Warehouse Forklift Operator

Job Description Summary
At Winland Foods, we believe excellence starts behind the scenes. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Warehouse Team Members play a crucial role in keeping our operations moving safely, smoothly, and efficiently.


As a Warehouse Team Member, you'll be responsible for the accurate and efficient movement of goods and materials across warehouse, production, and packaging operations. From operating forklifts to managing inventory and stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO), you'll ensure our processes run seamlessly and in compliance with the highest safety and food quality standards-including SQF, GMP, and HACCP.


Beyond daily tasks, you may support shipping and receiving, oversee material flow and storage, and contribute to process improvements that make our teams stronger. You may also have opportunities to lead or train team members, building collaboration while sharing knowledge. With responsibilities ranging from inventory control to documentation, you'll take pride in maintaining a clean, organized workspace that reflects Winland's commitment to doing things right.


This role is more than moving materials-it's about keeping promises: to our customers, to our communities, and to one another. By joining Winland, you'll help deliver food experiences that families can count on, while growing your skills in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

MO Lee's Summit

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Warehouse Forklift Operator

Job Description:

Schedule: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM on a 2,2,3 12 hour shift

Work Location: 200 NW. Victoria Drive Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $22.00 per hour

with additional bonus potential

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.


Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.


Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance:

• Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, wrapping machines, and other related equipment.
• Perform inspections on all equipment and maintain accurate documentation.
• Follow Department of Transportation (DOT) and safety regulations when applicable.

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management:

• Move materials and ensure FIFO rotation.
• Accurately and timely stage materials to prevent production downtime.
• Return materials to appropriate locations to ensure they are easily located.
• Handle recyclable materials according to plant processes.
• Deliver daily parcel shipments.
• Participate in inventory counts.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance:

• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
• Follow proper storage procedures for allergens, kosher, and organic products.
• Maintain cleanliness in assigned areas and an audit-ready work environment.
• Promptly report any safety or quality concerns.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training:

• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement:

• Use computer systems (e.g., SAP) for inventory transfers and reporting.
• Maintain accurate material handling records.
• Participate in improvement projects.
• Actively participate in all required training.
• Participate in 5S efforts.

Knowledge, Training and Experience:

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required; additional certifications (e.g., Forklift, Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement) a plus.
• Experience operating equipment like forklifts, box trucks, and SAP inventory management systems.
• Willingness to obtain required certifications (e.g., forklift, SAP, Train the Trainer, etc.).
• 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills:

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.
• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Safety & Compliance:

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.
• Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership:

• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors and others at the worksite regarding work matters, which are mostly conducted in English. This includes the ability to understand and respond to oral communications; understand written information, communications, and safety information; and communicate in writing as needed.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels).
• Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic:

• Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands:

• Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
• Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
• Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.
• Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned
• Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.