Forklift Operator

The Opportunity

Smurfit WestRock is seeking a Forklift Operator - Shipping to support plant operations by safely operating powered industrial trucks to load, unload, transport, and store materials throughout the facility. This role is responsible for supplying production equipment, managing finished goods inventory, loading customer shipments, maintaining accurate inventory records, and ensuring products are handled safely and efficiently while meeting quality and safety standards.

How You Will Impact Smurfit WestRock

• Safely operate and maintain forklifts and other powered industrial trucks in accordance with company policies and safety procedures.

• Load and unload trailers, including sheet orders with or without pallets.

• Transport finished product from unitizer and corrugator shipping lines to designated storage locations and accurately scan inventory into the system.

• Verify load tags and unit information for accuracy and promptly report discrepancies to supervision.

• Complete and document forklift inspections before each shift and when operating a different forklift; submit maintenance requests for needed repairs.

• Ensure all outbound shipments are properly banded, wrapped, covered, and secured to maintain product quality during transport.

• Locate and stage stock prior to production runs and deliver materials to the appropriate machines.

• Remove finished goods from production equipment and transport them to storage or shipping locations.

• Maintain organized, safe, and accurate storage areas, including inventory location tracking through paperwork and computer systems.

• Perform inventory transactions, including manual unit transfers, inventory lookups, and record maintenance.

• Hand-unitize and hand-wrap products as required.

• Complete paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.

• Assist other forklift operators and support department operations as needed.

• Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and promptly report equipment issues or safety concerns.

• Maintain regular attendance and comply with all company policies, procedures, housekeeping requirements, and safety standards.

• Learn and follow all applicable local, company, and regulatory requirements while actively promoting a culture of safety.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

What You Need To Succeed

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Prior shipping forklift experience required.

• Previous experience in the corrugated packaging or box manufacturing industry preferred.

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English.

• Ability to read a tape measure accurately and efficiently.

• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain inventory and shipping records.

• Ability to work overtime as needed.

• Ability to lift 25-50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to safety.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.

• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a global industry leader.

• A safety-focused work environment committed to employee well-being.

• Inclusive workplace where employees are valued for their contributions and encouraged to grow professionally.

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.