Warehouse Associate - First Shift

Position: Warehouse Associate – Food Industry. Starting at: $18.38 - $19.40. Shift & Time: First Shift 7am-3pm. Potential for additional hours including weekends. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. DITSCH USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean‑label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the art of pretzel making. Overview As a Warehouse Associate you are responsible for performing an array of duties such as receiving, processing incoming stock and materials, picking and filling orders from stock, packing and shipping orders, managing, organizing and retrieving stock, assisting in cycle counting and physical inventories as needed, loading FTL, LTL and parcel orders and other duties assigned. Additionally, you will operate powered industrial equipment (forklifts, reach truck, ride on, etc.) around the warehouse, freezer and manufacturing floor. You will work with the Warehouse Management System via computers and scanners. Responsibilities Receiving and Inspection Unload shipments from delivery vehicles using appropriate tools and equipment, ensuring items are handled with care to prevent damage during the unloading process. Perform thorough inspections of incoming shipments, checking for visible damage, missing items, or other discrepancies. Verify the accuracy of shipments by cross‑referencing packing slips, purchase orders, and bills of lading, ensuring all items are accounted for and properly documented. Sort and categorize incoming items based on their storage requirements, such as temperature sensitivity, fragility, or bulk size. Accurately document receiving information in inventory systems, including noting damaged or missing items and reporting to supervisors or vendors as necessary. Inventory Management Maintain an organized inventory system, ensuring items are stored in designated areas and accessible for efficient retrieval. Conduct regular cycle counts and full inventory audits to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and identify trends in inventory movement. Implement and follow best practices for inventory rotation, such as FIFO (First In, First Out) or LIFO (Last In, First Out), depending on product needs. Monitor stock levels to ensure optimal quantities are available and assist in reordering processes by reporting low‑stock or overstocked items to supervisors. Utilize inventory management software to update records, generate reports, and track inventory movements accurately. Operate and maintain handheld scanners efficiently to track inventory, process orders, and update warehouse systems accurately. Pick items from inventory according to customer or production orders, ensuring accuracy in quantities, item types, and conditions. Pack orders securely using appropriate materials, labeling packages clearly and adhering to specific shipping or handling requirements. Prepare shipping documentation, including packing lists, shipping labels, and invoices, ensuring all required information is included. Work with logistics providers to arrange pickups, track shipments, and resolve any delays or issues during transit. Identify and prioritize urgent or high‑value orders to meet customer deadlines or business‑critical needs. Equipment Operation Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently, adhering to company and OSHA guidelines. Perform routine checks on warehouse equipment, such as inspecting forklifts for mechanical issues or ensuring pallet jacks are functioning properly. Assist with basic maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, reporting any significant issues to maintenance teams or supervisors. Load and unload trucks efficiently, securing items properly to prevent shifting or damage during transit. Participate in equipment training programs to ensure certifications are up to date and skills remain sharp. General Warehouse Maintenance Maintain a clean and organized workspace by regularly sweeping floors, clearing pathways, and ensuring all tools and materials are stored properly. Inspect warehouse areas for safety hazards, such as spills, damaged shelving, or blocked exits, and take corrective action promptly. Dispose of waste materials in compliance with company policies, including sorting recyclables and hazardous materials as required. Perform routine checks on warehouse infrastructure, such as lighting, ventilation, and shelving stability, reporting any concerns to management. Contribute to the development and implementation of safety protocols and participate in safety training sessions. Conduct thorough daily pre‑start inspections of equipment, completing required checklist forms to ensure operational readiness and safety. Collaboration and Communication Work closely with team members to streamline processes, share workload, and achieve daily, weekly, and monthly operational goals. Communicate effectively with supervisors and other departments, such as quality control, procurement, and shipping, to address issues or update on progress. Participate in regular team meetings, offering feedback and suggestions for improving warehouse operations and efficiency. Assist new team members or temporary staff with onboarding, training, and answering operational questions. Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and external partners, such as delivery drivers and logistics providers. Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor. Required Skills/Abilities Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry, production, and technical documents in English. Basic math skills in all units of measure. Proven experience as a forklift warehouse operator (within a food manufacturing environment preferred). Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and familiarity with inventory management principles and systems. Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehouse Practices. Commitment to maintaining high safety standards. Proven experience in a fast‑paced environment with a focus on quality and safety. Basic knowledge of workplace safety regulations (e.g., OSHA standards). Excellent time management and effective interpersonal and communication skills. Strong ability to multi‑task and prioritize daily activities. Ability to work well with others in a team‑oriented environment. Ability to clearly articulate process problems or troubleshooting issues. Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed. Education and Experience High School diploma or equivalent. Warehouse or factory experience, food manufacturing experience preferred. Physical Requirements Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment. Ability to adjust or move objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions. Ability to communicate with others to exchange information. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them. Ability to withstand various climates through the facility i.e. freezer, dock, production (as low as -15 degrees up to 110 degrees). Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity. Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position and often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Ability to move self into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and/or confined spaces. Must be physically able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, poles and scaffolding. Excellent hand/eye coordination. Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out. Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects. See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. See differences between colors, shades, and brightness. Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces. Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed. Stand and move around the manufacturing floor for up to 8 hours. Capability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks. What we offer you (perks, bonuses, benefits) Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance. Automatic, FREE $25,000 life insurance policy. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options. Additional voluntary life, AD&D, Critical Illness, and Short‑Term Disability. 401k Retirement Plan with Match. Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays. Ongoing training and development. Additional Information PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB POSTING IS NOT DESIGNED TO COVER OR CONTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF ACTIVITIES, DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE IN THIS ROLE. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ACTIVITIES MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE. The physical requirements are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Recruiters: We are not accepting resumes/referrals from outside recruiters unless we have signed a contract. We value our relationships with our recruiting partners and all potential candidates. As a recruiter, if you share a resume/referral and we do not have a signed agreement, we may contact the candidate and reserve the right to not engage your recruiting partnership. Ditsch USA is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr