Freight Team Lead

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The Freight Team Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating freight operations, RMA receiving, ship-complete processing, and shipping-related NCR root cause analysis at the NW Distribution Center. This role provides day-to-day leadership to the Ship Complete, Freight and RMA Receiving teams, ensuring operational accuracy, compliance with company policies and procedures, and continuous process improvement to support the daily on-time shipments and customer satisfaction. The position is based in Newton, NJ, with occasional responsibilities at other Thorlabs locations as needed.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

Freight Coordination & Operations

• Oversee freight operations to ensure compliance with receiving and shipping SOPs.

• Support in preparing and reviewing departmental metrics, demand reports, and performance data.

• Drive process improvements, including FIFO management, system-driven location controls, and adoption of best practices.

• Assist in implementing and utilizing operational tools to support accurate receiving and inventory control.

• Maintain inventory accuracy to support shipment commitments on time. Ship-Complete & Order Fulfillment

• Ensure orders meet ship-complete requirements prior to the processing of shipments.

• Approve and release partial shipments when aligned with business needs in coordination with the sales department.

• Release complete domestic shipments and route international shipments for compliance review.

• Prioritize urgent and high-priority orders to meet customer and business expectations. RMA Receiving & NCR Oversight

• Monitor RMA receiving performance to ensure same-day completion targets are met.

• Partner with the Sales-side RMA Supervisor to review errors and resolve recurring issues.

Support in leading investigations and documentation of shipping-related NCRs, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Maintain error tracking reports and communicate trends to stakeholders.

• Assist in implementing preventive actions to reduce repeat errors and improve overall process performance. Leadership & Team Management •

Provide day-to-day guidance and direction to the Ship Complete, Freight and RMA Receiving teams.

• Assign, prioritize, and monitor daily work to ensure operational goals and service levels are met.

• Support, coach, and guide team members to improve performance, accuracy, and accountability.

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for operational issues and team-related concerns within the distribution center. In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above,

All positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.

• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Requirements:
Physical Activities:

Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times.

Qualifications Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of Warehouse Distribution experience.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in Business or Supply Chain or equivalent, a plus.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and follow-through skills.

• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure with a self-motivated, proactive approach.

• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, data analysis), and standard communication tools.

• Advanced analytical skills to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and errors.

• High level of attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Strong ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Advanced working knowledge of D365 Finance & Operations (F&O). Other: - Hazmat Certification is a plus - Forklift Certification is a plus

Benefits:
Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.