Materials Handler/Forklift

Position Summary

The Material Handler/Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, receiving, and distribution of raw materials, packaging components, and finished goods throughout the warehouse and production facility. This position ensures materials are available to support production schedules while maintaining accurate inventory records and adhering to all safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts, electric pallet jacks, pallet trucks, and other material handling equipment.
• Complete required pre-shift equipment inspections and report any maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
• Receive, inspect, unload, and store incoming raw materials and supplies.
• Verify shipments against purchase orders, packing slips, and other receiving documentation.
• Transport materials between warehouse locations, staging areas, and production lines to support manufacturing operations.
• Replenish production lines with raw materials and packaging components to prevent downtime.
• Remove finished goods from production lines and transport them to designated warehouse locations.
• Pick, stage, pack, and prepare customer orders for shipment.
• Perform inventory transactions using warehouse management systems, barcode scanners, or ERP software.
• Maintain accurate inventory by completing cycle counts and reporting discrepancies.
• Organize warehouse locations to maximize storage efficiency and product accessibility.
• Load and unload trucks safely while following established loading procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment using 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, GMP requirements, and food/consumer product handling procedures.
• Identify and report damaged materials, inventory discrepancies, equipment issues, or safety hazards.
• Communicate effectively with warehouse, production, quality, and shipping personnel to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Assist with other warehouse and production-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two (2) years of forklift operating experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Basic computer skills and experience entering inventory transactions.
• Basic math skills for inventory counts and product verification.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred

• Forklift certification or ability to become certified.
• Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP systems, barcode scanners, or RF equipment.
• Previous experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), manufacturing, or distribution environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for up to 10-12 hours per shift.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds with assistance or appropriate equipment.
• Ability to safely operate powered industrial equipment throughout the shift.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and industrial warehouse environments.
• Regular exposure to fragrances, chemicals, machinery, and warehouse noise while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Safe forklift operation and warehouse safety practices.
• Inventory control and material flow processes.
• Shipping, receiving, and warehouse organization.
• Basic computer and inventory software proficiency.
• Time management and prioritization in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing and warehouse environment with frequent forklift traffic, production equipment, and varying temperatures. Appropriate PPE is required at all times. The employee must be able to work safely around moving equipment, chemicals, fragrances, and finished consumer products while maintaining compliance with GMP, safety, and quality standards.