Lead Material Handler - Cleveland

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and direct the daily activities of the Material Handling team to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to operational requirements.
• Assign and coordinate daily work responsibilities based on workload, priorities, staffing, and operational needs.
• Provide hands-on leadership and support to Material Handlers throughout the shift.
• Monitor employee performance, productivity, safety practices, and completion of assigned tasks.
• Communicate operational priorities, changes, safety expectations, and work instructions clearly to team members.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Material Handlers during the shift and communicate operational concerns or needs to management.
• Operate PIT equipment, forklifts, and other approved material-handling equipment as needed to support daily operations.
• Safely load and unload materials and products from trucks, trailers, containers, and designated staging areas using PIT equipment or other material-handling equipment.
• Move and maneuver pallets, materials, and goods throughout the facility safely and efficiently.
• Build, stack, stage, and organize pallets for efficient storage, movement, and transportation.
• Load, unload, and stack pallets manually or with approved equipment.
• Inspect pallets and materials for damage and ensure damaged pallets are repaired, recycled, removed, or properly handled as required.
• Assist with inventory movement, staging, organization, quality control, and general warehouse support.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with OSHA requirements, company policies, and customer/site safety standards.
• Ensure Material Handling team members follow all company, customer, and site-specific safety policies and procedures.
• Immediately address unsafe work practices or conditions and elevate safety concerns to management when necessary.
• Conduct or assist with daily safety discussions, pre-shift communications, and operational meetings as directed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

• Assist with the onboarding and training of new Material Handlers.
• Train and coach team members on proper material handling, movement, staging, stacking, loading, unloading, and storage procedures.
• Provide hands-on instruction regarding the safe and efficient use of material-handling equipment.
• Train, coach, and reinforce proper PIT operating procedures in accordance with company requirements, site requirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Ensure employees do not operate PIT equipment unless they have completed all required training, evaluation, and authorization.
• Reinforce safe driving practices, pedestrian awareness, equipment inspection requirements, speed restrictions, designated travel paths, and other PIT safety requirements.
• Ensure required pre-use inspections of PIT equipment are completed and documented before operation.
• Identify employees requiring additional coaching or retraining and communicate training needs to management.
• Support refresher training and corrective coaching following safety incidents, observed unsafe practices, operational concerns, or changes in procedures.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of material-handling processes and PIT safety expectations and lead by example when operating equipment.

• Lead by example and maintain a professional, safety-focused presence throughout the shift.
• Provide clear direction and expectations to Material Handling team members.
• Monitor workflow and reposition employees or resources as needed to meet operational demands.
• Ensure employees remain productive and focused on assigned responsibilities.
• Coach employees regarding work quality, productivity, attendance, safety, and operational expectations.
• Communicate employee performance or conduct concerns to management for appropriate follow-up.
• Assist management with identifying staffing, equipment, training, or operational needs.
• Help ensure adequate coverage for material-handling responsibilities throughout the shift.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, communication, and a positive work environment.
• Coordinate with supervisors, managers, customer representatives, and other operational teams as necessary to support facility needs.
• Escalate operational, staffing, equipment, safety, or performance concerns to management in a timely manner.