Warehouse Lead

Industrial Heat Transfer, Inc; Oak Bluff; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Heat Transfer, Inc in Oak Bluff, MB is seeking a Warehouse Lead to coordinate daily operations, supervise material handling, and ensure a safe, efficient flow of goods.

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, you will lead forklift operations, train and coach staff, manage inventory activities, and collaborate with Production, Inventory and Logistics to resolve issues and optimize performance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of warehouse or manufacturing leadership experience.
• Valid forklift operator certification.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (MISys or similar) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily warehouse activities and assign work based on priorities.
• Support loading, unloading, staging, storage, and movement of materials throughout the facility.
• Lead forklift operations and train staff on safe operation and compliance.
• Monitor safety practices, housekeeping, and incident reporting to ensure compliance.
• Mentor and develop Warehouse Hands; conduct performance check-ins and staff training.

Job description

Oak Bluff, MB

Day Shift: 7:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday

NOC Code: 12013

Job Summary:

The Warehouse Lead is a key player in ensuring safe, organized, and efficient warehouse operations and material flow. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Manager, they are responsible for coordinating day-to-day warehouse activities, overseeing material handling and storage, supporting the movement of materials throughout the facility, and serving as the company’s lead forklift operator and trainer. This role requires strong leadership, organization, communication, and equipment operation skills, with a strong commitment to workplace safety.

Accountabilities (Outcomes & Measures):

• Warehouse Operations – Daily warehouse activities are coordinated and completed efficiently to support production and supply chain requirements.
• Material Handling & Organization – Materials are safely moved, staged, and stored, with warehouse areas maintained in an organized and accessible condition.
• Forklift Operations & Training – Forklift activities are performed safely and effectively, with employees properly trained and certified to operate equipment.
• Safety & Compliance – Warehouse operations, equipment use, and material-handling practices consistently meet company safety standards and established procedures.
• People Leadership – Employees are effectively coached, developed, and performance-managed to achieve individual and departmental goals.

Responsibilities (Tasks & Duties):

Warehouse Operations

• Coordinate daily warehouse activities and assign work based on operational priorities.
• Support the loading, unloading, staging, storage, and movement of materials throughout the facility.
• Ensure materials required by Production are staged and delivered to the appropriate areas in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with the Inventory Control Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, Purchaser, and Production team to support material availability and flow.
• Identify warehouse operational issues and elevate shortages, delays, space constraints, or other concerns as required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to warehouse layout, material flow, handling, and efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Material Handling & Organization

• Organize warehouse and exterior storage areas to promote safe, efficient, and accessible material storage.
• Move, stage, and store raw materials, finished goods, equipment, and other items using appropriate material-handling equipment.
• Maintain the yard and all exterior storage areas, including pallet storage, sea cans, storage trailers, and exterior storage pads, ensuring materials are organized and areas remain clear, orderly, and accessible.
• Ensure materials are stored in designated locations and appropriately identified.
• Maintain clear aisles, work areas, loading areas, and storage locations to support the safe movement of people, equipment, and materials.
• Assist with physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and investigation of inventory discrepancies as required.
• Monitor warehouse and exterior storage space utilization and recommend changes to improve storage capacity, organization, and material flow.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Forklift Operations & Training

• Serve as the primary operator for specialized or complex forklift activities throughout the facility.
• Safely operate the Hyster forklift to support press machine mould changes and other heavy material-handling requirements.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment to load, unload, move, stage, and position materials and equipment.
• Train employees on safe forklift operation in accordance with company procedures and applicable requirements.
• Evaluate employee forklift operating competency and authorize/certify employees to operate equipment where qualified to do so.
• Maintain forklift training and certification documentation in coordination with Human Resources.
• Complete or ensure completion of required pre-use equipment inspections and report equipment defects or maintenance concerns promptly.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure warehouse activities are performed in accordance with company safety procedures and safe material-handling practices.
• Monitor forklift and material-handling practices and address unsafe behaviours or conditions promptly.
• Maintain warehouse housekeeping standards and ensure storage areas remain clean, orderly, and free from unnecessary hazards.
• Ensure loads, materials, racking, and storage areas are handled and maintained safely.
• Participate in incident investigations, hazard assessments, inspections, and corrective actions related to warehouse activities as required.
• Ensure damaged or unsafe material-handling equipment is removed from service and reported appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

People Leadership

• Lead and coach Warehouse Hands to achieve departmental goals.
• Conduct regular performance check-ins, semi-annual reviews, and development discussions.
• Identify training needs, coordinate cross-training, and support onboarding for new employees.
• Address attendance, conduct, and performance issues promptly in partnership with Human Resources.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture focused on communication, accountability, and respect.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Post-secondary education or training in Warehousing, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field is considered an asset.
• 3+ years of experience in warehouse, material handling, or manufacturing operations is required.
• Previous experience providing day-to-day leadership, work direction, or employee training is preferred.
• Valid forklift operator certification and demonstrated experience operating industrial forklifts is required.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate heavy material-handling equipment and perform complex lifts is required.
• Experience training and evaluating forklift operators is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of warehouse safety, material-handling, storage, and equipment inspection practices.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP or inventory management systems, MISys preferred.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Inventory, Logistics, and other departments.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle.