Material Handler

Material Handler

Position Summary

The Material Handler is responsible for safely and efficiently moving, staging, loading, unloading, and organizing materials throughout the manufacturing facility. This position plays an important role in keeping production lines supplied with the materials they need while ensuring outbound shipments are properly documented and inventory is maintained accurately.

The Material Handler will work closely with Production Supervisors, operators, and other members of the manufacturing team to support daily production goals. This position requires strong attention to detail, good communication skills, dependable attendance, and the ability to safely operate material-handling equipment.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials within the plant, yard, warehouse, or designated work areas.
• Read work orders, shipping documents, production schedules, or follow verbal instructions to determine materials or containers that need to be moved.
• Transport materials and finished products to and from designated locations throughout the facility.
• Load and unload materials from pallets, trays, racks, shelves, carts, and other storage or transportation systems.
• Safely operate forklifts, hand trucks, electric pallet jacks, dollies, and other material-handling equipment as trained and authorized.
• Occasionally operate an industrial truck, electric hoist, or other lifting equipment to assist with moving materials and products.
• Move and position large or heavy metal components using appropriate material-handling equipment and safe operating procedures.
• Keep production workstations and manufacturing areas supplied with required materials.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels for production stations within the assigned department.
• Verify materials, quantities, and locations to help ensure production has the correct materials at the right time.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to materials and outbound shipments.
• Verify outbound shipments from production lines and ensure required information is accurately recorded.
• Inspect materials and containers for obvious damage or discrepancies and report issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Communicate material shortages, damaged materials, incorrect quantities, or other production concerns promptly.
• Complete the required daily forklift inspection before operating the forklift.
• Report any equipment defects or safety concerns identified during inspections.
• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure materials are placed in their designated locations.
• Assist with routine housekeeping activities as part of the facility's 6S/Lean Manufacturing program.
• Keep aisles, work areas, staging areas, and storage locations clean, organized, and free of unnecessary obstructions.
• Follow all company, plant, and departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe material-handling practices at all times.
• Work cooperatively with production personnel and other departments to support overall production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is a primary responsibility of the Material Handler. Employees are expected to:

• Follow all company and plant safety policies and procedures.
• Complete required forklift inspections before operating equipment.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment only when properly trained and authorized.
• Follow safe operating procedures when moving large, heavy, or awkward materials.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrians, coworkers, equipment, and changing conditions in the work area.
• Use required PPE at all times.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment damage, spills, or other hazards.
• Maintain clear and safe travel paths throughout the facility.
• Never operate equipment in an unsafe manner or bypass established safety procedures.

Inventory and Documentation Responsibilities

The Material Handler is responsible for helping maintain accurate material records and supporting the flow of materials through production.

• Verify material quantities before moving or staging materials.
• Maintain accurate documentation for outbound shipments and production-related material movement.
• Ensure materials are delivered to the correct production areas.
• Help maintain accurate stock levels at assigned workstations.
• Identify discrepancies between physical materials and production or shipping documentation.
• Communicate inventory concerns and shortages to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow established procedures for labeling, staging, and storing materials.

6S / Housekeeping Responsibilities

The Material Handler is expected to contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.

• Maintain assigned work and storage areas according to 6S/Lean Manufacturing standards.
• Keep materials organized and stored in designated locations.
• Remove unnecessary materials, debris, and obstructions from work areas.
• Maintain clean and accessible aisles and staging areas.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to material flow, organization, and workplace efficiency.

Equipment

The Material Handler may be required to operate or work with:

• Forklifts
• Electric pallet jacks
• Hand trucks
• Electric dollies
• Industrial trucks
• Electric hoists
• Pallets, racks, trays, shelves, carts, and other material-handling equipment

Employees are expected to use all equipment safely and properly and report maintenance or safety concerns immediately.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to perform basic math.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, labels, shipping documents, and basic written instructions.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions within established procedures.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Approximately 2 years of forklift or material-handling experience, preferably in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience handling large or heavy metal components.
• Experience working in a Lean Manufacturing or 6S environment.
• Experience with production material flow, inventory control, or shipping documentation.
• Previous experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

This position is a physically active manufacturing role and may require the employee to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, and climb in and around material-handling areas.
• Load and unload materials from pallets, racks, shelves, trays, and containers.
• Handle materials using proper lifting techniques and mechanical equipment.
• Work around large, heavy, and potentially awkward metal components.
• Safely enter and exit forklifts and other material-handling equipment.
• Work in various areas of a manufacturing facility, including production, warehouse, staging, and shipping areas.

Work Environment

The Material Handler works in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and may be exposed to moving equipment, forklifts, heavy materials, metal components, manufacturing noise, and changing workplace conditions.

Employees must remain alert to their surroundings and consistently follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• Dependable and punctual.
• Safety-conscious.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable operating material-handling equipment.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A strong problem solver.
• Able to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player who understands the importance of supporting overall production goals.
• Comfortable working with large and heavy materials.
• A clear and effective communicator.
• Willing to maintain high standards for safety, quality, housekeeping, and productivity.

Performance Expectations

Successful employees in this position will consistently demonstrate the ability to:

• Safely and efficiently move materials throughout the facility.
• Keep production stations properly supplied.
• Maintain accurate shipment and material documentation.
• Operate forklifts and other equipment responsibly.
• Maintain organized material storage and staging areas.
• Identify and communicate shortages, discrepancies, damage, or safety concerns.
• Meet established productivity and accuracy expectations.
• Support the company's 6S/Lean Manufacturing standards.
• Work cooperatively with production and other departments to keep operations running efficiently.