Warehouse Leadership Trainee

Empire-Today-LL; Northlake (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Wellness program

Professional development & career ADV

Job summary

Empire Today is seeking a Warehouse Leadership Trainee in Northlake, Illinois, a hands-on development role designed to build broad knowledge of warehouse operations and prepare you for future leadership. You will rotate on receiving, put away, cycle counting, inventory movements, order picking, loading, and report review, while developing supervisory skills on shift execution and daily workflow.

You’ll join a team that emphasizes safety, standard work, and continuous improvement, with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's preferred.
• Experience in warehouse or operations preferred.
• Attention to detail and effective communication in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform core warehouse activities, including receiving, put away, picking, loading, replenishment, inventory movements, returns processing, and cycle counting.
• Develop knowledge of warehouse systems, RF devices, reports, and SOPs to support safe, accurate, and timely execution.
• Work alongside associates and leaders to understand daily workflow, labor planning, shift priorities, and service requirements.
• Support execution of daily warehouse activities by ensuring work is completed accurately, products stored properly, and orders fulfilled on time.
• Participate in pre-shift discussions, assignments, and follow-up to learn how priorities are communicated and managed.
• Review basic operational and inventory reports to identify discrepancies and escalate issues to leadership.

Skills

Leadership development

Detail orientation

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The Warehouse Leadership Trainee is a developmental, hands‑on role designed to build broad knowledge of warehouse operations while preparing the trainee for future leadership responsibilities. The trainee spends a significant portion of the workday on the warehouse floor learning and performing core warehouse activities for Empire Today, including receiving, put away, cycle counting, inventory movements, order picking, loading, and report review. In parallel, the Warehouse Leadership Trainee develops supervisory skills by observing shift execution, supporting daily activity coordination, reinforcing standard work processes, and participating in continuous improvement and safety initiatives. This role is intended to create a strong operational foundation while introducing leadership expectations within the warehouse environment.

We offer:

• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Wellness program.
• Professional development & career advancement opportunities.
• Lots of perks.

Compensation

$30/hour

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform core warehouse activities, including receiving, put away, picking, loading, replenishment, inventory movements, returns processing, and cycle counting.
• Develop working knowledge of warehouse systems, RF devices, reports, and standard operating procedures to support safe, accurate, and timely execution.
• Work alongside warehouse associates and leaders to understand daily workflow, labor planning, shift priorities, and service requirements.
• Support the execution of daily warehouse activities by helping ensure work is completed accurately, product is stored properly, and orders are fulfilled on time.
• Participate in pre-shift discussions, work assignments, and operational follow-up in order to learn how warehouse priorities are communicated and managed.
• Review basic operational and inventory reports to identify discrepancies, monitor workflow, and escalates issues to warehouse leadership when appropriate.
• Assist with inventory accuracy efforts by completing counts, researching variances, supporting corrections, and helping maintain proper labeling and location control.
• Observe and practice leadership fundamentals such as communication, associate support, accountability, coaching, and reinforcement of standard work.
• Contribute to safety, housekeeping, and 6S expectations by performing audits, equipment checks, and routine walk‑throughs while following all company policies and procedures.
• Support training and onboarding activities as assigned, including demonstrating learned processes and helping newer associates follow established procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve flow, accuracy, safety, and productivity within the warehouse.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the warehouse operation and the individual’s development toward future leadership roles.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, operations, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, military, or other operations experience preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in leadership development, warehouse operations, and continuous improvement.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well with associates, peers, and leadership.
• Ability to safely operate warehouse equipment or willingness to complete required training and certification.
• Ability to multitask, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a sense of urgency while following standard work.
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office, and comfort reviewing operational data and reports.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to work overtime or adjusted schedules when needed.

Why Empire Today?

We empower our employees to strive for their unique goals. Within such an inclusive company with unlimited growth opportunities, how far you go is up to you.

We take care of our people. We start investing in you from day one. The perks and benefits we offer help you live well, both at work and at home.

We have an unmatched company culture. We've won multiple awards for employee and customer satisfaction, and we believe it all comes down to our culture of teamwork, creativity, and growth.

We’re one of the nation’s most recognizable brands. You'll enjoy the stability that comes with a national company and a sense of pride when you’re a part of our team.