Lead Crane Operator

About the role

As part of the Contract Logistics team at Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in designing, managing, and optimizing solutions that keep goods moving efficiently. Whether you’re leading a team, engineering processes, or driving projects, your work ensures that our customers’ products are stored, handled, and delivered with precision. From everyday essentials to seasonal items, what we do in Contract Logistics impacts businesses and communities around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, your contribution goes far beyond the warehouse—it helps shape the flow of global trade.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all crane and lifting operations, ensuring safe and efficient material movement.
• Review and approve lift plans, rigging methods, risk assessments, and critical lift requirements.
• Verify load weights, balance, lifting points, rigging capacity, and safe load paths before lifts.
• Enforce OSHA, ASME, company, and site-specific safety standards; lead pre-lift safety briefings.
• Conduct and oversee crane, rigging, and equipment inspections; remove defective equipment from service.
• Train, mentor, evaluate, and authorize crane operators, riggers, and signal persons; maintain certifications.
• Coordinate lifting activities with operations, maintenance, engineering, and contractors to support business needs.
• Maintain lift logs, inspection records, certifications, and other required documentation.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and equipment issues; implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive lifting safety, operational efficiency, and compliance through ongoing process improvements and oversight.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of crane operation experience (overhead, gantry, or mobile cranes)
• NCCCO or equivalent crane operator certification
• Strong knowledge of rigging, load charts, and lift planning
• Experience in oil & gas, heavy industrial, or high-risk warehouse environments
• Ability to lead, train, and coach operators
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance

Qualifications

• Experience in 3PL or multi-customer warehouse environments is preferred
• Familiarity with WMS systems
• Advanced rigging certification
• Experience with hazardous materials or specialized lifting protocols

Benefits

Kuehne+Nagel offers a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. Base wage is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Health and welfare benefits
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Incentive compensation for eligible roles

Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data.