Warehouse Lead

About the role

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the world's largest independent bottler for retailers and A-brands, distributing products worldwide from production sites in Europe and North America. Our ambition is to continually improve, driving innovation and solving challenges to stay at the top of our industry.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and required personal protective equipment (PPE) in warehouse or production areas (e.g., hairnets, beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard-toe shoes, gloves, seatbelts for forklift operation).
• Follow food quality and safety guidelines per Refresco, customer, and governing body (e.g., SQF) standards.
• Establish priorities and direct the loading workforce to meet customer demands.
• Plan and execute logistics with trucking firms to ensure timely pick-up and delivery while minimizing freight costs.
• Implement processes to maximize inventory consistency and accuracy.
• Review and resolve operational problems to minimize costs and prevent delays.
• Manage business metrics and budgets, including yield, labor efficiency, and overhead expenses.
• Demonstrate leadership to warehouse employees to ensure consistent work quality.
• Maintain effective communication of expectations and goals throughout the warehouse.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and corporate standards; investigate root causes of non-compliance.
• Promote a safe working environment through accident reduction strategies and energy/waste minimization.
• Oversee human resource deployment and administer collective bargaining agreements when applicable.
• Back up Warehouse Supervisor responsibilities as needed.
• Perform driving activities and production machine operation duties as directed.
• Clean and maintain work areas throughout the shift.
• Represent the company positively at all times.

Requirements

• High School Certification or equivalent (GED).
• 3+ years of work experience in a manufacturing environment; food/beverage manufacturing preferred.
• Forklift certification by an approved Refresco trainer.
• Basic operation knowledge of powered industrial trucks.
• Capability to read and write job instructions in the specified language(s) for the location.
• Ability to work under deadline pressures.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to change.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Skills

• Problem-Solving: Quickly identify and resolve operational issues.
• Technology: Familiarity with warehouse management software, SAP, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Cognitive: Analyze data and process parameters to optimize production.
• Safety and Risk Management: Participate in safety audits and inspections to ensure a safe working environment.

Schedule

Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and holidays may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced production plant with moving parts; hearing protection required due to noise levels.
• Temperatures may vary from very hot to relatively cold.
• Structured and supervised environment.
• Travel anticipated: Rarely.

Physical Requirements

• Standing or Sitting: Frequently (46-100%).
• Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl: Occasionally (16-45%).
• Lifting: Up to 50 lbs (minimum 5 lbs); carry weight and lift frequently (46-100%).
• Walking: Frequently (46-100%).
• Driving (Forklift): Frequently (46-100%).
• Climbing (Stairs/Ladders) or Balancing: Rarely (0-15%).
• Visual/Sensory: Moderate attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Coordination and Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise equipment control.
• Mental Stress: Pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy demands.