Receiving Lead

About the Role:

The Receiving Lead plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and accurate intake of goods within a Sales and Distribution environment. This position is responsible for overseeing the receiving team and coordinating the receipt, inspection, and proper documentation of incoming shipments to maintain inventory accuracy and operational flow. The Receiving Lead ensures compliance with company policies and safety standards while fostering a productive and collaborative team environment.

A thorough understanding of warehouse dynamics—specifically as they relate to receiving processes—is essential. As a key operational point of contact, the Receiving Lead must be personable and possess the ability to influence others and drive cross-functional alignment without direct authority over departments outside their immediate scope. This role requires close collaboration with warehouse, inventory control, and logistics teams to resolve discrepancies and optimize receiving processes. Ultimately, the Receiving Lead contributes to the overall supply chain effectiveness by guaranteeing that all received products meet quality standards and are processed promptly for distribution.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience: Proven experience in a receiving or warehouse role within a distribution center or related industry.

• Knowledge: Basic knowledge of inventory management systems and standard receiving procedures.

• Leadership & Influence: Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage a team and influence stakeholders without relying on direct report relationships.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move heavy items and work in a physically demanding warehouse environment.

• Education & Credentials: Associate degree or certification in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

• Systems & Technology: At least 2+ years of experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), SAP, and barcode scanning technology.

• Leadership: Previous leadership experience (as an individual contributor) in a warehouse or receiving department.

• Process & Safety: Strong problem-solving skills, experience in process improvement initiatives, and familiarity with warehouse safety regulations and compliance standards.

• Team Leadership & Dynamics: Assist the Receiving Supervisor with leading the receiving team to ensure timely and accurate processing of incoming shipments; understand warehouse dynamics and lead by example on the dock.

• Quality & Compliance Inspection: Inspect incoming goods for quality, quantity, and compliance with purchase orders and company standards.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate closely with warehouse, inventory control, and logistics teams to update inventory records and resolve discrepancies effectively through influence and clear communication.

• Safety & Operations: Maintain a safe, organized receiving area; enforce safety protocols and operational procedures in compliance with OSHA regulations. Assist with monthly safety trainings as needed.

• Training & Mentorship: Train and mentor receiving staff to improve performance, efficiency, and adherence to company policies.

• Engagement & Energy: Actively boost team energy and engagement during grueling or high-pressure periods, fostering a positive, professional work environment on the dock.

• Workflow Optimization: Continuously assess the physical layout of the dock and staging lanes, moving product or slightly adjusting the receiving sequence to prevent congestion and speed up truck turnaround time.

• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate effectively with suppliers, carriers, and internal departments to facilitate smooth receiving operations.

• Reporting & Auditing: Generate and maintain accurate receiving reports and documentation for audit and inventory purposes.

• General: Other duties as assigned based on business needs.

• Warehouse & Process Expertise: In-depth understanding of warehouse dynamics, staging, and intake procedures to optimize receiving workflows.

• Interpersonal Influence & Communication: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate, build trust, and influence team members and peer departments without direct authority.

• Organization & Detail Orientation: Strong organizational abilities paired with meticulous attention to detail when inspecting shipments and verifying documentation to maintain inventory accuracy.

• Technical Proficiency: Experience and comfort operating inventory management systems (including SAP and standard WMS) and mobile scanning technology.

• Problem-Solving & Agility: Strong problem-solving abilities to proactively address dock congestion, process bottlenecks, and shipping discrepancies in high-demand environments.