Lead Forklift Operator – 1st Shift

Surge; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Surge is seeking an experienced Lead Forklift Operator for 1st shift to help manage material flow and lead warehouse personnel. The role emphasizes safe forklift operation, organized inventory movement, and leadership support in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have proven forklift experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to train and mentor team members while maintaining safety and productivity standards.

Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts in a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution setting.
• Prior lead or supervisory experience is required.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations and inventory movement.
• Ability to safely handle materials and operate equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Forklift certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to load, unload, move, and stage materials.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assist with prioritizing tasks for warehouse personnel.
• Train, mentor, and support forklift operators and warehouse associates.
• Ensure accurate inventory movement and material tracking.
• Conduct routine forklift inspections and report maintenance concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations as needed.
• Enforce company safety policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, and other departments to ensure operational efficiency.

Skills

Forklift operation

Leadership

Safety-minded

Inventory movement

Team training

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Forklift Operator to join our team on 1st shift. This position is responsible for safely operating forklifts, coordinating material movement throughout the facility, and providing leadership and support to warehouse personnel. The ideal candidate will have strong lead forklift experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining safety and productivity standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to load, unload, move, and stage materials.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assist with prioritizing tasks for warehouse personnel.
• Train, mentor, and support forklift operators and warehouse associates.
• Ensure accurate inventory movement and material tracking.
• Conduct routine forklift inspections and report maintenance concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations as needed.
• Enforce company safety policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, and other departments to ensure operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating forklifts in a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution environment.
• Prior leadership, lead, or supervisory experience is required.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations and inventory movement.
• Ability to safely handle materials and operate equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Forklift certification is preferred but not required.

What We're Looking For

• Proven forklift experience
• Leadership and team-building abilities
• Strong safety mindset
• Dependable and motivated individual
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions

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