Yard Operations Lead

SMS Staffing Inc. is Hiring Immediately for Yard Operations Lead!
Job Title: Yard Operations Lead
Job Location: Near Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Temp to Hire
Pay: $18/HR – $20/HR (Based on Experience)
Shift Structure: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM


The role of the Yard Operations Lead:
● Greet customers and direct traffic based on material type
● Lead and support daily yard operations, including receiving, sorting, processing, and shipping scrap materials
● Inspect, grade, and ensure proper separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals
● Direct yard crew and equipment operators to maintain workflow efficiency
● Coordinate truck traffic, loading/unloading, and staging of materials
● Monitor yard organization, cleanliness, and overall workflow
● Enforce safety rules, PPE compliance, and company policies at all times
● Communicate with the scale house, yard crew, and Yard Supervisor via phone or radio
● Assist with hands-on sorting of materials and operation of equipment (forklifts, loaders, etc.) as needed
● Help train new employees and reinforce best practices
● Identify and report maintenance or equipment issues


Must-Have Qualifications:
● Bilingual – Fluent in English & Spanish
● 1–3+ years of experience in a scrap yard, recycling facility, warehouse, or similar industrial environment
● Prior leadership or lead experience preferred
● Knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metal grading
● Experience operating heavy equipment (forklifts, grapples, magnets, etc.) is a plus
● Strong understanding of safety practices in an industrial setting
● Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
● Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
● Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work on uneven terrain

Come join the SMS team! It takes more than top-notch facilities, modern equipment, and innovative technologies to become our customer’s most trusted supplier. It takes people who are committed to our customer’s success and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done right.

#SMS