Lead Yard Manager – Kell’s Landscape Supply

Lead Yard Manager

Location: On-site, Huronia Rd., Barrie, ON (Outdoor Yard)
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday (occasional Saturday coverage as required)
Environment: Outdoor yard, heavy equipment, small team

Position Summary

The Lead Yard Manager is responsible for overseeing all daily yard operations while setting the standard for safety, service, efficiency, and teamwork. You will lead by example, foster the skills and culture expected of the yard team, and ensure customers experience fast, professional, and well-organized service.

A key part of this role is mentoring and developing junior staff, including training a Yard Hand / Junior Loader to safely and confidently operate a CAT 906 loader over time.

This is a hands-on, highly visible position that requires calm, clear decision-making, strong leadership, and a safety-first mindset.

Leadership & Culture Responsibilities

• Foster a culture of:
  • Excellent customer service
  • Clean, organized yard
  • Fast greeting and “in-and-out” efficiency
  • Clear communication and teamwork
  • Double-checking work and following procedures
• Lead by example with professionalism, work ethic, and attitude
• Be welcoming, calm, and approachable with both customers and staff
• Offer help proactively and give clear, respectful direction
• Train and mentor junior staff in safe and efficient yard operations
• Reinforce proper procedures, safety practices, and communication standards

Yard & Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee daily yard workflow and order fulfillment
• Weigh aggregates accurately using on-site scales
• Load topsoil, gravel, and other bulk materials efficiently and safely
• Operate a CAT 906 loader proficiently for both palletized and bulk materials
• Change attachments (forks to bucket and vice versa) quickly, safely, and correctly
• Ensure orders are picked, labeled, wrapped, and staged clearly and accurately
• Double-check loads, weights, and materials before customer departure
• Greet customers promptly in the yard and direct them efficiently
• Maintain smooth traffic flow for trucks, loaders, and pedestrians
• Keep the yard clean, organized, and clearly marked at all times
• Coordinate staging areas to support fast “in-and-out” service
• Conduct inventory checks and basic material counts
• Ensure signage, yard layout, and material locations are clear and current
• Assign and assist with general yard upkeep (grounds, garbage, maintenance)

Training & Development Responsibilities

• Mentor Yard Hands and Junior Loader Operators, gradually teaching loader operation
• Develop junior staff in yard procedures, safety, and customer service

Safety Responsibilities

• Maintain a safety-first mindset at all times — safe, safe, safe
• Ensure proper use of PPE and high-visibility gear
• Maintain awareness of yard traffic, pedestrians, and equipment
• Lead safety discussions and correct unsafe behavior immediately

Skills & Attributes

• Strong mental focus, situational awareness, and calm decision-making in a busy environment
• Ability to multitask while maintaining safety and accuracy
• Attention to detail in weights, materials, labels, and procedures
• Hands-on, practical problem-solving mindset
• Ability to lead by example and keep the team steady and focused
• Safety-first mindset at all times

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, dust)
• Loud noise and heavy equipment environment
• Physically active role, including lifting, moving materials, and operating equipment
• Repetitive lifting and material handling as required

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in yard operations, landscaping supply, construction, or similar
• Strong loader operating skills (CAT 906 or comparable) with safety certifications considered an asset
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong attention to detail and procedural discipline

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive wage based on experience
• Safety footwear allowance (yearly)
• High-visibility safety vests provided
• Opportunity to shape and lead a growing yard team
• Hands-on training and mentoring opportunities

What Success Looks Like

• Customers are greeted quickly and loaded efficiently
• The yard is clean, organized, and safe
• Orders are accurate, clearly labeled, and double-checked
• Junior staff are learning, improving, and taking pride in their work
• Safety standards are consistently upheld
• Operations run smoothly, efficiently, and professionally