Shipping Lead

Position Summary

The Shipping Lead serves as a front-line working supervisor responsible for managing the daily operations of outbound logistics while coaching and supporting team members to achieve operational goals. This role is a "hands-on" leadership position, balancing the coordination of freight, documentation, and inventory tracking with active participation in the shipping process. The Lead ensures that all products are packaged, verified, and dispatched safely, efficiently, and with a high level of quality to meet on-time delivery (OTD) standards.

Key Responsibilities

Shipping & Logistics Operations

• Workflow Management: Coordinate daily shipping plans, monitor workflows throughout the shift, and allocate resources to ensure all daily targets and Takt time requirements are met.
• Documentation & Systems: Accurately prepare and assign shipping documentation (LTL, ground, CPU); utilize inventory systems (e.g., IMS) to receive POs, manage data entry, and prepare customer invoices.
• Freight Coordination: Weigh and measure pallets for freight quoting; load/unload trucks safely, verifying orders against driver assignments.
• Active Support: Perform critical jobs within the value stream, acting as a "floater" to assist with packaging, cart repairs, or pallet building as needed.

Leadership & Team Development

• Communication: Conduct daily start-up meetings to communicate priorities, safety reminders, and operational updates. Provide clear handoff details between shifts.
• Performance Management: Maintain performance boards, record hourly metrics, conduct operator audits, and provide real-time feedback.
• Collaborative Culture: Foster a respectful environment that encourages cross-training. Serve as a backup to the Manager and assist HR with employee matters when required.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Inspections: Monitor output to ensure packaging meets customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Problem Solving: Identify defects or inconsistencies; track and prioritize remake orders and establish procedures to promptly locate missing products.
• Reporting: Create and distribute daily shipping reports to plant leadership; ensure all paperwork is initialed and scanned for invoicing accuracy.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Safety Leadership: Enforce all OSHA safety protocols and PPE requirements. Maintain a safety-conscious culture through participation in ongoing training.
• Lean & 5S: Follow and enforce 5S standards to maintain a clean, organized workplace. Conduct daily 5S audits and maintain tool/visual management boards.
• Operational Excellence: Participate in GEMBA walks and reviews; engage in Lean manufacturing initiatives to improve shipping efficiency.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required (GED).
• 3–5 years of experience in shipping, logistics, or manufacturing operations preferred.
• 2 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.

Skills & Knowledge

• Technical: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams) and experience with Inventory Management Systems (IMS).
• Logistics: Strong understanding of LTL, ground shipping, and freight documentation.
• Equipment: Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain one) is strongly preferred.
• Industry: Knowledge of window/door manufacturing and Lean manufacturing concepts is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Urgency & Detail: Customer-focused with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, plant leadership, and carriers.
• Physical/Aptitude: Ability to read a tape measure and interpret safety rules/operating manuals.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and warehouse setting with exposure to moderate-to-loud noise levels.
• Requires standing, walking, and operating material handling equipment (forklifts, carts).