Warehouse Lead

Kauai Mechanical is looking for a dependable, organized, and hands-on Warehouse Lead to help oversee the daily operations of our commercial HVAC warehouse. In this role, you’ll work alongside our Warehouse Manager while providing day-to-day direction to the warehouse team and ensuring our Service and Installations crews have the materials and equipment they need to get the job done.

You’ll take an active role in inventory management, receiving and distributing materials, purchase orders, vendor coordination, deliveries, cycle counts, and warehouse organization, while helping maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone with warehouse experience who is ready to take on more responsibility, lead by example, and grow their leadership skills in the commercial HVAC industry.

Job Functions:

• Perform and oversee daily warehouse operations at Kauai Mechanical receiving, processing, storing, and distributing inventory in accordance with purchase orders and job schedules for commercial HVAC, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, ice machines, chillers, cooling towers, and BAS / controls materials.
• Provide day-to-day direction to KM Warehouse Associates. Train, mentor, and develop warehouse staff on procedures, safety protocols, and efficiency practices.
• Execute the vendor and purchase-order process at the KM location — issue POs per the Warehouse Manager's standards, follow up on backorders, and coordinate returns, RMAs, and core returns (compressor cores, controls returns, warranty exchanges).
• Coordinate closely with the Service Department Manager, Installations Department Manager, Foremen, and field crews to anticipate parts needs and ensure timely material availability for commercial service calls and installation projects.
• Maintain standardized inventory procedures established by the Warehouse Manager to ensure accurate tracking, storage, and availability of commercial equipment, parts, and materials.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and periodic inventory audits at the KM warehouse. Maintain inventory accuracy, identify variances, and drive corrective action.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate reorder needs to the Warehouse Manager to prevent shortages or overstocking — including specialty commercial parts, refrigeration components, and controls.
• Prepare and complete orders for delivery or pickup (load, pack, wrap, label, ship). Deliver and pick up materials and equipment using the company vehicle when needed.
• Organize and maintain warehouse stock. Optimize warehouse space utilization and implement best practices for efficiency at the KM location.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized warehouse environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Oversee cleanliness of the warehouse, company vehicles, office, and restroom — Warehouse Laborers hold primary responsibility for office and restroom upkeep; the Lead ensures standards are met and steps in when needed.
• Monitor and enforce safety policies within the warehouse and during deliveries — including handling of refrigerant cylinders, compressed gases, hazardous materials, and food-service equipment. Conduct periodic safety walks and address risks.
• Track and complete daily logs, inventory reports, and project documentation in Service Titan and other inventory systems — including refrigerant tracking as required by EPA Section 608.
• Communicate effectively with other departments to ensure timely material delivery for commercial service calls and installation projects.
• Identify process improvements to enhance warehouse operations throughput, accuracy, cost, and safety. Escalate opportunities to the Warehouse Manager.
• Manage KM warehouse equipment (forklift, pallet jack, hand tools) maintain proper certifications and ensure equipment is operational.
• Any additional duties or responsibilities deemed necessary by the Warehouse Manager or company leadership.

Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license required. Clean driving record preferred.
• Forklift certification required (or able to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• 2 years of warehouse experience, with some lead, foreman, or supervisory exposure preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in inventory management practices — cycle counts, audits, reorder management, and variance investigation.
• Familiarity with commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and BAS / controls materials strongly preferred (chillers, cooling towers, refrigeration components, commercial kitchen equipment, ice machines, controls).
• Working knowledge of EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling requirements and warehouse-level tracking obligations preferred.
• Knowledge of warehouse safety standards and best practices — including handling of refrigerant cylinders and compressed gases.
• Proficient in Service Titan or similar inventory / project-management software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personality types.
• Highly motivated, reliable, and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently, in a team, and under minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under constraints, making the most of available resources.
• Ability to train and mentor new employees.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative.
• Demonstrates a consistently positive and professional attitude in all situations.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.