Mixer/Material Handler Forklift Operator

At Winland Foods, we believe excellence starts behind the scenes. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Mixer/Material Handler/Forklift Operator play a crucial role in keeping our operations moving safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

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:

ND Grand Forks

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Mixer/Material Handler Forklift Operator

Job Description:

Schedule: Rotating A/B Schedule: (3) days one week and (4) days the next, 12 hour shift, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

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.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $25.00 per hour.

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:

• Perform and oversee equipment operations and maintenance activities, including forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive upkeep for manufacturing systems, and processing systems.
• Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly.
• Use your technical skills in SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep Processing flowing.
• Monitor equipment performance and ensure efficient, safe, and continuous operation across all systems.

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management:

• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and Processing.
• Perform manual packing and palletizing.
• Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance:

• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training:

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

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement:

• Accurately complete basic production paperwork and report issues to supervisors.
• Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
• Participate in 5S efforts.

Knowledge, Training and Experience:

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills:

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers.
• For higher levels, demonstrate expert troubleshooting of high-speed Processing equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation.
• Perform Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line huddle activities to improve efficiency.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve equipment 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:

• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a team-first mindset.
• 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, ability to multitask, and flexibility to adapt to changing needs 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.