Warehouse Operations Lead: Shipping, Receiving & Inventory

Flow-Control-Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting all warehouse activities, including shipping, receiving, warehousing, inventory control, material handling, and forklift operation. This role ensures the accurate and efficient movement of stainless steel pipe, valves, fittings, flanges, and related products while maintaining a safe, organized, and productive warehouse environment.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-focused, and capable of handling heavy industrial materials with accuracy and efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Shipping

• Pick, pack, stage, and prepare customer orders for shipment.
• Verify product quantities, descriptions, and customer requirements before shipment.
• Load trucks safely and efficiently using forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Prepare shipping documentation, packing slips, bills of lading, and carrier paperwork.
• Coordinate with carriers and transportation providers to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Inspect outgoing shipments for accuracy and damage.

Receiving

• Receive incoming shipments of stainless steel pipe, valves, fittings, flanges, and related products.
• Unload trucks using forklifts, cranes, or other equipment as required.
• Verify received materials against purchase orders and packing lists.
• Inspect incoming products for quality, damage, and quantity discrepancies.
• Accurately record receipts in the warehouse management or ERP system.
• Communicate receiving discrepancies to management and purchasing personnel.

Warehousing & Material Handling

• Organize and store materials in designated warehouse locations.
• Safely move products throughout the facility using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment
• Maintain clean, organized, and accessible storage areas.
• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) and inventory rotation procedures where applicable.
• Assist with warehouse layout improvements and space utilization initiatives.
• Participate in daily housekeeping and safety inspections.

Inventory Control

• Perform cycle counts and physical inventory counts as assigned.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and assist with corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions and location tracking.
• Maintain inventory accuracy within established company standards.
• Assist with product identification, labeling, and barcode management.
• Support inventory audits and reconciliation activities.

Forklift Operation

• Safely operate sit-down, stand-up, and/or reach forklifts.
• Transport long-length stainless steel pipe and heavy industrial materials safely.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and report maintenance issues.
• Follow all OSHA regulations and company safety procedures while operating equipment.
• Maintain forklift certification and comply with equipment operating standards.

Equipment Maintenance & Facility Support

• Perform daily inspections of forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, saws, banding equipment, and other warehouse equipment.
• Complete pre-shift equipment checklists and report any operational or safety concerns.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance activities such as cleaning, lubricating, battery maintenance, and fluid level checks.
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance requests with supervisors and approved service providers.
• Maintain equipment service records and inspection logs.
• Ensure all material handling equipment remains in safe operating condition and complies with company and OSHA requirements.
• Assist with maintenance of warehouse storage systems, racks, shelving, and work areas.
• Support facility upkeep by identifying and correcting minor maintenance issues when appropriate.
• Monitor equipment performance and recommend replacement or repair of aging or damaged equipment.
• Maintain an organized inventory of maintenance supplies, spare parts, batteries, and safety equipment.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings and training programs.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or work practices.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of warehouse, shipping/receiving, or distribution experience.
• Experience operating forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Proficient in warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP platforms, inventory control software, and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to accurately process transactions, analyze inventory data, generate reports, and maintain inventory accuracy across multiple warehouse locations.
• Ability to read and interpret packing slips, purchase orders, and shipping documents.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.