Forklift Operator

Unlock your potential with Prinova

We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world's best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands.

Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader.

Wherever your career is headed, you'll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us.


JOB TITLE Forklift Operator

Department: Warehouse Distribution
Location: Hanover Park, IL
Type: Full Time

Summary:

The Forklift Driver is responsible for safely and efficiently operating forklifts and other material-handling equipment to move, load, unload, and store products within the distribution warehouse. This role supports inbound receiving, outbound shipping, replenishment, staging, and inventory accuracy including loading and offloading trailer trucks. The Forklift Operator ensures all work follows safety standards, warehouse procedures, and quality requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates sit-down and stand-up reach forklifts safely and efficiently.
• Loads and unloads inbound/outbound trucks and verifies pallet counts.
• Moves pallets to storage locations, staging areas, and dock areas as directed.
• Performs put-away and replenishment tasks using warehouse instructions.
• Secures loads with proper strapping, wrapping, or bracing to prevent damage.
• Accurately picks, stacks, and stages materials for outbound shipments.
• Reads and follows warehouse documentation, pick sheets, and verbal instructions.
• Responsible for manual repalletizing of material
• Attaches labels, tags, or identification markers to pallets and materials.
• Conducts basic forklift inspections before use and reports issues immediately.
• Assists with cycle counts, inventory verification, and location audits.
• Maintains clean and orderly aisles, docks, and storage areas.
• Follows all company safety procedures and warehouse operating standards.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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.

Required Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

1+ years related experience and/or training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to read and write English.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Become forklift certified

Travel:

This position has no travel requirements.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements:

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.

• Ability to lift up to 55 warehouse/production lbs.
• Ability to stand for an extended periods of time
• Must be able to wear any required PPE such as scrubs, hair net, lab coat, and facemask
• Ability to work in a packaging area with a moderate powder substance in the air with or without a respirator
• Ability to work above shoulders
• Other physical requirements include frequent squatting, bending, twisting, and bi-lateral wrist movement
• Ability to work around a variety of different smells and aromas
• Ability to adjust work schedule as business needs require

Quality/Safety Responsibilities:

All Prinova employees are required to ensure compliance standards with food safety, food defense and food quality. (FDA, ILDPH, FSMA and BRC).

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards issued under OSHA and to follow all rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Company to ensure that their actions do not impact the health and safety of themselves or others.

The above description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities for this position. Prinova reserves the right to change or assign other duties and responsibilities without notice.

What's in it for you?

Competitive Pay - $21.50 x Hour

Experience, education, geographic location and shift all taken into consideration.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employer paid STD and LTD
• HSA and FSA
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• PTO
• Employer paid Basic Life Insurance
• 401(k) & Roth with employer match
• Eight Paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays
• Voluntary - Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
• Personal growth including training and development opportunities

Disclaimer: Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, medical leave, marital status, citizenship status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, Civil Air Patrol status, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law.