Job Title: Forklift Operator and Material Handler
Job Description
This position supports inventory control, material movement, and backlog reduction in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring products are shipped accurately and on time to high-profile customers. You will confidently operate power equipment, take ownership of inventory processes, and maintain strong quality and safety standards while working in a modern warehouse facility.
Responsibilities
- Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts, as well as reach trucks, to safely move materials throughout the facility.
- Support inventory organization and maintain high levels of inventory accuracy through regular cycle counts and proper documentation.
- Utilize warehouse management system (WMS) software to track inventory transactions, including receiving, storing, staging, and shipping activities.
- Receive incoming materials, verify quantities and quality, and store items in designated locations.
- Stage and prepare products for shipment, ensuring orders are complete, properly labeled, and ready for on-time delivery.
- Load and unload trucks and other vehicles safely and efficiently, following established safety procedures.
- Assist in reducing order backlog by prioritizing tasks and maintaining a steady workflow while upholding quality standards.
- Support shipping and receiving functions, including packing, production support, and packaging of products as needed.
- Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
- Collaborate with team members and leadership to continuously improve material handling and inventory processes.
Essential Skills
- Proven forklift experience in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience operating both sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
- Reach truck operation experience in a production or warehouse setting.
- Inventory control and material handling experience, including stocking and material movement.
- Ability to use warehouse management system (WMS) software for inventory tracking and transactions.
- Experience with loading and unloading materials and products safely and efficiently.
- Background in shipping and receiving, including packing and packaging tasks.
- Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in inventory and order fulfillment.
- Demonstrated safety mindset and adherence to safety procedures in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work effectively in a production and warehouse setting with changing priorities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous inventory management experience beyond basic inventory control.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment, preferably related to safety or industrial products.
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain orderly storage areas.
- Strong problem-solving skills to address inventory discrepancies and process issues.
- Comfort working with WMS and other warehouse-related software tools.
- Willingness to participate in cross-training and learn additional functions within the facility.
Why Work Here?
You will join a stable, family-oriented organization that values long-term employee relationships and offers a supportive, hands-on leadership team. The company provides medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with robust training and career development opportunities, including cross-training to expand your skills. You can enjoy employee appreciation events, luncheons, cookouts, team outings, and company-sponsored activities that foster a collaborative and inclusive culture. With strong employee retention and a focus on growth, you will have the opportunity to build a lasting and rewarding career.
Work Environment
The role is based in a new warehouse facility within a manufacturing operation that produces safety and traffic-calming products from 100% American recycled scrap-tire rubber and plastics, including parking lot wheel stops, speed bumps, sign bases, and industrial safety mats. You will work a first-shift schedule consisting of four 9-hour days from Monday through Thursday, typically 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and a shorter shift on Friday from 8:00 AM to mid-day. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with regular use of sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and WMS software to support inventory and material handling. The company operates as a family-owned manufacturing business with a long-tenured team, accessible and hands-on leadership, and a collaborative culture that emphasizes training, cross-training, a