Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

The Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of materials using Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including Tuggers and Dock Stockers. This role ensures inventory accuracy, supports production flow, and maintains workplace organization by following 6S principles and safety guidelines. Accuracy, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential to meeting operational goals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Accurately pick, pull, and stage materials, including finished goods and components, to meet production demands. Operate and navigate various Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including Tugger, Dock Stocker, forklifts, reach trucks, order fillers, stand‑up forklifts, and scissor lifts, ensuring safe and efficient material movement. Utilize RF scanners to process material transactions, ensuring inventory accuracy, and meeting production goals. Weigh and count materials using a scale, verifying accuracy before staging or storage. Conduct physical inventory counts, maintain transaction accuracy, and process SAP transactions such as reservations, pick lists, due lists, returns, and receipts. Identify and report discrepant materials or components to BLC Leadership. Label materials correctly to ensure proper identification and tracking. Load and unload materials from trailers, ensuring safe handling and proper stacking for transportation. Operate dock levelers and dock locks for efficient loading/unloading operations. Utilize banding and stretch wrap machines to secure materials for transport or storage. Restock the supermarket from AGV staging and ensure material flow aligns with production demands. Process subcon Handling Units (HUs) and returns from the plant within one hour of request. Meet on‑time delivery percentages by staging pallet line requests accurately and efficiently. Manage waste and recycling by emptying totes, disposing of cardboard, and dumping scrap hoppers within one hour of request. Ensure timely delivery of dunnage and other materials to the correct line to meet production pace. Maintain a strong working knowledge of plant layout, tug routes, and customer‑specific dunnage requirements to optimize material flow and delivery efficiency. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area by following the principles of 6S and demonstrating optimal workplace standards. Identify and adhere to the work area’s Optimal State document(s), ensuring compliance with safety and operational expectations. Conduct and document daily MHE inspections to ensure safe operation and report any concerns promptly. Complete 100% of required monthly safety training on time, applying learned principles to daily work. Exhibit Plant Hamilton core values—including accountability, teamwork, and leadership—in all tasks and interactions. Adhere to the work schedule as assigned, including arriving to work and being ready to work by shift start time, to ensure operational needs are met. Flexible to work overtime when needed, including occasional Saturdays and Sundays. Foster a positive work environment by demonstrating motivation, teamwork, and collaboration with colleagues. Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications & Experience Previous basic forklift experience with ability to obtain a license and operate various forklifts (order filler, stand‑up reach, scissor lift) preferred. Possesses a stable work history and a strong personal desire to work safely and maintain a safe working environment. Demonstrates a strong customer focus along with a great work ethic and willingness to do what needs to be done. Demonstrated knowledge of basic math, including working with decimals, and strong mechanical aptitude. Possesses a logical method of problem solving and willingness to learn and improve one’s skills. Demonstrates a strong commitment to meet and exceed customer requirements at all times. Must be able to work required overtime that can be substantial during peak customer production periods. Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 40 lbs.) with or without reasonable accommodation. Possesses good hand‑eye coordination and is able to perform detailed work with a strong attention to detail and quality. Gains satisfaction from team accomplishments and takes pride in one’s contributions. Demonstrated reliability, good initiative, committed, and quality focused. Highly organized with ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behaviors in all activities; maintains accountability for performance. Strong attention to detail with well‑developed organizational and communication skills. Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team/customers. Education High School Diploma or G.E.D. and be able to read, write, and speak in English. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Benefits A state‑of‑the‑art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness. Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options. 401K matching program. Paid time off + 13 paid holidays. Paid volunteer hours. Tuition reimbursement program. Gym reimbursement. Company‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance. Internal growth opportunities. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Discounted BILSTEIN products. #J-18808-Ljbffr thyssenkrupp