Warehouse Lead Operator

Lead Operator Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager

Position Summary The Lead Operator is responsible for leading small teams of Operators and labor personnel in the safe and efficient execution of warehouse operations, including material handling, transloading, receiving, warehousing, and shipping activities. 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 warehouse environment at Atlantic Marine Warehouse facilities 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 work teams in daily receiving, warehousing, transloading, and shipping activities to ensure timely and accurate completion of tasks.

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

• 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 workers and managers 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, roll clamp trucks, jockey trucks, container handlers, or other material handling equipment (as qualified).

• Support transloading operations between railcars, trucks, and containers, including railcar positioning. Unload/load inbound and outbound shipments from containers, railcars, and trucks; stack, stage, and relocate materials accurately.

• Utilize warehouse management systems (via tablet) for scanning, damage documentation, minor repairs, and inventory tasks.

• Ensure accurate product counts, quality checks, and shipment verification.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce and model adherence to all company safety policies, OSHA standards, railroad regulations (where applicable), 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 warehouse, material handling, transloading, rail, or industrial operations; forklift experience required (roll clamp or paper clamp experience a plus).

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

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

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.

• 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, warehouse systems).

• 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.

• Ability to enter/exit railcars and work in spaces as required.

Work Environment Industrial warehouse, rail-adjacent, and material handling facility. Exposure to dust, noise, moving equipment, outdoor elements, and varying weather. Overtime, weekend work, and flexible scheduling may be required based on shipment volumes, rail schedules, and customer demand.

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.