Dock Operator Lead - Level 4

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Panasonic's new dock operations team at a cutting-edge Li-ion battery factory in De Soto, Kansas. As a Dock Operator Lead – Level 4, you will oversee dock activities, ensure compliant operations, and lead a team dedicated to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. This role offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the electric vehicle revolution and develop within a dynamic growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• 4.5+ years in a manufacturing or warehouse environment with forklift experience.
• Familiarity with Lean principles and 6S methodology is essential.
• Effective English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily dock activities and ensure material handling operations.
• Train and support new team members while enforcing safety protocols.
• Monitor KPIs and suggest operational improvements to increase efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Conflict Resolution

Attention to Detail

Effective Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

RF Scanners

Shipping/Receiving Systems

Job description

Overview

Job Summary: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Dock Operator Lead – Level 4? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!
Responsibilities

Summary: We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.

Job Summary: The Dock Operator Lead – Level 4 is responsible for overseeing daily dock activities and ensuring efficient material handling operations. This role works closely with the Dock Supervisor to meet operational goals while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and compliance. The Dock Operator Lead manages equipment, documentation, and dock personnel while troubleshooting issues and resolving operational discrepancies. As a frontline leader, they drive continuous improvement and effective communication across internal teams and external partners to optimize dock performance.

Essential Duties:

Dock Operations & Material Handling

• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
• Oversee receipt, storage, movement, and shipment of goods
• Monitor daily shipping and receiving schedules to ensure workflow stays on track
• Approve and manage inbound/outbound appointments, including international shipments
• Ensure accurate material presentation for production and compliance with FIFO
• Address delivery issues and ensure CTPAT and safety standards are met

Inventory & Documentation

• Assist with inventory counts and ensure accurate documentation of shipments
• Validate and record materials using barcode scanners, RFID, or manual methods
• Maintain updated inventory records and enforce proper storage practices

Process Leadership & Communication

• Act as the main point of contact for Dock Operators and escalate issues to the supervisor
• Train, coach, and support newer or less experienced team members
• Enforce safety protocols and procedural compliance across the team
• Foster a collaborative and safe team environment, promoting accountability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor KPIs and suggest operational improvements to increase efficiency
• Support lean initiatives, 6S practices, and cost control strategies
• Coordinate with internal departments and external suppliers to resolve issues
• Assist with audits and participate in cross-functional improvement projects
• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. Respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education

• Required: High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 2 years of relevant experience
• Preferred: Associate’s degree in relevant field

Essential Qualifications

• 4.5+ years in a manufacturing or warehouse environment with forklift experience
• Proven leadership, team motivation, and conflict resolution skills
• Familiarity with Lean principles, 6S methodology, and change management
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and department-specific systems
• Strong math skills and attention to detail for inventory accuracy
• Experience with RF scanners, WMS, and shipping/receiving systems
• Knowledge of CTPAT, FTZ standards, and international shipping
• Effective English communication (reading, writing, verbal)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years in a high-volume manufacturing or warehouse environment
• Prior experience as a Shift Lead, Team Lead, or similar role
• Experience with MES, SCADA, SAP, and data visualization tools
• Knowledge of Standard Work, Job Instruction, and continuous improvement practices
• Ability to operate or learn high-quality material handling equipment
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred License(s):

• None

Preferred Certification(s):

• OSHA Forklift Certification
• Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Certification

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 30%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 20%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

For this position the required frequency is:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional

About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by law.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.

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