Material Handler Forklift Operator

**MATERIAL HANDLER/FORKLIFT OPERATOR - FOOD MANUFACTURING

**

**2nd Shift & Weekends

**

Location: Niles, IL

**Schedule: Monday - Thursday |4:00 PM – 2:30 AM

Shift: 10.5-hour days (4 days per week)

**

**Rate: $22.00 (Overtime always available)

**

**Schedule: Friday – Sunday | 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Shift: 13.5-hour days (3 days per week)

**

**Pay Rate: $22.55 (Overtime always available)

**

Requirements:

**Resume / Interview / Background Check / Drug Test / H.S. Diploma or GED / English / Authorization to work in the U. S.

**

**Position Overview

**

Our client is looking for an

**experienced Material Handler / Forklift Operator to support warehouse and production operations in a food manufacturing environment

**. This position is responsible for receiving, moving, staging, and tracking materials, ingredients, packaging, and finished goods. T

**he ideal candidate has strong forklift experience, good inventory skills, and the ability to work safely in a freezer environment.

**

**Responsibilities

**

**Material Handling & Inventory

**

• Receive, inspect, count, label, and store incoming materials, packaging, and finished goods.

• Verify deliveries against packing slips and receiving documents.

• **Use SAP, RF scanners, and other computer systems to record inventory and material movements.

  **

• Organize inventory and maintain proper FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation.

• Assist with cycle counts and report inventory discrepancies.

• Review daily production schedules and stage ingredients and packaging for production.

• Properly label opened or partial materials to maintain product traceability.

• Monitor inventory levels of packaging, ingredients, pallets, and containers.

**Forklift & Equipment Operations

**

• **Safely operate sit-down forklifts, extended-reach lifts, electric riding pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.

  **

• **Work in freezer environments with temperatures as low as -20°F.

  **

• Complete and document daily equipment inspections.

• Report equipment issues or maintenance concerns promptly.

• Maintain clean and organized warehouse and freezer areas.

**Food Safety & Compliance

**

• Follow all GMP, food safety, and warehouse safety procedures.

• Ensure materials are properly stored, labeled, and handled.

• Assist with internal and external audits as needed.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

**Teamwork & Communication

**

• Coordinate with production, logistics, suppliers, and outside cold storage vendors.

• Communicate inventory shortages, discrepancies, and scheduling concerns to supervisors.

• Assist with training new employees and temporary workers on equipment, safety, and freezer procedures.

• Provide shift coverage and cross-training in other warehouse areas as needed.

**Qualifications & Requirements

**

• High school diploma or GED.

• **Minimum of 3 years of experience in food processing, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing.

  **

• **At least 3 years of hands-on forklift experience; Crown equipment experience preferred.

  **

• Proficient operating sit-down forklifts, extended-reach lifts, and electric riding pallet jacks.

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

**Preferred Qualifications

**

• **Experience using SAP, Excel, and RF scanners.

  **

• **Previous forklift trainer certification or experience.

  **

• Additional coursework or certifications in manufacturing, food safety, or related fields.

2nd Shift Schedule & Work Environment

• **Shift:

  ** 2nd Shift

• **Workdays:

  ** Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

• **Hours:

  ** 4:00 PM – 2:30 AM

• **Schedule:

  ** 10.5-hour shifts

• **Environment:

  ** Food manufacturing and freezer warehouse; freezer temperatures may reach -20°F.

Weekend Schedule & Work Environment

• **Shift:

  ** Weekend Days

• **Workdays:

  ** Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• **Hours:

  ** 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM

• **Schedule:

  ** 13.5-hour shifts

• **Environment:

  ** Food manufacturing and freezer warehouse; freezer temperatures may reach -20°F.

You should be proficient in:

• Shipping/Receiving
• Forklift Licensed
• Refrigerated Warehouse Operations
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
• Excel
• Freezer
• SAP
• FIFO

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Palletizer
• Forklifts (Crown)
• Clamp Truck