Warehouse​/Distribution Lead

Overview

Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Position:
Warehouse Lead

Starting Pay: $21.00 per hour

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES

Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones  products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, frames, announcements, and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty, and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones.

Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.

The Herff Jones Cap & Gown team, based in Arcola, IL is looking for a Distribution Lead to join our leadership team.

Here s How You’ll Make an Impact: Reporting to the Distribution Supervisor, the goal of the Distribution Lead is to challenge and support all team members as we strive toward our overall mission to be the ‘company of choice’ for the graduation apparel markets while also meeting annual financial goals of the plant and company.

• This position requires the employee to be able to work in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with all Company safety rules. This position requires excellent communication skills and must be able to work as a Team Player in a Team environment.
• Coordinates the daily activities of Warehouse Order Processing, Accessories and Hoods.
• Assists in maintaining an uninterrupted flow of orders through the department.
• Expedites rush and specialty orders to ensure their timely delivery to the customer.
• Make sure all areas have adequate stock to fill orders.
• Coordinates the placing of returned apparel back into inventory.
• Lead trainer for new employees, including seasonal warehouse processing staff.
• Assists in line processing, inventory control or accessories as needed.
• Assumes responsibility of the department in the supervisor’s absence.
• Assists in inventory control of all finished goods inventories.
• Coordinates movement of processed orders to the shipping system.

• Schedule staff production requirements and hold daily team meetings to communicate production goals.
• Participate in the hiring process and train new associates in your department.
• Advise on written job descriptions for any new positions and review existing job descriptions to keep current.
• Review and contribute to department SOPs and process improvement.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, programs and legal regulations regarding employment, safety, employee relations and training.

• Must have adequate computer skills.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Needs to have basic working knowledge of Customer Service and Manufacturing Department procedures.
• Ability to work closely with Manufacturing in requesting products to be made and shipped in a timely manner
• Ability to work closely with Customer Service in communication of products and orders that may not meet dates due to outsourcing restrictions
• Ability to understand shipping guidelines and restrictions
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Proficiency with Oracle, Excel,Word.
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to select material by quality standards, colors, styles, andshades.
• Ability to work under pressure and against deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability and willingness to accept and adapt to an ever-changing environment
• Must be able to work all mandatory overtime.

Daily activity includes but is not limited to:

• Lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
• Standing and walking across warehouse floors for 10+ hour shifts.
• Sitting at a desk and typing.
• Be able to regularly lift/move up to 30lbs.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above moderate.
• Travel to Champaign, offsites,…