Inventory Technician Lead

hendersonproducts; Manchester (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas Dynamics is seeking a full‑time Warehouse Lead to support and lead inventory operations, ensuring accurate material flow and efficient production support. The role requires mastery of warehouse functions, including receiving, storing, and distributing materials, with strong attention to detail and clear communication.

The position emphasizes leadership, prioritization, and problem‑solving in a fast‑paced setting.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED; technical degree helpful.
• Experience in inventory, warehousing, manufacturing, or production support preferred.
• Willingness to operate a forklift and be trained.
• Experience with RF scanners, shipping systems, or inventory tools preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and inventory tracking tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead inventory operations, receiving, storing, tracking, and distributing materials.
• Maintain and improve yard and parts-room standards including layout, tagging, cleanliness, and staging logic.
• Monitor safety stock, demand, open POs, and communicate risks to inventory manager.
• Provide on‑the‑job training and coaching, and develop staff using the skills matrix.
• Represent warehouse in cross‑functional meetings and drive small process improvements.

Skills

Inventory management

Team leadership

Time management

Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

RF scanners

ERP systems

Shipping platforms

Job description

WHO WE ARE: Douglas Dynamics is North America’s premier manufacturer and up-fitter of work truck attachments and equipment. Our belief is that our employees and culture are just as important to the company as serving our customers. We place a high value on building a team and working environment where individuals can succeed professionally and personally. As a team member at Douglas Dynamics, you can expect to make a difference through your work, to have a direct impact on the achievement of a very meaningful mission to serve our customers, to advance your career, and to have room for fun and fulfillment in your daily life.

We would love to have you join our team, where we offer top notch benefits, multiple avenues for advancement and a great working environment.

HOW WE DO IT: Grow, Improve, and Engage is our focus as an organization to ensure we succeed by executing the right things. These are our Core Values and are How We Win in the marketplace. The Winning Behaviors are what each Douglas Dynamics employee does to support the success of our company. They are the expectations of all of us to help ensure we focus on winning as an organization the right way! Our Winning Behaviors are:

• Be Customer & Results Driven
• Anticipate the Possibilities
• Collaborate & Care
• Communicate Responsibly
• Develop Self & Others
• Get Better Every Day

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE: This full-time position is responsible for supporting and leading inventory operations by receiving, storing, tracking, and distributing materials to ensure accurate inventory and a consistent flow of production. The role requires full technical mastery of all warehouse functions along with the day-to-day leadership, coordination, and decision-making needed to keep operations running efficiently.

Working in a structured, fast-paced environment, the individual must demonstrate strong attention to detail, effective time management, and clear communication while utilizing inventory systems and equipment. This position also demands exceptional prioritization, problem-solving, and the ability to lead a team through dynamic and sometimes high-pressure situations. Through a combination of hands‑on execution and leadership, the role contributes to operational efficiency, accurate documentation, responsiveness to shop needs, and overall warehouse performance.

• Perform any Level 1 or Level 2 task at a high level of proficiency when needed, demonstrating the versatility and work ethic that sets the standard for the team.
• Assign and adjust daily work for Level 1 and Level 2 staff based on production schedule and shifting priorities — making timely, well‑reasoned decisions that keep the team aligned and productive throughout the day.
• Prioritize workload across the team by balancing competing demands (urgent shop requests, incoming shipments, shortages, safety stock concerns), communicating clearly about trade‑offs and expectations.
• Provide on‑the‑job training and coaching, delivering feedback in a way that builds confidence and capability — using the skills matrix to drive purposeful development and cross‑training conversations.
• Lead investigation and resolution of complex inventory discrepancies and systemic errors, applying structured problem‑solving to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Own yard and parts-room standards — including layout, tagging, cleanliness, and staging logic — and address deviations promptly and directly, holding the team accountable with fairness and consistency.
• Monitor key operational signals (safety stock, demand, open POs, waterfalls, micro‑level tools) and communicate risks and improvement ideas to the inventory manager before they affect production.
• Ensure end‑of‑job processes are completed correctly and on time through proactive follow‑through, clear communication with central functions, and accountability for documentation accuracy.
• Represent the warehouse function in cross‑functional meetings, communicating clearly and constructively, and leading small process improvements through collaboration and initiative.
• Manages time and team priorities with a forward‑looking mindset, anticipating problems and guiding the team to preventive action before issues escalated.
• Makes confident, well‑informed decisions independently, consulting others when appropriate and communicating the rationale behind significant calls.
• Sets clear expectations, delivers honest and timely feedback, and models the communication and problem‑solving behaviors expected of every team member.
• Serves as a calm, organized presence during high‑pressure situations — demonstrating that strong prioritization and clear communication are the tools that keep operations on track.

WHAT THIS ROLE NEEDS:

• High School Diploma, GED, or work experience equivalent required, Technical Degree helpful.
• Prior experience in inventory, warehousing, manufacturing, or production support environment preferred
• Experience operating a forklift preferred or willingness to be trained
• Experience with RF scanners, shipping systems (Parcel/LTL), or inventory tracking tools preferred
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, inventory tracking tools, and shipping platforms preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Products

Our focus on integrity, teamwork, and high performance creates an ideal work environment for every one of our employees.

We offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Discover our opportunities and come see all the ways you can do more at Douglas Dynamics.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Douglas Dynamics, LLC does not discriminate against qualified applicants in hiring based on race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.