Forklift Driver- 2nd Shift

Forklift Driver- 2nd Shift

NEW LENOX, IL 60451

Overview

Salary Range $23.00 - $26.00 Hourly Job Shift 2nd Shift

Description

NLX Beverage Solutions, now integrated into Finlays Solutions, brings together specialized beverage manufacturing expertise with the scale of a global industry leader. Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs. Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long-term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company's dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary

The Forklift Driver plays a critical role in supporting the efficiency and success of the NLX Warehouse and Production Departments. This position requires the ability to safely and skillfully operate a counterbalance forklift, including navigating narrow aisles and performing efficient and precise trailer loading and unloading.

Success in this role depends on strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment. The Forklift Driver ensures that materials and finished goods are handled and moved safely, accurately, and in alignment with all safety protocols and operational standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a powered industrial forklift, performing required pre-shift inspections and promptly reporting any mechanical issues to the supervisor
• Use pallet jacks to transport packaging materials and finished goods as needed
• Transfer pallets from production areas to warehouse storage locations accurately and efficiently
• Re-palletize finished goods as necessary to ensure proper stacking, stability, and storage compliance
• Create and apply accurate pallet labels in the inventory system to support production tracking
• Complete all required documentation legibly and accurately, including material movement logs and storage records
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized warehouse environment in alignment with company standards
• Help with ongoing organization of warehouse areas, including staging zones and storage racks
• Foster strong interdepartmental communication to ensure smooth coordination between production, warehouse, and logistics teams
• Follow all applicable plant policies, including GMPs, SOPs, SQF, safety procedures, and HACCP protocols
• Perform all duties in a safe, efficient, and team-oriented manner, even under pressure or in high-demand situations
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow all safety guidelines consistently

Qualifications

Education and Skills

• High school diploma or GED required; 1+ years of powered industrial equipment operation/driving, specifically with stand-up forklifts
• Experience with ERP/WMS systems preferred
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to ensure understanding of written procedures, safety instructions, technical documentation, and verbal communications.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and use of weights and measures. Must be comfortable using a calculator.
• Familiarity with basic computer systems and control interfaces.
• Basic understanding of food production and food safety principles is a plus.
• Team-oriented attitude; respectful, approachable, honest, dependable, and adaptable to change. Capable of resolving conflicts professionally.
• Able to prioritize tasks and remain productive under shifting demands.
• Follows both written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Highly motivated, reliable, and hands-on with a strong problem-solving mindset.
• Able to identify and address inconsistencies or quality issues with accuracy and precision.

Physical Demands

Willingness to work additional hours, and tailor schedule appropriately, to support team goals and meet deadlines. Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks. Work environment sometimes involves exposure to inclement weather. Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment. Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety. Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols.

Quality Statement: Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to "be the best" as we produce "only the best". Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following: Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products. Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls. Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately. Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety. Adhere to all health and safety work practices. Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it. Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always. Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies. Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship