Shift Lead

Shift Lead (Operations Lead)

HRforGrowth is engaged as the exclusive talent acquisition partner to conduct this search on behalf of a client organization that is hiring for this role. HRforGrowth is not the employer for this position. HRforGrowth identifies, evaluates, and presents top-tier candidates through its global talent acquisition practice; all employment decisions - including final selection, offer terms, compensation, and conditions of employment - are made solely by the hiring organization.

Position Summary

The Shift Lead serves as the operational lead on the warehouse floor and acts as the Supervisors primary support partner. Similar to an Amazon Process Assistant (PA), this role functions as the Supervisors "right-hand person," helping coordinate daily operations, lead employees, and ensure productivity, safety, quality, and customer service objectives are achieved.

This is a hands-on leadership role focused on executing operational plans, training employees, managing workflow, and supporting warehouse systems and processes. The Shift Lead does not have hiring, termination, or disciplinary authority but provides day-to-day leadership and direction to the hourly workforce. In the Supervisors absence, the Shift Lead may oversee daily operations to ensure continuity and service levels are maintained.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Support the Supervisor in managing daily warehouse operations.

• Provide work direction and leadership to hourly team members.

• Coordinate labor and workflow to meet productivity goals, customer SLAs, and KPIs.

• Lead shift start-up meetings, daily stand-ups, and operational communications.

• Serve as the primary floor leader and first point of escalation for operational issues.

• Step into operational leadership responsibilities when the Supervisor is unavailable.

Training and Team Development

• Train, coach, and mentor employees on procedures, safety practices, quality standards, and system processes.

• Support new hire onboarding and cross-training initiatives.

• Provide performance feedback and observations to Supervisors.

• Reinforce accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Systems, Documentation, and Compliance

• Utilize and support Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanners, voice technology, and related warehouse systems.

• Maintain production records, operational paperwork, and shift documentation.

• Update work instructions, process documentation, and workflow procedures as needed.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, quality requirements, and ISO procedures where applicable.

Continuous Improvement and Safety

• Promote Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support 5S workplace organization standards.

• Conduct safety, quality, and housekeeping audits as assigned.

• Identify and communicate opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and process performance.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Partner with operations leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.

• Support inventory accuracy and operational performance targets.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Scope

The Shift Lead provides operational leadership and work direction but is not responsible for:

• Hiring

• Terminations

• Formal disciplinary actions

• Employee relations decisions

The role serves as the teams hourly operational leader and supports execution of daily business objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required, an Associates or Bachelors degree is a plus

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, or fulfillment center experience required.

• Previous leadership, lead, team lead, or process assistant experience required.

• Experience working in automated or technology-driven warehouse environments preferred.

• Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.

• Working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and standard warehouse technology.

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• High attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality standards.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods.

• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds independently and heavier loads in a team-lift environment.

• Ability to work in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures and production conditions.

About HRforGrowth:

HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients - from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives. HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.

The hiring organization for this position is expected to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws - including those enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - in its hiring decisions, terms of employment, and workplace practices.