Warehouse Lead

At Winland Foods, we believe excellence starts behind the scenes. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Warehouse Team Members play a crucial role in keeping our operations moving safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

As a Warehouse Team Member, you’ll be responsible for the accurate and efficient movement of goods and materials across warehouse, production, and packaging operations. From operating forklifts to managing inventory and stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO), you’ll ensure our processes run seamlessly and in compliance with the highest safety and food quality standards—including SQF, GMP, and HACCP.

Beyond daily tasks, you may support shipping and receiving, oversee material flow and storage, and contribute to process improvements that make our teams stronger. You may also have opportunities to lead or train team members, building collaboration while sharing knowledge. With responsibilities ranging from inventory control to documentation, you’ll take pride in maintaining a clean, organized workspace that reflects Winland’s commitment to doing things right.

This role is more than moving materials—it’s about keeping promises: to our customers, to our communities, and to one another. By joining Winland, you’ll help deliver food experiences that families can count on, while growing your skills in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

ND Grand Forks

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Warehouse Lead - 2 openings

Job Description:

Schedule:  

Work Location: Grand Forks, ND 

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $26.00 Per Hour 

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness. 9 Holidays. Paid Sick and Vacation. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. 

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance:   

• Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, wrapping machines, and other related equipment. 

• Perform inspections on all equipment and maintain accurate documentation. 

• Follow Department of Transportation (DOT) and safety regulations when applicable. 

• Oversee FIFO inventory control. 

• Manage inbound/outbound shipments. 

• Accurately tag, store, and rotate raw materials and finished goods as required. 

• Conduct inventory counts and monitor material usage. 

• Assist with procurement and space management. 

• Evaluates, modifies, and designs warehouse policies and procedures to maintain Food Safety, Quality, and Integrity.  

• Safely operate yard tractors and commercial vehicles (Class A CDL may be required). 

• Perform inspections and routine maintenance on this additional equipment. 

• Oversee daily material handling processes and troubleshoot operational issues. 

• Optimize workflows to ensure efficiency and minimize downtime. 

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management: 

• Move materials and ensure FIFO rotation. 

• Accurately and timely stage materials to prevent production downtime. 

• Return materials to appropriate locations to ensure they are easily located. 

• Handle recyclable materials according to plant processes. 

• Deliver daily parcel shipments. 

• Participate in inventory counts. 

• Communicate warehouse status (percent utilization, inventory levels, upcoming product expirations, etc) to other teams within the plant. 

• Manage programs related to inventory control. 

• Provide back-up support in the department lead’s absence. 

• Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, and safety regulations in all plant activities. 

• Manage product flow and verify product loads for accuracy. 

• Ensure product accuracy and assist in maintaining first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation. 

• Monitors area cleanliness using company standards and takes corrective action when necessary.

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• Lead investigations and resolutions for inventory issues. 

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance: 

• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.  

• Follow proper storage procedures for allergens, kosher, and organic products. 

• Maintain cleanliness in assigned areas and an audit-ready work environment. 

• Promptly report any safety or quality concerns. 

• Makes recommendations for improving plant cleanliness and sanitation effectiveness.   

• Act as a subject matter expert and mentor for team on material control and enforce accountability. 

• Train employees in food safety protocols and enforce sanitation procedures. 

• Ensure compliance with food safety practices, including the handling and usage of color-coded containers in production areas. 

• Maintain accurate records of safety audits and compliance reports. 

• Uphold company policies and regulatory standards in all operational activities. 

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training: 

• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals. 

• Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training. 

• Assist with SOP development and training. 

• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. 

• Coordinate team activities, assign tasks, lead shift meetings, and train others in advanced operations. 

• Guide and motivate team members to meet goals while maintaining morale. 

• Train employees on operational procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols. 

• Collaborate with R&D during production trials and first production runs. 

• Foster a positive, productive work environment and coach team members on WE systems. 

• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments. 

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement: 

• Use computer systems (e.g., SAP) for inventory transfers and reporting. 

• Work with Customer Service Representatives, Carriers and Drivers on a daily basis to obtain schedule delivery to achieve company goals.

• Maintain accurate material handling records. 

• Participate in improvement projects. 

• Actively participate in all required training. 

• Participate in 5S efforts. 

• Assist in reviewing warehouse paperwork. 

• Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues. 

• Act as 5S champion for area. 

• Lead improvement projects, perform operator-based maintenance, and analyze variance causes. 

• Ensure accurate record-keeping of products, shipments, and inventory. 

• Drive cost-saving and process improvement initiatives. 

• Facilitate clear and timely communication across shifts and departments to align goals. 

• Monitor Warehouse performance, address issues proactively, and provide detailed updates to management. 

Knowledge, Training and Experience: 

Education & Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED required; additional certifications (e.g., Forklift, Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement) a plus.  

• Experience operating equipment like forklifts, box trucks, and SAP inventory management systems.  

• Willingness to obtain required certifications (e.g., forklift, SAP, Train the Trainer, etc.).  

• 18+ years of age.  

Technical & Mechanical Skills: 

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes. 

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities. 

• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills. 

• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues. 

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Safety & Compliance: 

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations. 

• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures. 

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed. 

• Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement. 

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership: 

• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. 

• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. 

• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels). 

• Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision. 

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic: 

• Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed. 

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. 

• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement. 

Physical Demands:   

• Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.   

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.   

• Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.   

• Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.   

• Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.   

• Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.   

• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned   

• Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.  

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.