Putaway Team Leader

About the Role

We are seeking a Putaway Team Leader to oversee our growing grocery distribution center's putaway team. You will direct forklift and reach truck operators to safely and accurately transfer incoming goods from the receiving dock to designated storage areas within specified timeframes.

Prioritizing safety over speed and volume is essential in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify all forklift and material handling equipment (MHE) operators possess valid licenses before operation.
• Enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to warehouse safety protocols.
• Perform daily pre-shift equipment inspections and immediately take unsafe equipment out of service.
• Ensure safe traffic management within the warehouse, maintaining proper separation between pedestrians and machinery.
• Monitor proper stacking practices, load stability, height restrictions, and rack capacity compliance.
• Inspect storage racking for any damage and promptly report concerns.
• Report, investigate, and document any safety incidents or near-misses.
• Intervene to stop unsafe practices and provide corrective coaching or retraining as needed.
• Keep aisles clean and free from obstructions throughout shifts.
• Confirm accurate entry of received goods into the warehouse management system (WMS), including item details, quantities, batch numbers, expiry dates, and storage locations.
• Serve as the final verifier before goods are warehoused by identifying receiving mistakes and returning discrepancies to the Receiving team.
• Assign daily tasks to the putaway team, balancing workloads based on inbound volume.
• Ensure goods are moved from docks to storage within required target times.
• Validate item details, quantities, and storage locations within the WMS.
• Apply appropriate storage methods in line with product types, temperature zones, FEFO principles, weight, and product turnover.
• Follow approved procedures for handling damaged goods and discrepancies.
• Collaborate closely with Receiving and Inventory teams during shifts.
• Train new operators and continually mentor the team on safety and operational productivity.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Between 2 and 4 years of warehouse operations experience, with at least 1 year serving in a team leadership capacity.
• Valid forklift and reach truck licenses coupled with hands-on operating experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of warehouse safety protocols and MHE operation standards.
• Practical experience using warehouse management systems, especially for putaway tasks, location tracking, and stock movements.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies in items, quantities, batches, or expiry dates.
• Availability to work shifts, including weekends and peak periods.
• Commitment to maintaining a full-time presence on the warehouse floor.
• Basic proficiency in both English and Arabic communications.