Assistant Manager Trainee

New South Express (NSE), a subsidiary of Honda Logistics North America (HLNA), is seeking a Assistant Manager Trainee to join our growing team supporting logistics operations for Honda’s manufacturing facilities. If you’re passionate about operations and process improvement, and driving operational excellence, this role is for you.

Position Summary

The Asst. Manager Trainee – Logistics & Warehouse Operations Program is designed to develop the next generation of warehouse and logistics leaders. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in shipping/receiving, inventory management, safety compliance, team leadership, and operational efficiency. Upon successful completion, trainees will be prepared for frontline or mid-level leadership roles within warehouse or distribution center operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Warehouse Operations

• Assist in coordinating daily warehouse activities including receiving, picking, packing, staging, and loading.
• Learn and apply best practices for inventory accuracy, warehouse layout, and material flow.
• Gain proficiency operating warehouse equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, scanners)
• Monitor order fulfillment performance and support improvements in accuracy and speed.

Logistics & Supply Chain Support

• Work with transportation teams to ensure timely inbound and outbound shipments.
• Learn scheduling, routing, and carrier communication processes.
• Assist in resolving freight issues, shipment discrepancies, and logistics delays.
• Support cycle counts and inventory audits to maintain accurate stock levels.

Leadership & People Management

• Learn how to supervise warehouse associates to meet productivity and safety standards.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and cross-training efforts.
• Participate in shift planning, workload balancing, and employee performance coaching.
• Develop skills in communication, conflict resolution, and team motivation.

Safety & Compliance

• Learn OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies to ensure a safe warehouse environment.
• Assist with safety audits, equipment inspections, and ongoing compliance training.
• Monitor adherence to safety protocols and help develop corrective action plans.

Analytics & Performance Improvement

• Learn to use KPIs such as pick accuracy, labor efficiency, order cycle time, and inventory accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or 5S practices
• Participate in problem-solving and root-cause analysis sessions.

Training & Development Components

• Structured rotations through all key warehouse and logistics departments.
• Leadership development workshops and operational training modules.
• Hands-on mentoring from experienced supervisors and managers.
• Regular performance checkpoints with clear advancement goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred; experience may substitute.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership potential demonstrated through work, school, or military experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, physically active warehouse environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work variable shifts and overtime when needed.
• Ability to lift typical warehouse weights (often 40–50 lbs.), depending on role requirements.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Strong sense of urgency and ownership.
• Hands-on learner with an aptitude for equipment and operational systems.
• Comfortable working with technology (WMS, scanners, reports, etc.).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel and PowerPoint)
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and safety-focused.

Program Duration & Career Path

Typical duration: 20-24 months, depending on performance.

Potential post-program roles include:

• Assistant Manager
• Department Manager