Warehousing & Materials Team Leader

Role Overview

The Warehousing & Materials Team Leader is responsible for managing the daily warehouse operations, which include receiving, storing, picking, packing, and dispatching materials. This role ensures the team achieves throughput goals, adheres to established procedures, maintains inventory accuracy, and complies with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards. Serving as the primary link between the Warehouse Manager and warehouse staff, the Team Leader assigns responsibilities, oversees progress, and addresses operational challenges to maintain smooth material flow.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute daily warehouse functions as directed by the Warehouse Manager, ensuring timely and accurate completion of receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch tasks.
• Lead and supervise warehouse personnel such as handlers, pickers, and packers by allocating daily duties, monitoring performance, providing coaching, and conducting shift briefings to communicate priorities and safety guidelines.
• Maintain precise inventory records for all material movements (incoming, internal transfers, outbound) using the Warehouse Management System (WMS), performing spot checks and supporting cycle counts; promptly report discrepancies and assist in corrective measures.
• Enforce all HSE policies, warehouse safety standards, and dangerous goods handling procedures; ensure correct segregation and storage of hazardous, temperature-sensitive, and fragile items; perform regular safety inspections and report incidents or non-compliance immediately.
• Supervise and coordinate the use of material handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks, ensuring safe and efficient operation; communicate maintenance requirements or resource shortages to management without delay.
• Prepare structured reports daily, weekly, and monthly regarding team productivity, inventory accuracy, safety incidents, and operational challenges; provide timely updates on throughput and operational exceptions.
• Compile weekly summaries and contribute to monthly KPI reporting related to inventory accuracy, on-time delivery, damage rates, and cycle count compliance with traceable data for audit preparedness.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years’ experience in warehouse operations or logistics with prior supervisory exposure to warehouse teams including handlers, pickers, and packers.
• Proficient in using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for tracking inventory and managing workflows.
• Experienced in enforcing operational procedures and health and safety compliance.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing industries is advantageous.

Educational Background and Certifications

• Preferred certifications in warehouse operations, logistics, or supply chain management.
• Desirable training in HSE standards.
• Certifications in forklift operation and material handling are favored.

Core Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of warehouse processes including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch.
• Expertise in WMS and inventory management systems.
• Ability to effectively supervise and motivate warehouse teams to meet operational targets.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills for coordination and reporting.
• Knowledgeable in handling, segregation, and labeling of dangerous goods.