Overview

Reporting to the Inventory Manager and working closely with the Inventory Assistant Manager, the Inventory Team Lead supports the day-to-day operations of the Donation Centre inventory team. As a working leader, this role provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and coordination while ensuring the safe, efficient movement, storage, and organization of donated goods throughout the Donation Centre.

The Inventory Team Lead contributes to WINS' mission by supporting employees, volunteers, donors, and customers while maintaining inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and a safe working environment. The role reinforces health and safety standards, helps coordinate daily workflow and priorities, and supports operational continuity by assisting the Inventory Manager and Inventory Assistant Manager in achieving departmental goals.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Daily Coordination

Support the Inventory Manager and Inventory Assistant Manager with the day-to-day coordination of the Inventory team. Lead by example while working alongside team members to ensure daily operational goals are achieved. Provide day-to-day coaching, guidance, and support to employees and volunteers. Assist with onboarding and training employees and volunteers on WINS standards, operational procedures, and safe work practices. Monitor productivity, work quality, and safety practices, escalating concerns to the Inventory Assistant Manager or Inventory Manager as required. Foster a respectful, collaborative, and positive team environment. Support other operational areas within the Donation Centre as required.

Inventory Control and Material Flow

Receive, inspect, and evaluate donated goods to determine acceptance and appropriate handling. Gather required information to support donation tax receipts. Transfer donated merchandise to designated processing, storage, and distribution areas. Maintain the efficient flow of inventory throughout the Donation Centre. Organize and store inventory to maximize operational efficiency and maintain a safe work environment. Support inventory replenishment for WINS retail locations by preparing and moving merchandise as required.

Equipment Operation & Material Handling

Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment in accordance with WINS policies and safe work practices. Move inventory throughout the Donation Centre using appropriate equipment and lifting techniques. Bale recyclable materials and prepare recycling and disposal items for storage and collection. Complete routine equipment inspections and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.

Donor & Volunteer Support

Welcome donors in a friendly, professional, and appreciative manner. Provide an exceptional donor experience while evaluating incoming donations. Build positive relationships with employees, volunteers, donors, and customers. Support and engage volunteers by providing guidance, coaching, and a positive volunteer experience.

Teamwork & Communication

Maintain effective communication with the Inventory Manager, Inventory Assistant Manager, and other departments. Collaborate with the Sort & Pricing, Fleet, Retail, and Program teams to support organizational priorities. Communicate operational issues, equipment concerns, and opportunities for improvement to the Inventory Management team. Support a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Health & Safety

Follow and promote all WINS health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment. Ensure the safe operation and care of forklifts, pallet jacks, balers, and other equipment. Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and equipment concerns promptly. Wear and promote the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Acting Coverage (Inventory Continuity)

Act as the primary inventory point-of-contact during assigned shifts when the Inventory Manager and Assistant Inventory Manager are unavailable. Help coordinate daily inventory priorities and ensure key workflows continue (intake flow, rough sort movement, storage/rotation, recycling/disposal). Troubleshoot routine operational issues within scope and escalate exceptions to the Inventory Management team as required. Document shift updates and handoff notes for the Inventory Manager/Assistant Manager (issues, decisions made, pending follow-ups).

Requirements

Legally eligible to work in Canada.

Education

Grade 12 diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence with a satisfactory Driver's Abstract. Forklift certification, or the ability to obtain certification.

Experience

Minimum 1–3 years of experience in warehouse, inventory, logistics, retail, distribution, or a related environment. Minimum 1 year of team leadership or supervisory experience. Forklift operating certification is required Experience working in a fast-paced warehouse or distribution environment.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and motivate others. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining inventory accuracy. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing operational needs. Basic numeracy skills and the ability to accurately count and track inventory. Ability to build positive relationships with employees, volunteers, donors, and customers. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment. Flexibility to work a rotating schedule Monday through Sunday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a warehouse and donation processing environment with regular exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, moving equipment, and large volumes of donated merchandise. Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, crouching, and repetitive movements throughout the workday. Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of donated merchandise and equipment. Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg) independently and up to 100 lbs (45 kg) as part of a team. Frequent operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, balers, and other material handling equipment. Frequent interaction with employees, volunteers, donors, customers, and other departments in a fast-paced environment. Required to wear CSA-approved steel-toed safety footwear and any required personal protective equipment (PPE).