A Shift SME

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION:

This role requires the General Labor II to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Distribution Center Operations. They will continue their primary job duties while also acting as a practical training and knowledge provider for the team. The SME is responsible for understanding, interpreting, and executing Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) and translating them into effective on-the-job training for new hires, cross-training of associates, and retraining needs.

This role also supports department leadership by reinforcing standard work, accelerating learning curves, addressing advanced training needs, and stabilizing performance during operational changes, peak periods, or recovery efforts. The SME role is grounded in floor presence, credibility, and operational excellence rather than classroom-based instruction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO

Departmental Subject Matter Expertise: Recognized as an expert within their assigned department, demonstrating advanced knowledge of processes, systems, equipment, and Standard Work Instructions. Expected to perform complex, high-skill, or non-routine tasks and support the department during escalations, changes, or atypical operational conditions.

Operational Expertise & Standard Work Execution: Demonstrates deep mastery of departmental standard work and is able to accurately execute, explain, and troubleshoot processes. Reinforces adherence to standard work and identifies deviations, gaps, or risks that could impact safety, quality, or productivity.

On-the-Job Training & Skill Development: Provides hands-on training for new hires, cross-training, and retraining using approved Standard Work Instructions. Adapts training approach based on associate skill level while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and operational expectations.

Advanced Responsibilities & Leadership Support: Assists department leadership with advanced operational needs, including process changes, system updates, peak ramp-ups, recovery efforts, and stabilization of underperforming areas. Serves as a reliable extension of leadership on the floor by modeling best practices and reinforcing expectations.

Process Stability & Quality Support: Supports operational stability by resolving process questions in real time, coaching associates through complex scenarios, and escalating systemic issues appropriately. Helps maintain consistent performance during periods of change or increased operational pressure.

Continuous Improvement & Feedback Loop: Provides frontline insight and feedback to leadership on training effectiveness, process clarity, and operational risks. Contributes to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to strengthen standard work, training materials, or execution methods.

Safety & Compliance: Ensures all training and advanced task execution align with safety standards, ergonomic requirements, and compliance expectations. Actively promotes safe work behaviors and intervenes when unsafe conditions or practices are observed.

% OF TIME ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: List in order of importance, the 5 essential job functions and estimate the percentage of time spent on each. Total must equal 100%.

50% Operational Execution & SME Coverage Performs all duties of their primary operational role while serving as a subject matter expert for assigned processes. Acts as a go-to resource for associates and leadership, reinforcing correct execution of standard work, quality expectations, and safe work practices during daily operations.

30% On-the-Job Training & Skill Development Conducts hands-on training for new hires, cross-training for associates expanding skill sets, and retraining when performance gaps or process changes occur. Uses approved Standard Work Instructions to ensure training is consistent, repeatable, and aligned with operational requirements.

20% Leadership Support & Training Needs Assistance Supports department leadership with advanced training needs, operational ramp-ups, and stabilization efforts. Assists with identifying training gaps, reinforcing changes to standard work, and providing feedback on training effectiveness and associate readiness.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required qualifications needed in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Education/Certifications:

· High school diploma or equivalent required

Work Experience:

· Demonstrated strong performance in current operational role

· Proven ability to consistently execute standard work

· Experience supporting or mentoring peers in a distribution or warehouse environment

· Familiarity with DC systems, processes, and safety requirements

Skills/Competencies:

SPECIAL SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:

· Strong working knowledge of Standard Work Instructions and the ability to interpret them accurately

· Clear and effective verbal communication skills for hands-on training

· High level of operational credibility and professionalism

· Provides real‑time operational support by addressing process questions, supporting associates through complex or non‑standard scenarios, and appropriately escalating systemic or recurring issues.

· Strong attention to detail and process adherence

· Ability to balance training responsibilities with core operational duties

· Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically active environment

· Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership and peers

· Positive attitude with a focus on consistency, accountability, and safety

Job-specific functions may vary by department and may require additional training and competency

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Moderate: Mostly standing, walking, bending, frequent lifting

WORK ENVIRONMENT: In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to different weather elements

 

$19.47 - $21.88

 

The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in:

US - IN US8 Midwest Distribution Center

 

Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.