Lead

Crate & Barrel; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate & Barrel in Naperville, IL seeks a Distribution Center Lead to guide daily operations, train associates, and drive productivity and safety. You will coordinate with floor supervision to organize workload, support equipment use and ensure quality standards are met.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, clear communication, and development of direct reports through coaching and feedback, with a focus on fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of Distribution Center experience
• Proven ability to train and coach associates
• Strong focus on safety and productivity

Responsibilities

• Assists and supports the supervisor to help organize, motivate and train associates
• Directs daily/weekly work assignments in the Distribution center
• Oversees operations and activities in the absence of supervisors
• Ensures productivity standards are met by communicating KPIs
• Directs equipment use and troubleshooting as needed
• Participates in ongoing training for technology upgrades and new systems
• Performs tasks to achieve daily productivity and quality goals
• Establishes open two-way communication with associates
• Provides clear, constructive feedback to the team
• Rotates through departments to meet business demands

Skills

Training & communication

Team leadership

Time management

English proficiency

Math basics

Multitasking

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

AS400

JDA

Job description

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