Assistant Manager - Warehouse Operations

Nissin International Transport USA, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Manager for Warehouse Operations to lead and optimize various teams in a dynamic environment. This key role involves overseeing warehouse management, packing and crating operations, and quality control, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and communication skills, with a focus on team development and customer satisfaction. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and teamwork, and make a significant impact on logistics and operations.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

401k

Paid Time Off

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vision Plans

Qualifications

• 5+ years in warehouse and packing/crating operations.
• 3+ years in supervisory or managerial roles.
• Knowledge of packing/crating techniques and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage warehouse operations and ensure safety compliance.
• Oversee packing/crating teams and quality control.
• Lead and develop warehouse staff and ensure operational efficiency.

Skills

Warehouse Management

Leadership

Communication

Logistics

Quality Control

Safety Compliance

Education

Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Logistics

Tools

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Woodshop Equipment

Job description

Assistant Manager - Warehouse Operations

(Warehouse, Packing & Crating, Woodshop, & Quality Control)

Indianapolis, IN

Job Summary:

The Assistant Manager – Warehouse, Packing & Crating Operations is a key leadership role responsible for managing and optimizing warehouse operations, onsite/offsite packing and crating activities, and woodshop production within the assigned region. This role supports the Regional Leader – Warehouse Operations and collaborates across departments to ensure operational efficiency, team leadership, safety compliance, and exceptional customer service.

This position oversees four core teams:

• Warehouse Operations
• Packing & Crating (Onsite & Offsite) Operations
• Woodshop Crating Operations
• Quality Control Operations

Key Responsibilities:

1. Warehouse Operations Management

• Support and implement regional warehouse operational strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Oversee receiving, inventory control, storage, order fulfillment, and shipping.
• Ensure warehouse operations comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements (OSHA, CTPAT, TSA, etc.), and company SOPs.
• Support Warehouse Management System (WMS) utilization and optimization.
• Analyze and report warehouse KPIs and recommend improvements.
• Monitor and maintain operational costs and report job and sales/cost summaries to superiors.
• Oversee safety inspections on all forklifts and vehicles.

2. Packing & Crating (P&C) Operations

• Manage onsite and offsite packing/crating teams and scheduling of projects.
• Ensure proper handling, packaging, staging, and loading of goods per customer and regulatory specifications.
• Monitor packing material usage and ensure inventory availability.
• Ensure proper processing of documentation including packing lists, bills of lading, and work orders.
• Receive and process OS&D (Over, Short & Damage) reports submitted by packers and provide corrective instructions.
• Assign packers to each job and ensure they understand specific packing requirements given by the customer.
• When required, inspect completed crates for construction quality and sign off on work orders.
• Maintain high standards in customer service, communicating proactively with internal and external stakeholders.

3. Woodshop Operations

• Oversee woodshop activities including crate production, materials management, and personnel supervision.
• Ensure quality construction and timely delivery of wood packaging solutions.
• Supervise inventory of lumber, hardware, and equipment, ensuring safe and compliant operations.
• Plan and prioritize work orders based on project deadlines.
• Ensure quality control standards are met in all woodshop outputs.
• Must be familiar with hand saws, nail guns, table saws, and other woodshop machinery.
• Able to read pallet and crate blueprints mechanically based on casual observation.

4. Quality Control Team Management

• Supervise the Quality Control (QC) team to ensure consistent inspection and documentation of inbound and outbound cargo.
• Monitor quality control procedures to ensure compliance with SOPs, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Provide training and ongoing coaching to QC staff on inspection techniques, documentation accuracy, and systems use (e.g., WMS).
• Review QC reports, analyze trends in cargo damage/errors, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with the warehouse, packing, and woodshop teams to resolve quality-related issues and promote continuous improvement.
• Ensure the QC team complies with safety protocols and promotes a safe and organized work environment.

5. Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and coach team leaders, warehouse associates, packers, and carpenters.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide corrective actions when needed, and support employee development.
• Provide corrective actions and disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Foster a safe, positive, and collaborative work environment.
• Identify and coordinate training in safety, packing techniques, crate construction, and operational procedures.
• Participate in the hiring of new employees.
• Approve timecards on payroll processing day.

6. Compliance and Safety Oversight

• Ensure all operations comply with OSHA, HAZMAT, CTPAT, TSA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols across all teams.
• Conduct and support internal audits and process improvements (Lean, 5S, etc.).
• Notify upper management of any damage, irregularities, or safety concerns.

7. Customer Relations and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison for key clients such as Honda and others.
• Ensure high service standards through timely updates and resolution of issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments (e.g., Customer Service, Transportation).
• Attend off-site customer project meetings as needed.
• Provide excellent and timely customer service by proactively informing management of job status.

8. Process Improvement and SOP Management

• Create, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to optimize warehouse, packing, and woodshop operations.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and 5S methodologies.
• Monitor performance to ensure compliance with SOPs and adjust procedures as needed to meet customer and operational requirements.

9. Other Duties

• Perform team duties as needed during absences.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in all work areas.
• Carry out any additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Attend work regularly and complete all assignments by the end of each shift.
• Continuously monitor packing work to ensure Nissin standards are met.

Obligation:

• Follow all instructions from Regional Leader/Manager.
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude and adaptability between office and warehouse environments.
• Provide leadership by example and deliver instructions to junior staff as directed by management.
• Adapt to both office and warehouse work environments.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in warehouse and/or packing/crating operations.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Knowledge of warehouse systems (WMS), packing/crating techniques, and woodshop equipment.
• Ability to travel for off-site packing operations as required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Experience supervising or managing Quality Control functions in a logistics, warehouse, or production environment.
• Understanding of quality control processes, inspection standards, and documentation practices.
• Ability to train, lead, and evaluate entry-level QC associates.
• Current valid Driver’s License with clear driving record and insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal training in warehouse or woodshop management.
• Certifications: CPIM, OSHA safety training, Lean/Six Sigma.
• Experience with international packing and crating regulations.
• Familiarity with Nissin’s global standards and systems.
• Warehouse work is performed in a warehouse/woodshop environment which may be subject to noise, heat, cold, chemical spills, dust, and other similar conditions.
• Able to handle job-related stress and manage multiple projects.
• Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Overtime required as needed.
• Ability to lift minimum 50 lbs. unassisted.

Nissin Benefits
Nissin offers a robust benefits package for our employees. It includes health, dental, life and AD&D, short term disability, along with voluntary long term disability, and 2 types of voluntary vision plans, additional voluntary life and AD&D, HSA, FSA (medical and dependent care), 401k, vacation, and sick days.

The above job description identifies the essential job functions and skills needed by one person assigned to this position. These job functions and skills are not intended to be a complete and exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The information contained herein is subject to change at the company’s discretion.