Warehouse Lead

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with catsdesigning intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what's possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we're imagining that future today.

We work onsite with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.

What You'll Do

The Warehouse Lead oversees and coordinates the work of assigned associates, ensuring materials are safely received, accurately stored, and efficiently delivered to designated areas on schedule. This role may also provide backup support to other members of the warehouse leadership team as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Leads a team in the Receiving department to support efficient material flow and maintain productivity
• Coordinates with other Leads and departments to identify and resolve operational challenges in a collaborative manner
• Conducts regular equipment inspections, enforces safety policies, and models best practices for others
• Assists other departments with the movement of incoming and outgoing materials
• Fills in for fellow Warehouse Facilitators when they are on vacation or otherwise off-site
• Performs inventory cycle counts throughout the year and participate in physical inventory events
• Takes part in daily and weekly departmental meetings to align on goals and progress
• Balances responsibilities between hands-on warehouse duties and administrative tasks, adjusting as needed based on workload and staffing
• Evaluates departmental plans and goals to ensure associates are properly aligned and equipped for success
• Prepares and manages work schedules, rotations, and assignments to maintain consistent productivity
• Communicates effectively with other departments to ensure cross-functional objectives are met
• Assists in training new associates to ensure standardized processes and operational consistency
• Fosters clear and concise communication with associates to drive engagement and understanding
• Identifies and addresses bottlenecks, collaborating with cross-functional teams to eliminate inefficiencies
• Partners with the Supervisor to ensure a smooth, productive shift that meets departmental objectives
• Uses email and other electronic communications appropriately and in line with company policy
• Communicates needs and issues promptly to the appropriate parties as they arise
• Obtains and maintains certification for operating all power equipment at Whisker (e.g., forklift, pallet jack, etc.)
• Builds positive working relationships with coworkers to foster good morale and cooperation
• Helps plan, coordinate, and delegate work responsibilities to the production team
• Coordinates the flow of work within or between lines and departments to maximize production
• Communicates between departments to share pertinent information and optimize plant results Evaluates the availability and capability of workers, parts, materials, and equipment
• Trains employees on proper practices, processes, and cultural expectations to ensure effective results
• Helps coach and mentor team members
• Cross-trains within other departments to provide coverage or assistance
• Elevates concerns and issues to peers and management
• Fills in for the Supervisor as needed
• Perform additional responsibilities as required

What You'll Bring

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Prior experience in a lead role
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs safely
• Ability to bend, climb ladders, push, pull, and reach as needed
• Comfortable working in various temperature conditions
• Ability to follow directions and operate hand and power tools
• Mechanical aptitude and good dexterity
• Positive attitude with a strong work ethic
• Organized, detail-oriented, and efficient in task completion
• Able to work in a fast-paced assembly environment
• Willingness to learn different areas of the company
• Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information
• Ability to remain professional in a high-interaction, fast-paced setting
• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others
• Proven ability to build and maintain cooperative working relationships

Not Required but Nice to Have!

• Previous people leadership or team lead experience
• Background in shipping, warehouse, or logistics operations
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems
• Proficiency with Google Workspace tools, including Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Calendar

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands outlined below represent those that a Team Member must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The Team Member frequently uses their hands to handle or feel objects and occasionally stands, walks, and reaches with their hands and arms. The Team Member must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Benefits & Purrks

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the "why", and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow's pet productsplus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.