Lead Receiving Associate

About the role

The Receiving & Putaway Lead oversees daily receiving and putaway operations within the Distribution Center, ensuring the accurate, timely, and safe processing of inbound shipments. This role is responsible for coordinating receiving activities, inventory placement, material flow, and team performance while maintaining inventory accuracy and supporting operational productivity goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily receiving and putaway operations to ensure inbound freight is processed accurately and efficiently.
• Schedule workloads, assign tasks, and monitor performance across receiving and putaway associates.
• Cook up the unloading, inspection, verification, and receipt of inbound shipments.
• Ensure efficient material flow from receiving docks to designated storage locations.
• Maintain real-time coordination with Inventory Control, Picking, and Shipping departments to support inventory availability and order fulfillment requirements.
• Monitor inventory placement and putaway accuracy to ensure optimal warehouse organization and space utilization.
• Track and report receiving productivity, putaway performance, and inventory accuracy metrics; identify and address process inefficiencies.
• Investigate and resolve receiving discrepancies, damaged product issues, and inventory variances.
• Support the use of warehouse management systems (WMS) to ensure timely and accurate transaction processing.
• Lead, train, and coach Receiving & Putaway Associates on safety procedures, warehouse processes, equipment operation, and quality expectations.
• Conduct daily start-up meetings and communicate operational priorities and performance targets.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, teamwork, and customer service.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback and support employee development initiatives.
• Ensure all receiving and putaway activities comply with OSHA regulations and Sonepar safety policies.
• Conduct routine safety observations and audits, ensuring associates utilize required PPE and operate equipment safely.
• Cook with the Safety and Maintenance teams regarding equipment inspections, facility concerns, and incident reporting.
• Ensure compliance with inventory handling procedures and warehouse operating standards.

Qualifications

• Required Experience: 2+ years of experience in warehouse, distribution, logistics, or inventory operations; 1-2 years of leadership, lead, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Equipment Experience: Experience operating material handling equipment such as forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks preferred.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanners, and inventory control processes.