Heartland Technology Group
Description:
We are seeking a proactive and highly organized Water Spider / Material Handler Team Lead to oversee and support material flow operations on the production floor. This role is critical in ensuring timely delivery of materials to workstations, minimizing downtime, and leading a team of material handlers (Water Spiders) to maintain a smooth, efficient, and safe production environment.
The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles (especially the Water Spider concept), and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Requirements:
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Material Handling Duties (Water Spider Role):
- Ensure clean and safe work area.
- Understand, support and act within the company's Core Values.
- Follow standard work procedures, safety guidelines, and 5S practices.
- Use a stand-up, roll clap and sit-down forklifts efficiently and safely.
- Train new hires on stand-up, roll clamp, sit-down forklifts and policies and procedures.
- Deliver raw materials, components, tools, and supplies to designated presses and/racking locations.
- Work with the Scheduling department on raw material needs for daily production activities.
- Assist with line-side staging of materials for upcoming production runs. Replenish inventory points to ensure continuous workflow. Monitor inventory levels at workstations and communicate shortages to Operations Manager, scheduling or warehouse personnel.
- Change the forklift batteries, as needed.
- Remove empty containers, scrap materials, and completed products to appropriate locations.
- Maintain accurate records of material movements using logs, labels, or scanning systems.
- Support inventory counts, material audits, and quality checks as needed. Assist with monthly and yearly physical inventory as required.
- Communicate effectively with production team members, team leads, and other cross functional teams.
Team Leadership:
- Train and mentor, a team of Water Spiders / Material Handlers across assigned shifts.
- Work with Operations Manager to assign and monitor daily tasks to ensure optimal coverage and productivity.
- Train new team members on standard work, safety protocols, and lean practices.
- Monitor team performance and work with the Operations Manager to provide feedback or corrective action as necessary.
- Serve as the point of contact between material handling staff and production supervisors.
Inventory & Coordination:
- Collaborate with shipping, receiving, sales support, and operations staff to ensure material availability.
- Report discrepancies in material supply or quality and coordinate with procurement or shipping and receiving as needed.
- Support cycle counts and inventory audits.
Continuous Improvement:
- Identify and implement process improvements related to material handling and internal logistics.
- Lead or participate in kaizen events, gambas, safety walks, and cross-functional improvement projects.
Qualifications:
Required:
- High school diploma or GED.
- 1+ years of experience in material handling, warehouse, or manufacturing logistics.
- 1+ years of experience in a leadership or team lead role.
- Ability to read and interpret production documents, Kanban cards, and material requests.
- Forklift certification (or ability to obtain).
Preferred:
- Experience with ERP or MRP systems.
- Knowledge of safety and OSHA regulations.
- Prior training in 5S, Standard Work, and/or Just-In-Time (JIT) systems.
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and the Water Spider concept.
Skills & Competencies:
- Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
- Accuracy- Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
- Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention, monitor, and communicate the minute details of a project or task.
- Safety Awareness – Ability to identify and correct conditions that effect employee safety. Follow established safety procedures and report any accidents ASAP.
- Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.
- Communication, Oral –Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
- Communication, written – Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
- Mathematical – Basic math skills • Ability to lead by example and motivate others.
- Ability to lead by example and motivate others.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.
Working Conditions:
- Frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs).
- Exposure to manufacturing environment noise, temperature, and equipment.
- May require use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Preferred Experience:
- Manufacturing / Warehousing and tow motor experience a plus.
- Demonstrated leadership experience
Required Skills, Education and/ or Certifications:
- Basic computer skills
- Forklift certified
- Problem solving and organizational skills
- Understanding of excel.
- Excellent multitasking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to become certified Heartland PIV trainer.
- Ability to learn a new ERP System.
Equal Opportunity Employer- Including Disabled and Veterans
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI277481468
