Loading Operations Supervisor

Columbia Forest Products; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Job summary

Columbia Forest Products is seeking a Loading Operations Supervisor to oversee the Repairs, Kiln, and Loading areas on the production floor. You will lead by example, maintain a strong floor presence, and ensure efficient, safe operations with clear shift handoffs.

The role requires strong leadership, forklift/kiln process knowledge, and a commitment to safety, quality, and timely communication across departments. Overtime may be required to meet production targets.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in manufacturing, logistics, or warehousing.
• Strong knowledge of forklift operations and kiln/heat-treat processes.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead by example with floor presence and accountability.
• Willingness to work overtime in a fast-paced environment.
• Forklift certification preferred and OSHA safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate employees in Repairs, Kiln, and Loading to meet production, safety, and quality standards.
• Be on the floor before shifts, present through end-of-day cleanup, and supervise break times.
• Ensure setups are complete for night/morning shifts, including hopper, kiln, wood, and trailer prep.
• Maintain organized work areas and enforce housekeeping standards.
• Coordinate with Dispatch and Forklift Operators to manage routes, inventory, and loading.
• Monitor kiln operations for compliance with standards and proper documentation.
• Supervise forklift operators to ensure safe loading/unloading and secure shipments.
• Enforce OSHA safety, PPE usage, and address unsafe conditions promptly.
• Serve as primary liaison between employees, dispatch, and operations management.

Skills

Leadership

Forklift operations

Kiln/heat treat processes

Safety and compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

The Loading Operations Supervisor oversees daily activities in the Repairs, Kiln, and Loading areas. This role ensures efficient, safe, and organized operations while maintaining compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and industry regulations. The Supervisor is accountable for production targets, quality control, employee performance, and clear communication between departments. A successful candidate will lead by example, maintain a strong presence on the floor, and ensure smooth transitions between shifts.

The starting pay for this role is $23/hr.

Primary Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Oversight
  • Supervise and coordinate employees in the Repairs, Kiln, and Loading areas to meet production, safety, and quality standards.
  • Ensure clear direction and accountability are provided to employees at the beginning of each shift.
  • Monitor employee performance, provide coaching as needed, and elevate concerns to management when necessary.
  • Foster teamwork, communication, and a positive work environment.
• Daily Presence & Shift Management
  • Be on the production floor before the shift begins, before and after breaks/lunch, and remain present through end-of-day cleanup.
  • Ensure the supervisor is the last to go to break or lunch and present before employees return.
  • Verify all setups are complete for the night shift or following morning shift, including hopper prep, kiln setup, wood supply, core placement, and trailer strapping.
  • Maintain organized work areas and enforce housekeeping standards.
• Ensure repairmen have sufficient materials and support to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with Dispatch, Inbound Supervisor, and Forklift Operators to manage road vans, hoppers, and inventory.
• Review repair counts, track production, and ensure timely submission of paperwork.
• Kiln & Heat Treat Oversight
  • Monitor kiln operations to ensure compliance with ALSC, TP, and Pro Pallet standards.
  • Verify proper probe use, heat treatment procedures, and documentation accuracy.
  • Ensure violations are addressed, inspections are supported, and kiln supplies (ink, stamps, etc.) are maintained.
  • Oversee proper strapping, loading, and compliance with shipping requirements.
• Loading Oversight
  • Supervise forklift operators to ensure safe and accurate loading/unloading of trucks, trailers, and flatbeds.
  • Ensure all orders are loaded securely, strapped, and documented correctly.
  • Communicate with Dispatch, jockey drivers, and loaders to align equipment needs and shipping schedules.
  • Inspect trailers, equipment, and straps for safety and compliance.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Enforce OSHA standards, forklift safety, and company safety policies.
  • Ensure employees use proper PPE and safe work practices at all times.
  • Immediately address unsafe conditions or equipment issues and report to management.
• Communication & Reporting
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between employees, dispatch, and operations management for loading-area activities.
  • Maintain accurate records of production counts, kiln documentation, and loading reports.
  • Communicate shift performance, issues, and next-shift instructions clearly and promptly.

Skills & Requirements

• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in manufacturing, logistics, or warehousing.
• Strong understanding of forklift operations, kiln/heat treat processes, and pallet repair/loading procedures.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lead by example with a strong floor presence and accountability.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with flexibility for overtime.
• Forklift certification and knowledge of OSHA safety requirements preferred.

Schedule

• Monday – Friday starting at 7am until all operational duties are completed (overtime as needed). Supervisor must remain until all repairs, kiln operations, and loading activities are completed, including cleanup.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all applicants.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.