JOB PURPOSE or JOB SUMMARY:

The Material Handler II is responsible for safely and efficiently storing, moving, and managing materials throughout the warehouse and production environment. This role ensures that raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods are accurately received, transported, tracked, and delivered to support uninterrupted production and shipping operations.

The Material Handler II may also support the coordination of materials sent to and received from outside processing suppliers. This includes preparing shipments, verifying documentation, tracking material movement, coordinating logistics, and communicating with approved suppliers to ensure outsourced operations are completed according to production schedules and customer requirements

This position plays a key role in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting production efficiency, and promoting a safe and organized workplace through adherence to established operating procedures and safety standards

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other material-handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Transport raw materials, finished goods, and production supplies between storage locations, work centers, and shipping areas.
• Pull, stage, and prepare materials for production and customer shipments.
• Verify material quantities, product identification, and locations to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Accurately record inventory transactions and material movements within company systems and documentation.
• Receive incoming materials and assist with unloading, inspection, and storage activities.
• Maintain proper identification, labeling, and organization of inventory throughout the facility.
• Assemble product containers, crates, and pallets using hand tools and precut materials when required.
• Install protective materials including strapping, bracing, wrapping, and padding to prevent product damage during transportation.
• Perform routine inspections of forklifts and material-handling equipment and report any issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Support cycle counts, inventory audits, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas in compliance with company policies and safety procedures.
• Follow all quality requirements and procedures to ensure product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Communicate effectively with production, shipping, and warehouse personnel to coordinate material flow and operational priorities.
• Communicate with approved outside processing suppliers regarding shipment status, delivery schedules, order priorities, and return logistics.
• Update company systems and documentation to reflect inventory movements associated with outsourced processing operations.
• Support production planning and customer service by providing status updates on outsourced materials and expected completion dates.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve material flow, inventory control, and workplace organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational efficiency and customer requirements.

Individuals in this role must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPETENCIES:

• Material Handling

Demonstrates the ability to safely move, store, receive, and distribute materials using appropriate equipment and established procedures.

• Inventory Accuracy and Control

Maintains accurate inventory records through careful documentation, labeling, counting, and transaction processing.

• Equipment Operation

Possesses working knowledge of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment while following all operating and safety requirements.

• Supplier and Logistics Coordination
  Demonstrates the ability to coordinate material movement with outside processing suppliers, track outsourced inventory, manage logistics documentation, and communicate effectively regarding delivery schedules and material status.
• Attention to Detail

Consistently verifies quantities, locations, labels, and documentation to ensure accuracy and minimize errors.

• Safety Awareness

Demonstrates commitment to workplace safety by following established procedures, utilizing required PPE, and identifying potential hazards.

• Communication Skills

Effectively communicates with supervisors, warehouse personnel, production employees, and team members to ensure efficient operations.

• Organization and Time Management

Prioritizes tasks effectively and manages multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Teamwork and Collaboration

Works cooperatively with cross-functional teams to support production schedules, inventory management, and shipping requirements.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Capable of frequent bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive movement.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and arm strength to perform material handling, assembly, and packaging activities.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and safety shoes.
• Ability to remain focused and attentive while performing repetitive tasks and operating equipment.
• May occasionally require overtime or weekend work to support production schedules and customer demands.

The physical and mental demands outlined represent those necessary for an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a manufacturing and warehouse environment with regular exposure to machinery, moving equipment, moderate noise levels, and varying temperatures. Employees may work in areas involving production equipment, shipping operations, and material storage locations while following all safety requirements and operating procedures.

The work environment characteristics outlined above reflect those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this role.

• Minimum of two years of forklift operation experience.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing operations, warehouse procedures, inventory practices, and material handling techniques.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately document inventory and material transactions.
• Ability to safely operate material-handling equipment in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with outside suppliers, transportation providers, and internal departments regarding scheduling and material status.
• Experience working within an ERP or inventory management system in a manufacturing or warehouse environment preferred.
• Experience coordinating shipments, freight activity, or inventory movement with suppliers, carriers, or external service providers preferred.