Warehouse Lead (1st Shift)

CJ Logistics America; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Logistics America is seeking a Warehouse Lead in Illinois to coordinate daily warehouse operations, supervise staff, and maintain high safety, quality, and productivity standards.

You will assign tasks, monitor floor activity, and provide real-time problem-solving while coaching team members and collaborating on skill certification with the Warehouse Trainer. PPE adherence and continuous improvement are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of related warehouse experience.
• Extensive knowledge of warehouse practices, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to operate forklift equipment including electric pallet jacks.
• Strong interpersonal communication and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assign daily tasks to warehouse staff to ensure efficient workflow and coverage.
• Monitor warehouse floor operations and provide real-time problem-solving support.
• Coach and train employees; collaborate with the Warehouse Trainer to certify skills.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure safety, quality, and compliance; promote PPE usage.

Skills

Forklift operation

Coaching

Training others

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

WMS familiarity

Labor management systems

Electronic record-keeping systems

Label printing systems

Job description

Who We Are And Why We’re Hiring

CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services, connecting every corner of the world via air, sea and land. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, we help customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, we prioritize the wellbeing of the end consumer, our customers and our employees. CJ Logistics is responsible for the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive.

Who We Are And Why We’re Hiring

CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services, connecting every corner of the world via air, sea and land. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, we help customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, we prioritize the wellbeing of the end consumer, our customers and our employees. CJ Logistics is responsible for the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive.

Schedule

Monday - Friday 5:30am -2:00pm

Compensation

Base Hourly Wage or Compensation Range: $24.96 per hour

Shift Differential: No

Incentive eligible: No

Position Overview

The Warehouse Lead is responsible for coordinating and overseeing daily warehouse operations as directed by management. This role may assign work, coach employees, and provide operational support, serving as a key resource for process improvement, training, and maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Operations Coordination

• Assign daily tasks to warehouse production workforce and support staff to ensure efficient workflow and coverage.
• Monitor operations on the warehouse floor and provide real-time problem-solving and support.
• Assist with scheduling and planning of warehouse activities as directed by the Supervisor.
• This role may also perform production work utilizing various forms of material handling equipment including, but not limited to a Forklift or Electric Pallet Jack as needed to support workflow, business demands, cover staffing gaps, and ensure operational targets are met.

Coaching, Training & Leadership

• Serve as a role model and resource for operational excellence across all warehouse roles.
• Coach and provide on-the-job training for new and existing employees, including operational procedures and safety practices.
• Collaborate with the Warehouse Trainer to certify employee skill sets and support ongoing development.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Conduct regular audits of warehouse processes, policies, and trailer operations to ensure compliance.
• Foster a positive employee relations climate and assist in conflict resolution as needed.
• Support process improvement initiatives and participate in site safety and leadership training.
• Promote and enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with warehouse staff, supervisors, and management to share updates and resolve issues.
• Encourage a positive workplace culture through leadership, team building, and recognition.

Required Qualifications

Perform other related job duties as assigned or required

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent – or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least three (3) years of related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of warehouse practices, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, coach, and delegate operational tasks.
• Ability to operate forklift equipment, including electric pallet jacks, assigned to building.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment including, but not limited to a forklift and electric pallet jack.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in warehouse or logistics environments.
• Prior experience leading or training warehouse teams.
• Exposure to basic employment law and workplace safety regulations.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Familiarity with labor management systems and process improvement methods.
• Familiarity with electronic record-keeping and label printing systems.
• Experience collaborating with customer operations or inventory teams.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and/or walk for extended periods (up to 10 hours, depending on shift)
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed
• Climb stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolds at various heights including ground-level and racking zones frequently
• Reach with hands and arms overhead and below waist level
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally lift heavier items with or without assistance
• Use fine motor skills/manual dexterity to operate equipment, tools, or keyboards
• Frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, or control objects
• See clearly at close range and at distance, with peripheral vision, depth perception