Job Description

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping learners around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Lead Forklift Operator for 3rd Shift

The 3rd Shift Stock Control Lead, a valued member of Cengage’s Distribution Team, leads warehouse forklift operations safely and efficiently overnight. This position is the primary contact for forklift operators and guarantees that inventory is accurately received, stored, replenished, and shipped. The role maintains standards for productivity, quality, and safety. In addition to driving powered industrial trucks (PIT), the Lead Forklift Operator offers direction, training, and support to team members and assists management in meeting departmental goals.

The 3rd Shift Stock Control Lead combines operating equipment directly with handling shift activities. This person advises the daily work of forklift operators, prioritizes tasks, monitors output, supports issue resolution, and develops a safe and productive environment. The role demands safe operation of powered industrial trucks at heights reaching 40 feet, handling inventory, mentoring colleagues, and adhering to company rules.

Essential duties & responsibilities

Leadership Responsibilities

• Act as the primary associate responsible for all forklift operations during the 3rd shift.
• Coordinate daily workloads and assign tasks to forklift operators based on operational priorities.
• Supervise productivity, quality, accuracy, and safety performance of team members.
• Train, coach, and mentor new and existing forklift operators on equipment operation, safety requirements, and warehouse procedures.
• Assist supervisors and managers with communication of shift goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Serve as the main point of contact for team members by answering operational inquiries and handling common challenges.
• Assist in maintaining staffing coverage and workflow continuity throughout the shift.
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, inventory discrepancies, and performance concerns to management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and encourage partnership across departments.

Operational Responsibilities

• Safely operate appropriate PIT equipment to unload trailers and move inventory throughout the distribution center.
• Apply RF equipment and warehouse management systems to perform inventory transactions accurately.
• Use voice-directed picking systems and apply the phonetic alphabet to guarantee order accuracy.
• Conduct replenishment of full-case inventory to picking shelves and designated storage locations.
• Perform product moves and inventory transfers as advised.
• Verify and maintain accurate inventory counts and location integrity.
• Ensure all pallet configurations meet company standards and are stacked safely to maximum capacity.
• Load, unload, stage, and transport inventory while minimizing product damage.
• Perform cycle counts and inventory audits as assigned.
• Apply fall protection and safety harnesses in accordance with company and OSHA regulations.
• Maintain productivity standards while ensuring quality and safety expectations are met.
• Support receiving, shipping, replenishment, and storage operations as workload demands.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Types of equipment used

• Turret Stock Picker
• Cherry Picker / Order Picker
• Reach Truck
• Runner
• RC Truck
• Electric Pallet Jack
• Other Powered Industrial Trucks as needed

Skills, knowledge & experience

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience is required.
• Minimum 2 years of warehouse and powered industrial truck experience.
• Proven leadership, coaching, or lead-person experience in a distribution or warehouse environment.
• Valid PIT certification or ability to maintain certification.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, inventory control, and safety procedures.
• Ability to accurately recognize and match alpha and numeric inventory information.
• Ability to effectively connect with employees, supervisors, and management.
• Practical experience with RF scanners and warehouse management systems.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, push, pull, and reach throughout a 10-hour shift.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility to work overtime and adjust priorities as business needs require.
• Dedication to upholding a safe and efficient work environment.

Preferred

• Previous Lead, Team Lead, or Supervisor experience.
• Distribution center experience.
• Experience working with voice-guided picking systems.
• Experience training and developing warehouse employees.
• Extensive understanding of inventory control and warehouse management systems.

Key competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Safety Awareness & OSHA Compliance
• Inventory Accuracy
• Communication & Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Time Management
• Operational Excellence
• Accountability & Reliability
• Continuous Improvement

This version upgrades the role from forklift operator to a working lead position. The lead supervises all 3rd shift forklift operators and remains involved in warehouse operations. Join us in this ambitious role to implement world-class standards and detailed operations.

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com

About Cengage

Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

$22.00 - $28.00 USD