DC Department Lead (Illinois)

Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for our associates. We offer opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, a people-first environment, and an opportunity to work alongside dedicated associates who share a passion for providing exceptional experience and service to our rural communities. When you join the Rural King team, you become a contributing member in supporting the needs of and making a difference in the lives of those within the people and communities we serve.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and 50% on the next 2%
• Healthcare plans to support your needs
• Virtual doctor visits
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
• 15% Associate Discount
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program (no cost to you)
• Associate Assistance Program
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Service

Responsibilities

As a Department Lead, you will support the Area Manager in ensuring the smooth flow of operations by supplying materials, equipment, and supplies for receiving, warehousing, and distribution processes. Work alongside a team of talented professionals who are passionate about their work and strive for excellence daily.

• Apply a positive and enthusiastic approach to customer service while maintaining professionalism and a friendly demeanor
• Inspire and mentor your team to reach new heights for themselves and Rural King
• Provide a supportive and empowering work environment to unlock the full potential of your team
• Celebrate achievements, promote teamwork, and recognize individual contributions
• Take ownership of challenging assignments and implement innovative solutions
• Lead and drive impactful projects that contribute to the success and growth of Rural King
• Shape the strategic direction and make a tangible difference
• Act as a trusted internal partner across departments to collaborate on initiatives projecting positive business outcomes
• Mentor and inspire your team, fostering professional growth and contributing to a culture of continuous learning
• Collaborate with a team to leverage collective expertise to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional results
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King's Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external customer support while assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively
• Actively participate in learning initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and webinars
• Assist in receiving, warehousing, and distribution operations by initiating and coordinating operational and personnel policies and procedures
• Monitor safety protocols in warehouse operations
• Assist in inventory control levels by conducting physical counts and reconciling with the data storage system
• Complete warehouse operational requirements and follow up on work results
• Obtain certification on forklift/pallet jack/high reach or other required equipment
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• At least one year of warehouse leadership experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• Ability to interact with the team in a fast-paced environment, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient
• Ability to multi-task, coordinate, analyze, observe, make decisions, and meet deadlines in a detail-oriented manner
• Ability to work independently without supervision
• Flexibility with hours: the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, and weekends as business dictates

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Able to operate aligned with the People Promise, which includes having a positive and passionate attitude for and commitment to Rural King initiatives
• Proven experience in effectively supervising and leading a diverse team, guiding them toward achieving department goals and objectives
• Proven track record of success and a desire to take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership
• Ability to provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and motivate team members to deliver high-quality results
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop employees, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills to address challenges and make effective leadership decisions

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Must be able to lift 65 pounds at times
• Must be able to access and navigate all facilities
• Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with others (in-person and via electronic devices)
• Have adequate vision to perform computer tasks
• Must be able to lift, bend, carry, and push repetitively

Supervisory responsibilities: Yes. At times, will be working around private offices; needs to maintain confidentiality. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $25.20 per hour, with exact compensation determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws.