Warehouse Lead (3rd Shift)

Colonial Group; Joliet (IL); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Colonial Group is seeking a Warehouse Lead to coordinate daily warehouse operations on the 3rd shift in Joliet, IL. You will oversee tasks, coach staff, and ensure safety, quality, and productivity standards are met.

This role requires 3+ years in warehouse operations, forklift experience, and strong communication. You will collaborate with supervisors and training teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure efficient, compliant workflows across the site.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Safety awareness

Multi-tasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Electric pallet jack

Job description

Schedule: (3rd Shift - Monday to Friday from 9:30 pm - 6:00 am)

Compensation:

Base Hourly Wage: $24.96per hour
Shift Differential: $0.75 per hour
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

• 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

• 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

This position requires the physical ability to:

• 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, and the ability to adjust focus
• Hear and understand verbal instructions, alarms, and equipment signals in a noisy environment

Work Environment

This position operates in a warehouse and distribution center environment. The employee is frequently exposed to:

• Varying temperatures, including but not limited to refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas
• Loud noise levels, such as machinery, forklifts, and conveyor systems
• Dust, odors, and airborne particles
• Concrete flooring and moving mechanical equipment
• Frequent exposure to powered industrial vehicles and warehouse traffic

The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests.

Location/Remote Eligibility

This role may be performed on-site only.

Schedule

Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.