Forklift / Warehouse Picker / Mid Shift / 10 am - 7 pm
Forklift Driver / Receiving Associate (Manufacturing Warehouse)
Position Summary
The Forklift Driver / Receiving Associate is responsible for the safe and efficient receipt, unloading, storage, put-away, and distribution of raw materials, components, and finished goods within a warehouse environment. This role supports inventory accuracy, production efficiency, and warehouse organization while maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant workplace. The position also serves as a resource for training employees on material handling procedures, equipment operation, and warehouse best practices.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Receiving and Inventory Management
- Receive incoming shipments and verify quantities, part numbers, and condition of materials against purchase orders, packing slips, and receiving documentation.
- Inspect incoming materials for damage, shortages, overages, or discrepancies and report findings to Purchasing, Quality, or Warehouse Management.
- Accurately process receiving transactions in the ERP or inventory management system.
- Label, identify, and track materials using company inventory procedures.
- Perform inventory transfers, stock replenishment, cycle counts, and physical inventory audits.
- Maintain inventory accuracy through proper documentation and material handling practices.
- Assist in investigating inventory variances and implementing corrective actions.
Forklift Operation and Material Handling
- Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks, and other material handling equipment.
- Load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers while ensuring material integrity and safe handling practices.
- Transport materials between receiving, warehouse storage, production areas, and shipping locations.
- Deliver raw materials and components to production departments according to manufacturing schedules.
- Stage materials for production, shipping, and customer orders.
- Secure and transport loads safely while adhering to all warehouse traffic and safety rules.
- Conduct daily forklift inspections and report equipment issues requiring maintenance or repair.
Material Put-Away and Warehouse Organization
- Perform timely and accurate put-away of incoming materials into designated warehouse locations.
- Ensure all materials are properly labeled, stored, and organized according to inventory control procedures.
- Maintain warehouse location accuracy and optimize storage utilization.
- Rotate inventory using FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or other inventory management methods as required.
- Assist with warehouse layout improvements and material flow initiatives.
- Ensure aisles, racks, storage areas, and staging locations remain organized and accessible.
Housekeeping and Facility Maintenance
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized warehouse, receiving dock, storage areas, and production support areas.
- Perform daily housekeeping duties, including sweeping floors, removing debris, disposing of packaging materials, and maintaining clear aisles and emergency exits.
- Ensure workstations, dock areas, and material storage locations meet company housekeeping and safety standards.
- Support 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain workplace organization and efficiency.
- Assist in maintaining warehouse equipment and storage systems in good working condition.
Training and Employee Development
- Assist in training new employees on warehouse procedures, receiving processes, material handling techniques, and inventory control practices.
- Provide guidance on proper forklift operation, safety requirements, housekeeping expectations, and material storage procedures.
- Serve as a mentor and resource for team members to promote safe and efficient warehouse operations.
- Support cross-training initiatives to ensure operational flexibility within warehouse and manufacturing departments.
- Reinforce company policies, safety standards, and best practices through daily interaction and example.
Shipping and Production Support
- Assist with outbound shipments, order staging, packaging, labeling, and truck loading activities.
- Support production teams by ensuring materials are delivered accurately and on time.
- Coordinate with Purchasing, Production, Inventory Control, Quality, and Shipping departments to ensure efficient material flow.
- Assist with special projects and other warehouse-related duties as assigned.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and warehouse operating procedures.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and promote a culture of safety.
- Report unsafe conditions, accidents, near misses, and equipment concerns immediately.
- Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company quality standards and material handling requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum 2 years of forklift experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment.
- Previous receiving, inventory control, and warehouse experience.
- Ability to safely operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
- Experience using ERP systems, inventory management software, or warehouse management systems.
- Strong understanding of receiving, put-away, inventory control, and warehouse operations.
- Ability to read and interpret shipping documents, packing slips, inventory records, and work instructions.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to train and assist other employees in warehouse procedures and safety practices.
Preferred
- Current forklift certification.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with barcode scanning and inventory tracking systems.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach, and climb throughout the workday.
- Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to operate forklifts and material handling equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to climb in and out of forklifts safely and repeatedly throughout the shift.
- Visual ability to inspect materials, read labels, and operate equipment safely.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing and warehouse environment with exposure to forklifts, machinery, and moving equipment.
- Moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection in designated areas.
- Exposure to varying temperatures within warehouse and dock areas.
- Frequent interaction with production personnel, delivery drivers, vendors, and warehouse staff.
- Overtime and occasional weekend work may be required to support operational needs.
Success in this role requires a commitment to safety, inventory accuracy, efficient material flow, exceptional housekeeping, employee training, and maintaining an organized warehouse environment that supports manufacturing operations.
Why Join Us?
Join a team that values safety, teamwork, reliability, and growth. We’re looking for hardworking individuals ready to build a long-term career in warehousing.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
Experience:
- Forklift: 2 years (Required)
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Carol Stream, IL 60188 (Required)
Work Location: In person
