Warehouse Inventory Lead

Job Description

Position Summary

The Warehouse Inventory Lead is responsible for coordinating daily warehouse operations across receiving, inventory control, storage, picking, put-away, and shipping activities. This role ensures inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, timely order fulfillment, and compliance with customer requirements, safety standards, and company procedures. The Warehouse Inventory Lead supervises warehouse personnel, monitors productivity and key performance indicators (KPIs), investigates inventory discrepancies, and works closely with internal teams to support seamless inbound and outbound operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily warehouse activities including receiving, put-away, inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Conduct daily team meetings to coordinate workload, priorities, staffing assignments, and operational goals.
• Assign personnel and monitor performance to ensure productivity targets are achieved.
• Coordinate activities between receiving, inventory, and shipping functions to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Train, coach, and support warehouse employees on operational procedures and best practices.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure proper stock placement and organization.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory movements, replenishment needs, and location utilization.
• Ensure newly received products are properly identified, measured, and assigned storage locations.
• Coordinate inventory relocation activities to optimize warehouse capacity and accessibility.
• Support cycle counts, inventory audits, and continuous inventory accuracy initiatives.

Receiving & Put-Away Operations

• Oversee inbound receiving activities, including inspection, sorting, and discrepancy resolution.
• Prioritize receiving workloads based on customer and operational requirements.
• Ensure inventory is accurately processed and stored in designated warehouse locations.
• Monitor receiving performance and maintain receiving records and reports.
• Coordinate returnable goods management and special receiving requirements.

 Picking, Packing & Shipping Operations

• Coordinate picking and packing activities to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Monitor order fulfillment processes to ensure accuracy, productivity, and quality standards.
• Verify shipment preparation, labeling, pallet configurations, and documentation.
• Ensure proper handling of special product categories, including hazardous materials and regulated products.
• Coordinate with transportation and export teams to expedite shipments and maintain service expectations.
• Prioritize urgent and same-day customer orders when required.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor operational KPIs including inventory accuracy, receiving productivity, put-away performance, picking productivity, and order fulfillment accuracy.
• Investigate process issues and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.
• Maintain accurate operational reports and productivity metrics.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and promote efficient warehouse practices.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards throughout the facility.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of warehouse, distribution, or inventory management experience.
• 1+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP systems, or inventory control software.
• Strong understanding of receiving, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping operations.
• Ability to analyze inventory discrepancies and operational performance metrics.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and warehouse reporting tools.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Experience in a high-volume distribution or logistics environment.
• Lean Warehousing, Kaizen, or continuous improvement experience.
• Knowledge of inventory auditing and cycle count processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work safely in a warehouse environment.
• Frequent interaction with warehouse equipment, storage racks, and material handling equipment.

Additional Information

Expeditors offers excellent benefits:

• Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Time
• Health Plan: Medical
• Life Insurance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Training and Personnel Development Program
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Employee Referral Program Bonus