Lead Transload Operator

Lead Operator Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Lead Operator is responsible for leading small teams of Transload Operators and labor personnel in the safe and efficient execution of rail transloading, grain handling, material handling, receiving, and shipping activities at the 2351 Tremont Road facility. This role combines hands-on operational work with direct supervision and guidance of assigned team members to meet customer service objectives, productivity targets, and safety standards. The Lead Operator reports to the Operations Manager and works in a fast-paced industrial rail-adjacent, transloading environment in Savannah, GA, maintaining a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, operational excellence, and housekeeping. In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Lead Operator performs the same or more skilled duties as team members when required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Direct and assist assigned teams of Transload Operators and labor personnel in daily rail transloading, grain transfer, material handling, receiving, warehousing, and shipping activities to ensure timely and accurate completion of tasks.

• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide on-the-job guidance, coaching, and support to Operators.

• Perform the same work duties as those supervised, execute more difficult or skilled tasks, or assist team members in their performance as needed.

• Collaborate with team members and management to identify and solve work-related problems.

• Step in to resolve conflicts between team members, applying good judgment to ensure fair treatment without bias.

• Motivate team members, promote teamwork, and maintain positive working relationships.

• Complete and issue verbal and written employee disciplinary actions and corrective actions as needed to address performance, conduct, safety, or policy violations, following company procedures and in coordination with management/HR for documentation and escalation.

Operational & Material Handling

• Safely operate forklifts, jockey trucks, container handlers, Trackmobiles, and other material handling equipment.

• Lead and participate in transloading operations between railcars, trucks, and containers.

• Oversee opening/closing of railcar hatches, gates, and valves; connecting/disconnecting hoses and transfer lines; and operating pumps, conveyors, augers, and grain handling systems.

• Ensure proper rail safety procedures are followed, including blue flag protection, derailer placement, and railcar securement.

• Utilize terminal management systems (via tablet) for scanning, damage documentation, inventory tasks, and product verification.

• Perform accurate product counts, quality checks, sampling, weight verification, and shipment documentation.

• Support inbound and outbound shipments from containers, railcars, and trucks; stack, stage, and relocate materials accurately.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce and model adherence to all company safety policies, OSHA standards, railroad regulations, and facility procedures.

• Conduct and ensure team completion of daily pre-shift equipment inspections, checklists, and reporting of deficiencies.

• Maintain 100% PPE compliance for self and team at all times.

• Participate in safety meetings and training; ensure team reports near-misses, unsafe conditions, and incidents immediately.

• Oversee spill prevention, housekeeping (5S standards), and facility cleanliness.

Administrative & Housekeeping

• Maintain accurate daily labor logs, team performance records, and other documentation to support prompt and accurate payroll processing.

• Keep work areas clean, neat, and orderly; direct team in sustaining 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).

• Perform routine equipment cleaning and assist with minor maintenance as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• At least 2 years of experience in rail transloading, grain handling, bulk material transfer, or industrial warehouse operations.

• Previous forklift, jockey truck and Trackmobile experience experience a plus.

• Previous leadership, team lead, or supervisory experience in a industrial setting strongly preferred.

• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain certification upon hire).

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Ability to pass pre-employment screening (background check, drug screen, physical).

• Strong communication skills and ability to direct, train, and motivate team members.

• Good knowledge of record keeping and basic computer skills (email, data entry, Outlook, Excel).

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

• Attention to detail, excellent team skills, and commitment to safety.

• Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required by operational needs.

• High level of attendance and punctuality required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and maneuver materials/equipment up to 50 lbs. regularly (manual labor involved).

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders/railcars, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and at heights when necessary.

Work Environment Industrial rail yard, grain handling, and transloading facility. Exposure to dust, noise, moving equipment, outdoor elements, and varying weather. This position works a rotating shift schedule that may include both first and second shift hours. Overtime, weekend work, and flexible scheduling may be required based on rail schedules, customer demand, and operational needs. Typical second shift hours are 3:00PM-11:00PM. Shift assignments are based on business needs and may change with advance notice.

Operator Progression Path This role serves as a leadership step beyond Operator II. Qualified candidates may progress from Operator II based on demonstrated leadership potential, consistent performance, safety record, mentoring ability, and operational needs.

In addition to the above job duties, employees will be expected to work in various capacities at other locations within the company based on the needs of the company. This job description is not exhaustive or intended to be all-inclusive of all job duties that may apply to an employee of Atlantic Marine Warehouse. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.