Warehouse Lead

Buffalo Rock Company; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Rock Company in Birmingham is seeking a Warehouse Supervisor for the Central Hub. You will lead the Vertique system operations, coordinate loading, packing, and outbound shipments, and ensure safety and quality.

This hands-on role requires organizing daily tasks, training staff, enforcing GMPs, and optimizing throughput while meeting schedules.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of leadership or supervisory experience in a warehouse environment.
• Experience with automated picking systems (Vertique) and warehouse software.
• MS Office proficiency (Outlook/Excel/PowerPoint).
• Ability to lift up to 65 pounds and perform physical tasks in a fast-paced warehouse.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Vertique System Operations and load team Employee-Partners.
• Coordinate loading, unloading, and outbound shipments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Train new and current EPs following SOPs and safety procedures.
• Enforce GMPs, housekeeping, and safety standards across the hub.
• Monitor KPIs, provide guidance, and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Oversee palletizing, stacking, and movement through conveyors and PPDs.
• Maintain accurate inventory and documentation for shipments.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Operations coordination

Safety compliance

Forklift operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Distribution/logistics training (preferred)

Tools

Vertique System

VIP warehouse management system

Vertique Picking Software (VPS)

YardView

Job description

Website: https://www.buffalorock.com/careers/

Reports to: Warehouse Supervisor - Central Hub

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 7am-3:30pm

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Amount of Travel Required: None

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Regular and timely attendance is an essential function of this position. Position is required to work all the hours necessary to ensure operations function is fulfilled, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to work varying shifts, weekends and/or overtime if needed to meet customer demand.
• Train new and current EPs in each position according to the established standard operational procedures (SOPs) and work instructions. Ensure that all the team members are up to date with the assigned training program.
• Enforce the compliance of cleaning, GMPs, and housekeeping standards to maintain cleanliness throughout the Central Hub operational areas.
• Adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) and work instructions.
• Lead the Vertique System Operations and load team Employee-Partners.
• Provide guidance, direction, and support during the automated case picking system operations, including but not limited to, picking, replenishing, loading, offline products, manual stacking and recycling activities.
• Assign tasks, set priorities, and monitor performance to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the operations.
• Oversee and coordinate loading activities during assigned shifts and ensure adherence to loading schedules and efficiency standards including:
• Ensure accuracy of loading processes. Verify route and trailer number, product load, and documentation. Assist in inventory control ensuring the loading and shipment of products are according to customer orders.
• Troubleshoot issues that may arise during the loading process. Implement solutions to minimize disruptions. Manage strategies during the dock operations and make necessary adjustments during day-to-day activities.
• Monitor the execution of the layer line picks and the progress of the full pallet regarding the bulk pick up line, to maintain a timely dispatch.
• Manage the daily dispatch of outbound loads with Penske Logistics. Oversee the trailer availability using YardView and delivering the loads documentation.
• Understand the automated case picking system (Vertique) operations and lead the team to successfully complete daily targets by completing the following activities, including but not limited to:
• Utilize menu driven software such as VertiView, Vertique Picking Software (VPS) and warehouse management system (VIP), trouble shoot systems issue, and interface with the Vertique support team as required.
• Record any system events that affect the picking process and send out descriptive e-mails to the management team and Maintenance Supervisor identifying issues.
• Respond to sequence check alarms, or any other system stoppage, and ensure that sequencing is accurately maintained as product flows through the pallet conveyor system.
• Ensure the daily record of damage logs is completed by the team. Submit the damaged logs to the Inventory Supervisor at the end of each shift
• Monitor replenishment operations, adjust inventory levels as needed and maintain the product flow to the Towers.
• Oversee and coordinate palletizer and manual stacking activities including but not limited to:
• Operate palletizers, troubleshoot robots, address any issues regarding formation, pallet configuration or defective product, among others.
• Troubleshoot issues that may arise during the pallet formation and manual stack process. Implement solutions to minimize disruptions.
• Oversee the pallet chain conveyors and pallets dispensers (PPDs) operation, ensuring continuous flow of product. Empty carrier boards and empty pallets. Adjust the data as needed.
• Identify opportunities to optimize warehouse processes, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency.
• Communicate to the management team any challenge, need or issue that compromises the accomplishment of the daily targets.
• Must be hand‑on with the team completing daily activities including and not limited to picking, replenishing, recycling, loading, offloading, manual stacking, product moves, dunnage, among others.
• Coordinate with Shift Lead partners and collaborate with cross‑functional teams regarding resources and needs to meet the daily goals and address any operational issues, equipment malfunction or unsafe conditions.
• Assist Operations Manager during the daily start up meeting with all team members to communicate relevant information, discuss safety, and motivate team for the day’s shift.
• Assist in maintaining department KPI and metrics that drive performance of department.
• Improve the run’s efficiency and ensure accuracy during the picking process.
• Assist inventory team in research and analysis of inventory discrepancies and root causes.
• Ensure all forklift operators complete Infolink pre‑trip inspections and leave the forklift properly charging at the end of the shift.
• Enforce proper handling of the product and quality checks (identify defects or non‑conformities) ensuring products meet packaging specifications.
• Prepare and submit reports on daily operations with detailed information of the results (orders built, orders pending UPH rate, loads completed, loads pending by type, between others), and any incidents or issues encountered during the shift .
• Promote a culture of safety awareness and adherence to safety guidelines. Conduct safety huddles with the team, identify and mitigate potential safety hazards, and enforce safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Make sound decisions and multitask simultaneously without constant supervision.
• Required to follow the Good Manufacturing Program GMPs as listed in Code of Federal Regulations CFR 21 section 110. Requires participation in various Food Safety related training that Buffalo Rock utilizes. Required to report potential issues related to Food Safety.
• Perform other duties and shifts assigned.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Must exhibit a prominent level of ethical and moral conduct while at work or in attendance of any off-site function during work hours or after work hours while representing the Buffalo Rock Company.
• Responsible for continuous self‑improvement through the knowledge and use of all Buffalo Rock provided training, either web‑based, in‑house, or any other method provided. Must successfully complete assigned training curriculum, including but not limited to online and/or facilitated training.
• Ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect the Company from possible damage, theft, or other liabilities.
• Ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect the safety of employee‑ partners, self, customers, Buffalo Rock property, and customer property.
• Honor and follow through on all business commitments.
• Embody Buffalo Rock’s Purpose of “Building brands through legendary service and remarkable people.”
• Committed to serving our communities.
• Customer success drives our success.
• Integrity matters.
• Obsessed with continuous improvement.
• We care for each other.
• Win the day.

Other Physical Requirements

• All tasks within the warehouse are physically demanding and labor‑intensive. Employees within this role are required to:
• Move and stack pallets weighing up to 65 pounds throughout shift.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend down, reach and climb up and down stairs throughout shift.
• Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth). Must be able to distinguish between red, green, and “off” lights.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and warm environment, especially during summer months.
• Sense of Sound - Hearing is required for the total workday.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – high visibility shirt or safety vest, slip resistant shoes, mask, eye protection.
• Position requires physical presence at the Central Hub.
• Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)
• Ability to bend under machinery and conveyors to clean, sweep, and mop.

Required Education And Experience

• Education
• High School Diploma or GED: Required.
• Additional education or training in distribution/logistics warehouse environment, or supply chain management: Preferred
• Experience
• Must have at least one (1) year of previous experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a distribution/warehouse environment: Preferred
• Must have at least one (1) year of previous experience working with automated picking systems/process, shipping inbound/outbound process, inventory management, and safety regulations: Preferred
• Must have at least two (2) years of Vertique Operations experience which might include HQS, SAW, Hand Stack, Merge Operations and Warehouse Floater areas progressively: Preferred
• Must have at least one (1) year of forklift experience which includes both sit down and stand‑up forklift: Required
• One (1) year of experience with a warehouse management system application, yard management software or similar system functionality, and be able to perform receiving, shipping, and inventory control functions within the system: Preferred
• Computer Skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products including, but not limited to: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.: Required
• Other Skills
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability mentor team members, resolve conflicts, build positive relationships, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and multitask effectively in a fast‑paced setting.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational with strong problem‑solving abilities and a commitment to quality and accuracy skills to maintain cleanliness standards and documentation accuracy.