Butterfield Foods
Job Posting
Warehouse Material Handler – Forklift Operator
Indianapolis, IN | Full-Time, 1st Shift | $25.00/hour
Butterfield Foods is hiring a Warehouse Material Handler to join our distribution team in Indianapolis. This full-time, first-shift role operates a forklift to receive, stage, and move inbound and outbound product across our dry, cooler, and freezer warehouse spaces, using our Wave inventory system to keep everything accurately tracked.
What You'll Do
- Operate a forklift to receive inbound deliveries and stage product in the dry dock, cooler, and freezer areas
- Scan products in the Wave inventory tracking system and allocate them to the correct work orders and staging locations
- Pick product from production areas using a forklift and transport it into the cooler and freezer
- Load outbound trucks accurately, safely, and on schedule
- Assist with scheduling truck pickups as needed
- Maintain accurate inventory records and support overall warehouse organization and cleanliness
- Follow all food safety, safety, and cold-storage handling procedures
What We're Looking For
- Valid forklift certification required
- Prior experience operating a forklift in a warehouse or distribution environment
- Experience with a warehouse management system is preferred (Wave experience a plus)
- Comfortable working in cooler and freezer environments for extended periods
- Ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs
- Strong attention to detail and basic counting/math skills
- Reliable, punctual, and works well as part of a team
Schedule & Pay
- Full-time, 1st shift
- $25.00 per hour
Interested candidates should apply today to join the Butterfield Foods warehouse team.
Butterfield Foods
Job Description
Warehouse Material Handler – Forklift Operator
Department
Warehouse / Distribution
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Reports To
Warehouse Supervisor
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Pay Rate
$25.00 per hour
Schedule
Full-Time, 1st Shift
Position Summary
The Warehouse Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of inbound and outbound product throughout the facility, including dry dock, cooler, and freezer storage areas. This role relies on forklift operation and the Wave inventory tracking system to receive, stage, pick, and load product accurately, and may assist with coordinating truck pickup schedules.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate a forklift to receive inbound deliveries and stage product within the dry dock and freezer areas
- Scan products using the Wave inventory tracking system and allocate them to the appropriate work orders and staging areas
- Pick product from production areas via forklift and transport it into cooler and freezer storage
- Load outbound trucks in accordance with order requirements and shipping schedules
- Assist with scheduling trucks for pickup as needed
- Verify quantities and product condition during receiving, staging, and loading
- Maintain accurate, real-time inventory records within the Wave system
- Keep dry, cooler, and freezer storage areas organized, labeled, and compliant with food safety standards
- Perform routine pre- and post-shift forklift inspections and report any equipment issues
- Follow all company safety policies, food safety/GMP requirements, and cold-storage handling procedures
- Perform other warehouse duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Valid forklift certification required
- Prior experience operating a forklift in a warehouse or distribution environment
- Ability to read and follow work orders, pick lists, and shipping documents
- Basic math and counting skills for inventory accuracy
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using Wave or a similar warehouse/inventory management system
- Experience working in temperature-controlled (cooler/freezer) food or beverage distribution environments
- Experience assisting with truck scheduling or dock coordination
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and operate a forklift for extended periods
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly, and up to 75 lbs occasionally with assistance
- Ability to work in cooler environments (approximately 34–40°F) and freezer environments (approximately 0°F and below) for extended periods, including appropriate cold-weather gear
- Frequent use of hands for scanning, handling product, and operating equipment controls
Work Environment
Work is performed in a warehouse and distribution setting that includes dry storage, refrigerated cooler, and freezer areas. The role involves regular exposure to varying temperatures, forklift and warehouse equipment traffic, and a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and cold-weather gear are provided as required by area.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
