Lead Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

We are a candle company located in Kansas City, KS. Yes, our candles are made here LOCALLY! For 75 years, Empire Candle Co. has sailed above the industry standard to deliver our high-quality Tuscany candle and fragrance innovations. As a full-service manufacturer of candles, wax melts, and home fragrance accessories, we always strive to improve our customers’ experience with our dynamic range of reliable products.

The Lead forklift operator is responsible for overseeing the daily warehouse activities including shipping, receiving, re‑warehousing, order picking, and inventory control, to ensure customer orders are processed safely, accurately, efficiently, and on time. This role is expected to consistently uphold company standards, support organizational goals, and provide excellent service to both internal and external customers while fostering teamwork. The Lead is expected to perform a wide range of warehouse functions across multiple buildings based on workload demands, continually expanding their knowledge and expertise.

In addition, the Lead is responsible for training and mentoring forklift operators and other warehouse staff on safe, efficient, and accurate work practices.

• Partner with warehouse and Production supervisors, managers, and leads to bridge communication between office and warehouse teams, ensuring all groups can effectively support team needs, customer requirements, and company assets.
• Safely operate forklifts in environments with heavy foot traffic, pallet racking, and dock congestion.
• Use handheld RF scanners and desktop computers to complete system transactions that maintain accurate, real‑time inventory.
• Provide daily guidance by leading through example and coaching material handlers and forklift operators to ensure safe work practices, accurate picking, efficient performance, and ongoing skill development.
• Stretch‑wrap completed pallets manually or with automatic/semi‑automatic equipment. Use certified pallet scales to weigh and record pallets, maintaining neat, legible, and compliant documentation.
• Demonstrate dependability, strong work ethic, accuracy, and a positive, team‑focused attitude while performing all departmental tasks with energy and professionalism.
• Deliver friendly, effective internal customer service and coach team members to provide the same approachable, focused, and enthusiastic support.
• Ensure departmental assets (equipment, RF units, inventory, forklifts, etc.) are properly used and protected, and promptly report repair needs to the Supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with all departments in a professional, friendly, and enthusiastic manner while providing excellent service to internal and external customers.
• Manage and control daily and weekly workloads, allocating labor appropriately to meet required timelines for inbound, outbound, PO labeling, order picking, inventory, cycle counts, and other tasks.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting with any task or in any building as needed, leading by example in adaptability and willingness to support the team.
• Understand internal and external customer requirements for receiving, storing, picking, and shipping products.
• Perform cycle counts with high level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in distribution, logistics, or a related field.
• Ability to pass a basic math assessment, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and number recognition.
• Strong logical reasoning and math skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve issues.
• Experience operating stand‑up forklifts, including loading, unloading, stock movements, PO labeling, and order picking, preferred.
• Effective communication skills and a solid understanding of warehouse processes, with the ability to coach and train others, preferred.
• Experience with inventory control, including performing accurate cycle counts to verify inventory records.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and RF scanners; able to use Outlook, Word, Sage X3, and…