Position Description: Warehouse Team Lead
Title: Warehouse Team Lead
Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
Company: Host Terminals, LLC
Reports To: Terminal Manager
Supervises: Operators and Clerks
Location: Avondale, LA
Avondale Global Gateway is a 254-acre former shipyard on Mile 108 of the Mississippi River, redeveloped into a multimodal logistics terminal with significant warehousing and storage capabilities. T. Parker Host acquired Avondale in 2018 from Huntington Ingalls Industries and has since reestablished its iconic prominence into a model of ingenuity. Avondale Global Gateway is a historic property with four docks and over one mile of waterfront, uniquely accommodating ships, barges, rail and trucks. This facility offers immediate access to the regional and interstate highway system and is positioned at the interchange of six Class I railroads, creating the ability for cargo to be distributed in all directions.
Avondale Global Gateway has become integral to HOST's continued efforts of shifting the transportation paradigm and rethinking how cargo moves - providing exceptional service and solutions to our customers.
Position Summary: The Warehouse Team Lead is responsible for overseeing daily warehouse operations, with a primary focus on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Warehouse. This role ensures that all activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards. Core operations include loading various products onto trucks and rail for outbound shipments.
Key responsibilities include planning and managing product space allocation, staging, warranting, labor assignments, and inventory control. The Warehouse Team Lead is also responsible for training team members, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), and driving process improvements. This position requires close coordination with marine operations and logistics teams to ensure seamless and timely execution of warehouse activities.
Core Principles: All employees must demonstrate an ability to adhere to and understand the core principles of the company. This team member must be able to provide value and depth to the Core Principles of Host Terminals.
Our PEOPLE are our greatest assets
Their SAFETY is our top priority
We provide exceptional SERVICE
We believe every RELATIONSHIP is important
We build on our LEGACY
We conduct all business with INTEGRITY
We know today's OPPORTUNITIES are tomorrow's growth
We are DETECTIVES, understanding all activities within our markets
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
Safety & Compliance
Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, operational, and business policies, procedures, and directives.
Lead and support company safety programs, driving safe work practices across the team.
Ensure work areas are safe and that all team members are equipped with and using the required PPE.
Conduct regular inspections of work areas to verify compliance with safety regulations.
Enforce equipment care policies and confirm adherence by yard staff.
Maintain safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency standards at all times.
Operations
Collaborate with terminal employees to ensure product transfers are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Review daily yard orders with supervisors and plan work assignments accordingly.
Oversee space allocation in laydown areas for incoming cargo.
Oversee daily truck volume to meet customer requirements and company objectives.
Oversee operations, labor, and production activities within the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) warehouse.
Maintain accurate identification of grid locations within the warehouse.
Identify operational challenges, resolve issues where possible, and escalate concerns or recommendations to terminal management.
Operate warehouse equipment and machinery as needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Equipment & Inventory
Ensure equipment allocation aligns with workload demands.
Monitor equipment condition and ensure proper maintenance in line with company policies.
Evaluate supply needs and initiate purchase requests as required.
Leadership & Training
Drive team performance through adherence to KPIs and production expectations.
Develop and train employees to strengthen workforce skills and promote a safer, more effective labor force.
Oversee CME warehouse training programs, ensuring staff are properly trained on labor requirements and equipment use.
Provide leadership, training, and support to less experienced team members.
Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:
Bachelor's degree is strongly preferred; minimum of 3+ years of relevant terminal or warehouse operations experience, including team leadership.
Previous experience in cargo handling and heavy machinery operations required; experience with breakbulk or metal-grade products strongly preferred.
Proven ability to lead and develop engaged teams through positive leadership strategies; skilled in coaching, motivating, and holding team members accountable.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build effective working relationships at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to analyze situations, make sound decisions, and resolve issues quickly, safely, and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Self-starter with strong initiative, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining a focus on safety, efficiency, and team success.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform physical work in all weather conditions and around heavy machinery, which may present hazardous conditions.
Must meet "fit for duty" requirements upon job offer, including pre-employment physical and drug testing.
Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks such as pulling ropes to tie up ships/barges, shoveling, and other manual cleanup duties.
Must be physically able to climb and descend ladders and stairs to access all levels of port operating equipment.
Requires sufficient physical, mental, and dexterity capabilities to safely perform job functions.
Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Flexibility to work varying shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
