Warehouse Operations Associate Jobs in Columbus, GA

Department: Operations
Reports To: Site Manager / Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: 12-hour shifts; occasional Saturdays as required by customer demand
Work Location: On-site customer facility

Shifts: 1st shift: Mon - Thurs 7:00am to 6:30pm / Friday 8:30am to 10:30pm

2nd shift: Mon - Wed 6:30pm to 7:00am / Thurs 6:30pm to 8:30am / Sun 10:30pm to 7:00am

Position Summary

The Team Lead is responsible for overseeing daily on-site warehouse and material handling operations supporting a Just-In-Sequence (JIS) logistics process for an automotive customer. This role ensures materials are received, sequenced, staged, and delivered accurately and on time to support uninterrupted customer production. The Team Lead provides direct leadership to hourly associates, enforces safety and quality standards, and acts as the primary operational liaison between the customer and internal management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily on-site JIS operations to ensure adherence to customer schedules, sequencing requirements, and delivery windows.
• Coordinate workforce activities, including task assignments, break coverage, and shift handovers for 12-hour operations.
• Monitor inbound, sequencing, staging, and outbound processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with customer requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer representatives regarding daily operational issues, priorities, and escalations.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, OSHA requirements, and company procedures; actively promote a strong safety culture.
• Enforce quality standards, conduct visual and process checks, and initiate corrective actions for sequencing or delivery errors.
• Track and report operational metrics such as productivity, accuracy, attendance, and service level performance.
• Support staffing needs, including training, coaching, and performance feedback for hourly team members.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ISO 9001 principles.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation, shift reports, and incident records.
• Support weekend or extended operations, including Saturdays, based on customer demand.

Essential Functions

• Lead a team in a fast-paced, customer-embedded logistics environment.
• Communicate effectively with internal leadership and customer contact.
• Make real-time operational decisions to prevent production disruptions.
• Perform frequent walking, standing, and observation in warehouse and production-adjacent areas.
• Use warehouse management systems (WMS), sequencing tools, and standard reporting platforms.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 23 years of experience in warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing support operations.
• Prior lead, supervisory, or team coordination experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work extended 12-hour+ shifts and occasional Saturdays as required.
• Proficient in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, WMS systems).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive supply chain or customer-embedded logistics operations.
• Experience supporting Just-In-Time (JIT) or Just-In-Sequence (JIS) operations are strongly preferred.
• Forklift or material handling equipment certification (or ability to obtain).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience working in a 24/7 or multi-shift operation.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift to 25-30 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in a warehouse or production-adjacent environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.

Work Environment

• On-site customer location with high expectations for accuracy and timeliness.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment directly supporting customer production.
• Exposure to industrial equipment, forklifts, and moving materials.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be adjusted to meet operational and customer requirements.