Operations Training Lead (8:00am-4:30pm)

Waldom; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Health insurance

401(k)

Career growth

PTO 14 days

Holidays & floating

Volunteer time off

Corporate discounts

EAP paid

Maternity/Paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Scholarship program

Job summary

Waldom in Rockford, IL seeks an Operations Training Lead to drive onboarding, cross-training, and equipment instruction for warehouse associates. This role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and efficiency while supporting special projects with leadership.

As the primary trainer, you will balance training duties with regular warehouse tasks, promoting continuous learning and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two years’ experience training others (formal, informal, or on-the-job).
• Experience operating powered industrial trucks (forklift, reach truck) and willing to operate and train others after certification.
• Proven commitment to safe work practices.
• Basic math and reading comprehension.
• Consistent and reliable on-the-job performance and attendance.
• Ability to work independently or with a team.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Conduct new hire onboarding and training to ensure successful integration into the warehouse environment.
• Deliver cross-training for Operations associates to enhance workforce flexibility and skill diversity.
• Provide instruction on best methods and job functions, emphasizing accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
• Lead equipment training, ensuring proper and safe use of power equipment (PIT).
• Support retraining efforts.
• Collaborate with leadership on special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety, serving as a role model for safe work practices.
• When not engaged in training, perform standard operational tasks or contribute to designated projects.

Skills

Training experience

Forklift operation

Communication skills

Basic math

Microsoft Office

Reliability

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PIT certification

Job description

Position Overview

The Operations Training Lead is a specialized warehouse position, serving as the primary operations trainer within the facility.

This role is responsible for conducting comprehensive training programs to support the development, safety, and performance of warehouse associates. Training responsibilities include new hire onboarding, cross-training, best methods/job function instruction, equipment training, performance improvement retraining, and other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager and Operations Supervisor. This position is critical to promoting a culture of safety, operational efficiency, and continuous learning.

When not actively conducting training, the Operations Training Lead participates in regular warehouse operational tasks or special projects directed by leadership.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct new hire onboarding and training to ensure successful integration into the warehouse environment.
• Deliver cross-training for Operations associates to enhance workforce flexibility and skill diversity.
• Provide instruction on best methods and job functions, emphasizing accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
• Lead equipment training, ensuring proper and safe use of power equipment (PIT).
• Support retraining efforts.
• Collaborate with leadership on special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety, serving as a role model and advocate for safe work practices.
• When not engaged in training responsibilities, perform standard operational functions or contribute to designated projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• 2 years’ experience training others (formal, informal, or on-the-job training)
• Experience operating powered industrial trucks (e.g., forklift, reach truck) and willingness to operate and train others following facility-provided training and certification
• Proven commitment to safe work practices
• Basic math and reading comprehension skills
• Consistent and reliable on-the-job performance and attendance
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision or collaboratively within a team
• Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Flexibility to shift between training and operational tasks as needed
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified as an industrial powered equipment trainer
• Leadership experience, with or without direct report responsibility
• Prior experience in distribution center operations or general warehouse experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders up to 16 feet
• Ability to crouch and stoop
• Ability to walk and stand up to 8 hours per day

Working Conditions

• Warehouse environment with moderate noise from power industrial trucks
• Warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Here’s a Few Things We Offer You

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k).
• Opportunities for career growth in a global organization.
• A collaborative culture committed to innovation, partnership, and continuous improvement.
• Top quality medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans Waldom pays the majority of the medical plan cost
• Fourteen (14) days of paid time off (PTO) annually (accrued at 2.15 hours per week for the first four (4) years of employment)
• 8 Paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• 8 hours of paid volunteer time off annually
• Corporate Discount Program
• Employee Assistance Program 100% Waldom Paid!
• Generous Paid Maternity & Paternity Leaves
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Scholarship Program: for your eligible children, grandchildren & legal dependents, up to $8k a year

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Waldom is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, pregnancy, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, or any other protected status. The Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees. Finally, Waldom prohibits the harassment of any individual based on their protected status. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social and recreational programs.