ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Forklift Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlastiPak

Lead Forklift Operator

Jackson Center, OH

$21.75/hr

If you are an experienced Forklift Operator with a desire to expand your scope by setting the example and guiding others to be successful, join Plastipak as a Lead Forklift Operator. Location

R+L Carriers

Forklift operator Lead

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$24.50/hr

Loader Lead-Forklift Operator Lead, Starting at $24.50 hr Full-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of vacation after 90 days of employment Come and experience the difference with R+L ...

Ohio Logistics

Lead Forklift Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

Position Summary Findlay Tall Timbers Distribution Center is seeking an experienced Lead Forklift Operator to join our warehouse operations team. In this leadership role, you will provide oversight ...

R+L Carriers

Forklift operator Lead

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$24.50/hr

Loader Lead-Forklift Operator Lead, Starting at $24.50 hr Full-Time, Monday - Friday, Various Shifts Earn 1 week of vacation after 90 days of employment Come and experience the difference with R+L ...

D&W Fine Pack

Lead Forklift Operator

Fountain Inn, SC · On-site

$20/hr

... or lead experience required * High school diploma or GED required * Forklift certification required * Basic computer skills, including Excel, Word, and WMS systems * Ability to follow written and ...

Packaging Exchange Inc.

Be Seen First

Lead Forklift Operator

Orlando, FL · Remote

$19 - $24/hr

Operate a forklift/pallet jack to load and unload inventory from incoming trucks in a safe manner. * Verify accuracy of items in manifest for incoming/outgoing trucks. * Count inventory * Computer ...

D&W Fine Pack

Lead Forklift Operator

Fountain Inn, SC · On-site

$20/hr

... or lead experience required * High school diploma or GED required * Forklift certification required * Basic computer skills, including Excel, Word, and WMS systems * Ability to follow written and ...

D&W

Lead Forklift Operator

Fountain Inn, SC · On-site

$20/hr

... or lead experience required * High school diploma or GED required * Forklift certification required * Basic computer skills, including Excel, Word, and WMS systems * Ability to follow written and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTransportation and Storage JobsForklift JobsFORKLIFT OPERATORS JobsLead Forklift Operator Jobs

Lead Forklift Operator information

See salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do lead forklift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead forklift operator in the United States is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead forklift operator?

A Lead Forklift Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating forklifts and overseeing a team of forklift operators in a warehouse or distribution environment. They ensure the safe and efficient movement, loading, and unloading of materials, while also maintaining equipment and enforcing safety protocols. In addition to their hands-on duties, Lead Forklift Operators often train new staff, coordinate workflow, and communicate with supervisors to meet operational goals. Their leadership role is crucial for maintaining productivity and safety standards within the facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead forklift operator?

To thrive as a Lead Forklift Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, warehouse operations knowledge, and a valid forklift operator certification. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), handheld scanners, and various forklift models is typically required. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for directing teams and maintaining safety standards. These skills ensure efficient workflow, reduce workplace incidents, and promote a safe, productive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by lead forklift operators, and how can they effectively manage a team of operators?

Lead Forklift Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring efficient workflow in a busy warehouse environment. Effective management involves clear communication, providing on-the-job training, and monitoring compliance with safety protocols. By fostering teamwork and promptly addressing issues like equipment malfunctions or process delays, Lead Forklift Operators help maintain productivity and a safe work environment. Regular feedback and mentorship are also key to supporting the growth and performance of their team.

What is the difference between Lead Forklift Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectLead Forklift OperatorForklift Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA forklift certification, plus leadership or supervisory trainingRequires OSHA forklift certification
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, manages safety, and coordinates forklift operationsOperates forklifts to move materials within warehouses or construction sites
ResponsibilitiesOversees forklift team, enforces safety protocols, and assists with trainingLoads, unloads, and transports materials using forklifts

The main difference between a Lead Forklift Operator and a Forklift Operator is that the lead role involves supervising team members, ensuring safety compliance, and coordinating operations, while the forklift operator primarily focuses on operating equipment to move materials. Both roles require OSHA forklift certification, but the lead position often requires additional leadership skills and experience.

How much per hour for a lead forklift operator?

A lead forklift operator typically earns between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills, certifications like OSHA forklift training, and working in high-demand areas can increase pay rates.
More about Lead Forklift Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Lead Forklift Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Forklift Operator job openings:

What states have the most Lead Forklift Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Forklift Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lead Forklift Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Forklift Operator jobs are:

Lead Forklift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Forklift Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,097 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Lead Forklift Operator

Plastipak Packaging, Inc.

Jackson Center, OH • On-site

$21.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Plastipak Packaging rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 121 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

If you are an experienced Forklift Operator with a desire to expand your scope by setting the example and guiding others to be successful, join Plastipak as a Lead Forklift Operator.

Location

  • Jackson Center, OH

Night Shift

  • ​This is a night shift position, 5:00 pm - 5:10 am.
  • Shifts are 12-hour shifts on a standard rotating 2-week cycle (3 days on the first week, and 4 days on the second week). 
  • You have every other weekend off.

You Will

  • Working alongside the team, set the example of excellent forklift operations in the transport of raw materials & finished goods between the warehouse & production areas.
  • Coordinate Forklift Operator / Material Handler work assignments to uphold safety, quality and productivity standards.
  • Provide on-the-job training and mentoring for new hires and experienced team members.
  • Develop your leadership skills, positioning you for further promotional opportunities.

You Have

  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
  • At least 3 years of forklift operation and warehouse experience in a manufacturing work environment.
  • Proficiency using a computer system performing tasks, including data entry, completing transactions, retrieving and updating documents.  SAP experience is a plus.
  • Proficiency using an RF scanner.
  • Experience providing on-the-job training & task guidance to others.
  • Past experience that demonstrates your leadership potential (this can be through work or other experience).
  • Ability to lift & move up to 50 pounds with or without a reasonable accommodation.

You’ll Earn

  • $21.75+ or more, based on experience
  • This includes a night shift differential of $1.50 per hour
  • Double-Time-Pay on Sundays (regular schedules are every other Sunday).  That’s 12 hours of extra pay.

As a Plastipak Associate, you receive a benefits package offering the following:

  • Wellness Programs
  • Health Insurance Coverage, including Medical, Dental & Vision
  • EAP, Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Disability Insurance:  Short-Term & Long-Term
  • Accidental Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan, with Company Matching Contribution & Profit Sharing feature
  • Paid Time Off    - 80 hours within 1st year & subsequent increases
  • Paid Company Holidays
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Caregiving via Care.com
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program
  • Travel Assistance
  • Employee Discount Programs
*Some benefits are subject to eligibility requirements

Plastipak is an Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to process your job application, Plastipak collects and stores the personal information that you submit via this website. Please refer to Plastipak’s Privacy Policy to understand how Plastipak uses and protects the information that you provide.

What Plastipak Packaging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply