safe work practices
• Participate in safety audits and incident follow-ups

IT Liaison & Device Support

• Act as the site point of contact for IT-related issues
• Provide first-level support for RF scanners, printers, tablets, PCs, and other site devices
• Escalate issues to IT with clear documentation and impact details
• Support outages, device swaps, and onboarding/offboarding of equipment

Qualifications

Required

• 1 years of Microsoft Office Suite experience
• 2 years of warehouse or distribution center experience
• Experience training associates and operating forklifts
• Strong knowledge of safety and standard work
• Basic troubleshooting ability for warehouse IT devices
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead without authority
• Stand/walk/lift/carry/bend for up to 10 hours
• Navigate various areas of the building, including ladders, stairs, and dock areas, safely
• Lift and carry items weighing up to 49 pounds for extended periods
• Must be flexible to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet business training demands, with a willingness to adjust personal schedule to support overall business objectives.
• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• Forklift Trainer / OSHA certification
• Experience with 5S, Lean, or continuous improvement
• Safety committee or lead experience
• Experience delivering training to diverse groups, including peers and associates, both individually and in groups
• Effective feedback giving and receiving skills
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage, and complete projects under tight deadlines
• Familiarity with distribution center operations, processes, and workflow
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Previous involvement in developing SOPs within a distribution center setting

About Distribution Management:
Headquartered in the Missouri Research Park in St. Charles, MO, Distribution Management is a national technology, fulfillment, and distribution provider specializing in automated order handling, managed supply services, wholesale services, and e-commerce fulfillment. DM can reach 99% of the U.S. within one to two days and some international destinations within three days from its five strategically located distribution centers. DM’s order accuracy rate of 99.9% is reflective of its focus on operational excellence, efficiencies that have resulted from significant investment in technology and a dedicated IT development staff specializing in integration, automation, and real-time reporting. To learn more, visit www.distributionmgmt.com .