Material Handler Lead

Lead the Flow That Powers World-Class Shipbuilding as a Material Handler Lead

Location: Manitowoc, WI | Payrate: $22.08 - $26.04/hour

Are you a hands-on logistics professional with leadership experience and a passion for operational excellence? PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Material Handler Lead to support a renowned leader in the maritime industry. In this critical role, you'll oversee material movement, inventory accuracy, and warehouse operations that directly support the construction of exceptional vessels and maritime solutions.

If you're ready to lead a team, drive efficiency, and play a vital role in keeping production moving, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Your Impact

As a Material Handler Lead, you will be the driving force behind the seamless flow of materials throughout the manufacturing process. You'll ensure materials are received, tracked, staged, and delivered accurately while leading a team committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Your leadership will help prevent production delays, maintain inventory integrity, and support the successful delivery of world-class maritime products.

What You'll Do

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and support Material Handlers in daily warehouse and material flow operations.

• Train and coach team members on material handling best practices and ERP transaction accuracy.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Materials, Production, Planning, and other operational teams.

• Coordinate receiving, storage, staging, and delivery of materials throughout the facility.

• Prioritize urgent and critical material requests to ensure uninterrupted production schedules.

• Oversee kitting and staging activities to improve workflow efficiency and productivity.

• Ensure materials are delivered to the correct job, operation, and location.

• Monitor and enforce accurate, real-time ERP transactions including issues, returns, transfers, and receipts.

• Maintain inventory accuracy and investigate discrepancies as they arise.

• Lead and support cycle counts and physical inventory activities.

• Ensure proper material traceability, including tags, heat numbers, certifications, and documentation requirements.

• Collaborate with Planning, Purchasing, and Production teams to improve material availability and flow.

• Identify opportunities to improve warehouse organization, staging strategies, and material handling processes.

• Promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with material handling equipment standards, including forklift and rigging operations.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• 3–5 years of material handling, warehouse, or inventory management experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Previous experience leading, coordinating, or mentoring a team.

• Strong understanding of inventory control, material flow, and warehouse operations.

• Experience with material traceability requirements, including heat numbers, certifications, and documentation control.

• ERP system experience; familiarity with Syteline is highly desirable.

• Experience using computers, handheld scanners, and inventory tracking systems.

• Current forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical training, or related coursework.

• Experience supporting manufacturing, shipbuilding, marine, heavy industrial, or production environments.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, warehouse optimization, or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience driving process improvements that increase efficiency and inventory accuracy.

Physical Requirements

This role is active and hands-on within a warehouse and shipyard environment. Responsibilities may include:

• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials up to 50 pounds.

• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and movement throughout the workday.

• Standing and walking for extended periods.

• Operating forklifts and material handling equipment.

• Occasional climbing of stairs or ladders.

• Working in varying environmental conditions common to manufacturing and shipyard operations.

Apply Today!

If you're an experienced material handling professional ready to take the next step into a leadership role, we want to hear from you.

Join PDS Tech Commercial and help keep the materials moving, the teams productive, and the future of maritime manufacturing on course.

Apply today and become a key leader in powering world-class shipbuilding operations!

Pay Details: $22.08 to $26.04 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.