Operations Supervisor

Forward Air Services•Minneapolis, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Supervisor leads day-to-day activities across contract logistics operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of core service processes. The role provides direct leadership to frontline associates and is accountable for operational performance, safety, quality, and customer service within the assigned function, area, or shift. The supervisor drives productivity, adherence to standard work, and continuous improvement while supporting customer commitments and operational excellence goals. The role also contributes to problem-solving, process optimization, and issue resolution in fast-paced operational environments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/equivalent required.
Valid forklift certification or licensure, or ability to obtain it before operating equipment, required; applicable material handling equipment certifications may be required by the site.
At least 3 years of experience in warehouse, distribution, transportation, or broader supply chain operations, including supervisory or team lead responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise frontline teams in fast-paced operational environments, with a focus on performance management, engagement, and development.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and reporting tools.
Familiarity with operational processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation dispatch, routing, or dock/yard operations.
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or similar continuous improvement tools or methodologies.
Exposure to quality, environmental, regulatory, or safety management systems, such as ISO standards or applicable OSHA or DOT requirements.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment, including pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, reach trucks, and other specialized equipment required by the site.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8–12 hours per shift; lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying freight up to 50 pounds without assistance; and occasionally handling freight up to 75 pounds with assistance or mechanical aids.
Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, with frequent exposure to temperature extremes, occasional outdoor work and precipitation, regular exposure to traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.
Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
Proficiency with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 applications, and web conferencing tools.
Ability to commute to and work in a 100% on-site setting, with occasional travel for related meetings or events.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field.
Additional material handling equipment certifications, depending on facility needs.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily logistics activities, which may include receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, dispatching, routing, yard management, or other workflows.
Coordinate and prioritize team assignments to meet service, quality, safety, and productivity targets.
Ensure inventory, freight, and equipment are handled, processed, transported, and dispatched safely, accurately, and on time.
Monitor workflow, resource utilization, labor allocation, and equipment usage.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and operational policies and procedures.
Promote and enforce safe work practices, lead safety observations, and support facility and/or fleet safety initiatives.
Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, work instructions, and change control processes.
Support audits and compliance activities relating to quality, safety, customer requirements, or regulatory standards such as OSHA or DOT.
Lead and support problem-solving related to service issues, quality defects, operational delays, process gaps, and customer escalations.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
Identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, cost control, asset utilization, and service performance.
Respond to operational issues and service concerns in real time, making timely decisions to minimize disruption.
Escalate issues appropriately and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including transportation, planning, customer service, engineering, and quality.
Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and direction to frontline associates; support performance management and foster a positive team environment.
Support training, onboarding, cross-training, and skill development, including safe and compliant equipment operation.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.