Shipping/Material Handling Supervisor

Job Summary

The Shipping & Material Handling Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all shipping, receiving, storage, and material movement activities within the manufacturing plant. This role ensures accurate, timely, and cost-effective handling of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards. The position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance Engineering & Technology (MET), Planning, and Customer Service to support equipment reliability, storage capacity planning, and error-free customer shipments.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily shipping, receiving, warehouse, and material handling operations to ensure efficient workflow and on-time customer deliveries
• Lead, train, schedule, and evaluate material handlers, forklift operators, and shipping personnel
• Ensure accurate inventory movement, staging, and transaction processing within ERP/WMS and ASRS systems
• Work closely with the Planning organization and Customer Service in Corning, NY to achieve targets for KPIs including error-free customer shipments and adherence to delivery commitments
• Ensure adequate storage capacity planning and maintain ASRS storage projections for Wilmington Plant finished goods inventory
• Cook up with Engineering and MET to support the implementation of equipment changes, upgrades, and process improvements
• Direct MET and warehouse technicians with daily troubleshooting and repair of warehouse and material handling equipment, including ASRS, conveyors, and forklifts
• Oversee loading and unloading of trucks (IB freight & receiving), verifying quantities, condition, and shipping documentation
• Enforce safety policies, OSHA requirements, and proper operation of material handling equipment
• Maintain organized warehouse and storage areas to support safe and efficient material flow
• Partner with planning team to achieve business performance metrics, including ship-to-promise, ship-to-request, error-free shipments (PPM), on-time delivery, inventory accuracy (cycle counts), and labor efficiency; identify trends and implement corrective actions as needed
• Cook up with procurement teams to investigate and resolve shipment discrepancies, inventory issues, and equipment-related disruptions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing, 5S, and waste reduction activities
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and customer requirements
• Maintain all department SOPs & documentation to ensure compliance within internal/external audits and ISO 9000/TL9000 requirements

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Engineering, or Supply Chain Management desired); or
• Associate’s degree with 5+ years of relevant supervisory experience in shipping, material handling, warehouse operations, or a manufacturing environment.

Experience Requirements

• 3+ years of experience within a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated experience in shipping, material handling, or warehouse operations
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience required

Required Competencies

• Effective communication skills (within team, across the plant, and with external stakeholders)
• Decision-making and prioritization in a fast-paced environment
• People management and employee development
• Coaching and team-building capability
• Conflict resolution and employee relations skills
• Mechanical aptitude to assist with troubleshooting warehouse and material handling equipment
• Working knowledge of warehouse operations, material flow, and inventory control
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, MET, Planning, and Customer Service
• Proficiency with standard computer applications, PS/SAP ERP and WMS systems experience desired

Preferred Competencies

• Experience with automated warehouse systems and ASRS operations
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, Kanban, or just-in-time inventory systems
• Familiarity with DOT, export shipping, or hazardous material regulations
• Experience supporting equipment upgrades, automation projects, or process improvement initiatives

Physical & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, and navigating areas of the warehouse/locations within the facility
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment including noise, dust, and temperature variations