Warehouse Lead (Manufacturing)

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Job Summary

The Warehouse Lead plays a critical role in overseeing daily warehouse operations, ensuring production is consistently supported with the right raw materials and parts, and maintaining accuracy, safety, and efficiency across warehouse functions. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for directing and training a small team while also actively operating forklifts, loading/unloading materials, and pulling materials as needed.

The ideal candidate possesses experience in warehouse and/or manufacturing settings, strong communication skills, familiarity with ERP systems, and the ability to lead by example.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse & Inventory Operations

• Oversee and assist with receiving raw material deliveries, including inspection coordination, labeling, and proper storage.
• Conduct and document daily vehicle and forklift inspections.
• Maintain accurate warehouse locator and inventory records.
• Perform weekly and monthly cycle counts; reconcile discrepancies.
• Ensure raw materials and accessories are pulled to production in a timely manner and returned/processed correctly.
• Manage safety stock of critical raw materials.
• Oversee transfers, receiving, and usage documentation in ERP system (AX or similar).

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead, train, and supervise 2-3 warehouse/material handlers, Raw Materials handlers, and Recycle Material specialists  - this role is hands-on and must assist in all duties of the warehouse
• Ensure warehouse staff follow SOPs, safety protocols, and communication standards.
• Provide coaching on pulling raw materials, handling regrinds, and using ERP/transfer processes.
• Serve as primary contact between warehouse and production for material availability and issue resolution.

Communication & Collaboration

• Respond promptly to internal emails and requests; maintain consistent documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Freight teams to ensure smooth flow of materials and shipments.
• Act as a problem-solver when material shortages, ERP errors, or communication breakdowns occur.

Hands-On Support

• Operate forklifts to load/unload trucks, store products, and move raw materials.
• Pull resin and regrinds to keep production running with minimal downtime.
• Be available as needed for plant coverage, including after-hours support on a rotational or on-call basis.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2 years of warehouse or materials handling experience; manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience required.
• ERP (AX, SAP, Oracle, etc.) experience is highly desirable.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills—both verbal and written—with a focus on accountability and follow-through.
• Hands-on leadership style: willingness to “jump in” with team members.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy in documentation and inventory.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Recent forklift certification/experience.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching in a warehouse/manufacturing setting.
• Exposure to noise, moving machinery, fumes, and outdoor conditions.

Why Join Schaefer Plastics?

At Schaefer Plastics, we take pride in delivering high-quality products to leading industries while maintaining a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. As Warehouse Lead, you will have a direct impact on our production success while gaining leadership experience in a dynamic and growing organization.

Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.