Operations Supervisor

Forward Air•Brooklyn Center, MN

7d•$65,000 - $75,000•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 an 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 position also plays a critical role in problem-solving, process optimization, and issue resolution in fast-paced operational environments. This is a 100% on-site role, with occasional travel for related meetings or events. The work may involve an 8–12-hour shift and takes place in a non-climate-controlled environment around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/equivalent required.
Valid forklift certification/licensure, or ability to obtain it before operating equipment, is required. Applicable material handling equipment and additional certifications may depend on site needs.
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 and applicable OSHA or DOT requirements.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, reach trucks, and other specialized equipment as required by the site.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands: 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 occasional lifting of 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, and regular exposure to vehicle 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 such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and web-conferencing tools such as Teams, Zoom, or Webex.
Comfort commuting to and working 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.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily operational activities, which may include receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, dispatching, routing, yard management, or other logistics workflows.
Coordinate and prioritize work assignments for team members to meet service, quality, safety, and productivity targets.
Ensure inventory, freight, or equipment is handled, processed, transported, and dispatched safely, accurately, and on time based on operational needs.
Monitor workflow, resource utilization, labor allocation, and equipment usage to support efficient operational execution.
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 activities related to service issues, quality defects, operational delays, process gaps, or customer escalations.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
Identify opportunities to enhance 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 such as transportation, planning, customer service, engineering, and quality.
Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and direction to frontline associates, supporting performance management and fostering a positive team environment.
Support training, onboarding, cross-training, and skill development for team members, including safe and compliant operation of equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.