Warehouse Supervisor at PPC Flexible Packaging in Buffalo Grove, IL

The Warehouse Supervisor directs the daily activities of the warehouse, shipping, and receiving functions for a flexible packaging converting operation. This role is accountable for the safe, accurate, and timely movement and storage of raw film, foil, paper, resin, inks, adhesives, solvents, printing cylinders, work-in-process roll stock, and finished goods — including printed rolls, laminated rollstock, and converted pouches.

The Supervisor leads a team of hourly associates, enforces food-safety and GMP requirements, maintains inventory accuracy within the [ERP/WMS] system, and partners with Production, Scheduling, Quality, and Customer Service to meet on-time shipment and inventory accuracy targets. The role carries independent authority over daily work assignments, scheduling, and performance management within the assigned shift.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following are the essential functions of the position. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise, schedule, and direct the daily work of assigned warehouse associates, ensuring appropriate coverage across receiving, put-away, staging, and shipping.

• Interview and recommend candidates for hire; onboard and train new associates on equipment, systems, and safety procedures.

• Set performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, coach associates, and administer corrective action in partnership with Human Resources.

• Approve timecards, manage attendance and time-off requests, and control overtime within budget.

• Lead shift start-up meetings and communicate priorities, safety topics, quality alerts, and customer-critical shipments.

• Foster a respectful, inclusive work environment and ensure consistent application of company policies and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Shipping, Receiving, and Logistics

• Oversee inbound receiving, including verification against purchase orders, packing slips, and certificates of analysis, and the identification and quarantine of nonconforming material.

• Ensure outbound loads are picked, staged, verified, blocked and braced, and loaded to prevent transit damage to rolls and cartons.

• Review and approve bills of lading, packing lists, and shipping documentation; ensure accuracy of labeling, including customer-specific and GS1/barcode requirements.

• Coordinate carrier scheduling, dock appointments, and trailer utilization with freight partners and the [Logistics/Traffic] team.

• Support export documentation and compliance requirements as applicable, including [C-TPAT / customs documentation].

• Investigate and document shipping errors, damages, and carrier claims; implement corrective actions.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture; conduct safety observations, toolbox talks, and near-miss reviews, and ensure prompt hazard correction.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, including powered industrial truck operator training and evaluation, lockout/tagout, hazard communication, and PPE use.

• Verify that only trained and certified operators use lift trucks, clamp trucks, and other powered equipment, and that daily equipment inspections are completed and documented.

• Maintain foreign material control, glass and brittle plastic policies, allergen and chemical segregation, and area cleanliness standards.

• Participate in customer, third-party, and regulatory audits, and complete assigned corrective and preventive actions on time.

• Report and participate in the investigation of injuries, incidents, and property damage.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

• [3]+ years of warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing logistics experience, including [1]+ years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

• Working knowledge of inventory control principles, FIFO rotation, cycle counting, and lot traceability.

• Proficiency with an ERP or WMS system and standard business software (email, spreadsheets, reporting tools).

• Demonstrated knowledge of warehouse safety requirements, including powered industrial truck operation and OSHA general industry standards.

• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, work orders, bills of lading, and material specifications.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills sufficient to lead a team, document incidents, and coordinate across departments.