Forklift Operator

Job Title: Warehouse Forklift Operator

Department:
Warehouse

Classification:
On-site, hourly position

Reports to:
Warehouse Lead/Warehouse Manager

Shift Responsibilities:
All shifts

OVERVIEW:

As a forklift operator you will be responsible for operating a forklift to lift and transport products, load and unload shipments, stage for production, perform quality checks, and maintain inventory. This position shares responsibility for maintaining Suntado's food safety, quality and legality program under the BRC/GFSI/PCQI guidelines.

You Will:

• Efficiently and safely operate equipment.
• Inspect products for quality and document results accurately.
• Learn not only the tasks required for the assigned job, but also understand the reason why each step is important in the whole production process of ESL and Aseptic products.
• Oversee the dairy plant processes, following SOP's and GMP's, ensuring documentation is accurately executed. Troubleshoot and resolves minor and moderate bottlenecks and reports efficiency opportunities and any food safety concerns to leadership.
• Ensures all required safety practices are followed, including PPE usage, chemical handling, and OSHA standards. Responsible for reporting all safety concerns to leadership.
• Always provide proactive support and solutions.
• Utilize ERP system and scan guns to ensure accurate record keeping and execute procedures properly.
• Actively participate in RCAs, routine plant inspections, and customer audits.
• Maintain inventory and perform cycle counts.

The successful candidate will:

• Be comfortable operating heavy equipment.

• Have a high level of attention to detail.
• Have a strong working knowledge of safety protocols.
• Be experienced with maintaining inventory.
• Have the ability to operate a yard spotter truck would be a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain high standards of safety in all aspects of daily plant operations.
• Immediately report and escalate any deviation from food safety and quality programs.
• Always maintain work area in audit-ready condition.
• Follow processes and standards to keep producing quality food, maintain high performance, and generate accurate records.
• Maintain accurate and precise records of materials for your shift and stage materials and outbound loads for the upcoming shift to keep running efficiently.
• Inspect equipment and work areas for damage and report any issues found.
• Engage with all departments to troubleshoot and solve problems in real-time.
• Identify and work to resolve issues that inhibit department achievement of KPIs.
• Complying with safety protocols and company guidelines.
• Participate in cross functional teams focused on reducing downtime and improving performance, resolving quality concerns, and take advantage of situations where your expertise can add value.
• This position will require operators to transport products safely and efficiently.
• Maintain clean, organized and safe work areas.
• Monitor and maintain accurate inventory.
• Help train and educate new and existing ream members.
• Report to work, training, and meetings on time, when scheduled.
• Adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively. Work with your leadership to ensure understanding of your job responsibilities, priorities, and overall expectations.

• Identifying areas of improvement to continually drive performance and business results.

• Pick, stage and ship appropriate products with first expiry first out basis.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Completion of high school diploma or GED program.
• The ideal candidate will have experience / knowledge in food manufacturing plants.
• The ideal candidate will be proficient with operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be decisive, and possess the ability to multitask.
• Knowledge of basic math and reading comprehension skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate well to all levels throughout the plant; written and verbal.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in operating heavy equipment in a warehouse and/or manufacturing facility.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures.
• Ability to maintain legible records in accordance with company standards.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen. The employee frequently is required to walk within the site. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend and climb; use hands feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. repeatedly for periods of up to one hour. Stand, walk, bend, and move continuously throughout a 12-hour shift in a fast-paced…