Lead

Crate & Barrel; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life insurance and Disability

Retirement and 401(k) match

Paid time off, wellness time and-volun

Merchandise discount and EAP resources

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Crate & Barrel in Chicago, IL is seeking a Distribution Center Lead to guide daily operations, train associates, and ensure productivity and safety standards while maintaining open communication across floors.

This role leads with accountability, rotates through departments as needed, and partners with supervisors to drive KPIs, improve workflows, and deliver high‑quality service to our stores and customers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of Distribution Center experience.
• Equipment certification as needed.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist and mentor associates; organize and motivate teams.
• Direct daily/weekly work assignments in the Distribution Center.
• Oversee operations in the absence of supervisors while maintaining productivity.
• Ensure productivity standards via KPI communication to the team.
• Direct proper use of DC equipment and troubleshoot issues.
• Perform tasks to set daily pace for productivity and quality.

Skills

Distribution Center operations

People leadership

Training & development

Safety protocols

Equipment troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

AS400

JDA

Job description

We inspire purpose-filled living that brings beauty and quality to the modern home. Together, we achieve. Associates across our business drive results, innovate, and inspire. Drawn together by our shared values and passion for our customers and our brands, we deliver home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced, and bring timeless style and function to people’s homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making—and our story is still unfolding.

We’re here for it. We think you should be too.

The Distribution Center Lead is a working leader who brings clarity, momentum, and consistency to our Distribution Center operations. You guide work assignments, support training and development, troubleshoot equipment and workflow issues, and model the productivity we expect from the team. Whether partnering closely with supervisors or stepping in on their behalf, you help create a high-performing, communicative, and collaborative environment where associates can do their best work.

A day in the life of a Distribution Center Lead...

• Assists and supports the supervisor to help organize, motivate and train associates
• In coordination with the floor supervisor, directs daily/weekly work assignments in the Distribution center
• Oversees all operations and associate activities in the absence of floor supervisors or floor managers, as needed or assigned
• Ensures productivity standards are met by communicating personal and team key performance indicators
• Directs associates on the proper use of Distribution Center equipment and troubleshoot problems, as necessary
• Performs the tasks associated with the department to set the pace for daily productivity.
• Be a resource to associates by supporting open communication and being available to answer questions and concerns
• Supports and assists the floor supervisor and/or floor manager in all aspects of performance and development of direct reports to encourage professional growth.
• Establishes open and two-way conversation with all associates
• Asks for and gives clear and constructive feedback
• Cleans up and disposes boxes, packing material, and pallets, as well as general housekeeping of facility and specific product line areas
• Rotates through different departments, as necessary, to meet the demands of the business
• Participates in ongoing training regarding technology upgrades and new systems applicable to the position
• Performs all job tasks assigned by the leadership staff to achieve and maintain daily productivity and quality goals

What you'll bring to the table...

• Possess a complete understanding of training and communication resources relevant to the position
• Promotes a culture of respect and an atmosphere of teamwork to foster a positive working environment
• Promotes and supports the company vision and goals, including applicable key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Maintains an awareness of loss prevention, security and safety following the guidelines as outlined in the Company Code of Conduct and Associate Policy manuals
• Proficiency in English language skills (written and verbal)
• Basic math skills
• Google Suite experience preferred
• AS400 and JDA knowledge preferred
• Excellent time management skills and ability to complete daily tasks when faced with frequent interruptions
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast paced and growing environment

We'd love to hear from you if you have...

• A minimum of 2 years of Distribution Center experience
• Equipment certification as needed
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Starting Rate: $20.00 - $24.06

Pay ranges will be adjusted upward as needed to comply with applicable state and local law. In addition to your salary, based on your role, associates may be eligible for other compensation including bonuses, sales incentives, and long term incentives.

Job ID R26388

Date posted 09/09/2026

Position Type Full Time , 1st Shift

Our commitment to our associates is of the utmost importance. One of the reasons the company attracts such a diverse group of associates is that we offer a full menu of benefits that are relevant to their lives, both on and off the job. We are proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to support eligible part time and full time associates and their families, including:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Life insurance and Disability
• Retirement and 401(k) match
• Paid time off, wellness time and volunteer time
• Merchandise discount and EAP resources
• Tuition Reimbursement

Many of these benefits begin on day one, and extend to eligible dependents.

Euromarket Designs, Inc., which does business as Crate & Barrel, Crate & Kids, CB2 and Hudson Grace, will be referred to as “the Company”. The Company is deeply committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the location you are applying to here and ask to speak with a manager regarding the nature of your request.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US.

State / City Compliance: The Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with the LosAngeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Applicant Privacy: For details about how the Company collects and uses your personal information, please see our Job Applicant Privacy & Communications Notice.

Questions? Please reach out to [e-mail]