Operations Supervisor-1st Shift

Forward Air Services•Charlotte, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Supervisor leads day-to-day activities across multimodal transportation, supply chain, and/or contract logistics operations. 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. The position also contributes to problem-solving, process optimization, and issue resolution in fast-paced operational environments. This is an onsite, first-shift role scheduled Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an expectation of covering other shifts as needed. The work takes place in a non-climate-controlled operational setting, with frequent exposure to temperature extremes, moving equipment and vehicles, freight, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise. Occasional outdoor work and travel for related meetings or events may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Valid forklift certification/licensure, or the ability to obtain it before operating equipment, required.
Three or more 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.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment as required by the site, such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, and reach trucks.
Proficiency with Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 applications, and web conferencing tools such as Teams, Zoom, or Webex.
Ability to work onsite and commute to and from the workplace; occasional travel for related meetings or events may be required.
Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality when handling and protecting sensitive information.
Ability to perform extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8–12 hours per shift.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50 pounds without assistance, and occasionally handle 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, including temperature extremes, occasional outdoor conditions and precipitation, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field.
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or similar continuous improvement tools or methodologies.
Exposure to quality, environmental, regulatory, or safety management systems, including ISO standards and applicable OSHA or DOT requirements.
Additional material handling equipment certifications, depending on facility needs.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily operational activities, which may include receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, dispatching, routing, yard management, or other logistics workflows.
Coordinate and prioritize team members’ assignments to meet service, quality, safety, and productivity targets.
Ensure inventory, freight, or equipment is handled, processed, transported, and dispatched safely, accurately, and on time.
Monitor workflow, resource utilization, labor allocation, and equipment usage to support efficient operations.
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 related 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 and make timely decisions to minimize disruption.
Escalate issues appropriately and collaborate with transportation, planning, customer service, engineering, and quality teams.
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.