Warehouse Team lead - job 1 of 2

As a Warehouse Team Lead at Ryder in Naperville, you'll oversee various operations within the warehouse, including loading, packing, and shipping. A significant part of your role involves allocating resources and organizing daily work duties, inspiring your team to reach Key Performance Indicator (KPI) goals while ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. You'll be responsible for dealing with paperwork and compiling daily reports, thus playing a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of the operations.

To be eligible for the Warehouse Team Lead position at Ryder, you typically need at least a high school diploma and one year of experience working with powered industrial trucks along with team lead responsibilities. Additionally, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and prior warehouse experience can enhance your application. A valid forklift operator's license is also required to ensure safe operations while you lead your team.

At Ryder, the Warehouse Team Lead role comes with generous benefits, including a competitive pay of $19.50 per hour and a $2.50 shift premium. Employees receive weekly pay, health care benefits starting at 30 days of employment, paid time off, a company-matched 401(k), and access to significant employee discounts. Our commitment to your safety and well-being is evident in our provision of safety gear and ongoing training!

Ryder provides extensive on-the-job training to ensure that every Warehouse Team Lead is well-prepared for their duties. You'll receive orientation to familiarize yourself with company processes and will be given the tools, technology, and information necessary to excel in your role. Our investment in training helps set you up for success and fosters a growing environment for leadership within the company.

At Ryder, safety is the top priority. As a Warehouse Team Lead, you will be responsible for promoting and implementing health and safety working methods in the warehouse. Our commitment includes providing safety gear, continuous training on safety protocols, and ensuring that everyone adheres to best practices. This creates a safe and efficient working environment where both you and your team can thrive.

When discussing your leadership style, focus on how you adapt your approach to meet the needs of your team. Highlight specific instances where you motivated employees through encouragement, set clear expectations, and utilized team members' strengths to improve performance. Also, mention the importance of open communication and feedback in building a productive atmosphere.

To manage conflict effectively, first, listen to both sides to understand their perspectives. Then, facilitate a constructive discussion, focusing on finding common ground and a solution that benefits the team. Emphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism and collaboration, reiterating how working together toward common goals can resolve personal differences.

In organizing daily tasks, I prioritize communication and delegation. I appreciate using tools like task lists and schedules to allocate resources efficiently. I also believe in being adaptable; if challenges arise, I reassess workloads and adjust as necessary to ensure operations continue smoothly. These strategies not only improve efficiency but also keep the team engaged and informed.

When discussing process improvements, provide a concrete example. Share how you identified an area needing enhancement, such as streamlining the packing process. Detail the steps taken to implement this change, which might include training team members, utilizing technology, and measuring the results. This demonstrates your ability to lead and create a culture of continuous improvement.

To prioritize safety, I advocate for rigorous training and adherence to established safety protocols. I also engage team members in safety discussions, ensuring they feel comfortable reporting hazards. Leading by example is crucial; I consistently follow safety measures and encourage my team to prioritize their well-being and that of their colleagues.

Highlight relevant experience with operating forklifts and RF scanners, as these are vital in a warehouse setting. Discuss any formal training or certifications that demonstrate your skills in handling equipment safely and efficiently. Share examples of how your experience with machinery has positively impacted task completion rates or team efficiency.

When faced with high-pressure situations, I remain composed and focused on the tasks at hand. Describe how you prioritize actions based on urgency, communicate clearly with your team to keep everyone informed, and embody a calm demeanor to instill confidence. This approach can lead to effective problem-solving even in stressful scenarios.

Share a specific example that illustrates how you fostered team morale. This could involve organizing team-building activities, recognizing individual achievements, or creating an open space for feedback and suggestions. Stress the positive outcomes of these efforts, like enhanced teamwork and increased productivity, to showcase the benefits of a happy work environment.

Mention any relevant software or systems you’ve previously worked with, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or inventory software. Discuss how proficiency in these tools helps you manage resources effectively, track inventory dynamically, and streamline warehouse operations, indicating your commitment to efficiency and technological adaptability.

Explain your method for monitoring performance metrics, including the KPIs you track, such as order accuracy or pick rates. Discuss tools you use to compile reports and your approach to analyzing these metrics to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. This shows your analytical skills and commitment to operational excellence.