Cold Storage Warehouse Operator

Danone North America; Mount Crawford (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Danone North America is seeking a Distribution Center Associate to operate assigned equipment and manage day-to-day DC functions. You will handle FIFO inventory practices, use SAP and warehouse systems, and support maintenance or repairs as needed in a fast-paced facility.

The role requires strong communication, multitasking, and teamwork, with a focus on safety, quality, and timely order processing. Flexibility to work varied shifts and adherence to GMP/5S standards are expected.

Qualifications

• High School education or equivalent.
• Achieve and maintain required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain FIFO inventory system of raw materials and finished product.
• Operate warehouse management systems and SAP.
• Complete PMs and other routine operator maintenance tasks; assist in diagnostics, repairs and rebuilds of dock equipment.
• Monitor equipment for malfunctions and defects; repair minor issues independently.
• Communicate with supervisors regarding recurring problems affecting safety or quality.
• Participate in continuous improvement and maintain SOPs and WI.

Skills

MS Office

Excel

Communication skills

Multitasking

Teamwork

Reading/writing instructions

Education

High School diploma

Tools

SAP

Warehouse software

Forklift operation

Job description

General Summary

This position is a self-driven/self‑motivated individual capable of working proficiently, both independently and as part of a team, without direct supervision. The successful individual must have a passion for safety and be able to foster effective working relationships built upon trust and respect within all levels of the organization. This position safely and efficiently operates assigned equipment to receive and ship quality product at prescribed standards while minimizing waste and product loss. The position oversees and actively participates in all aspects of DC functions. This position rotates across varied Distribution Center Positions, multi‑tasks and effectively interacts on a timely basis via appropriate communication media with customers/employees. Distribution Center Associate must maintain a thorough knowledge of the operating systems and quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format and completed with all required information

• Maintain FIFO inventory system of raw materials and finished product

• Operate warehouse management systems to print and apply pallet tickets, ability to perform changes in SAP

• Complete PMs and other routine operator maintenance tasks; assist in diagnostics, repairs and rebuilds of dock equipment; partner with maintenance or others on non‑routine repairs and defect handling.

• Monitor equipment for malfunctions and defects, repairing and solving minor problems without assistance and eliminating potential threats to quality or customer service

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and forepersons regarding recurring problems or needs for repairs that will impact safety, quality and/or customer service

• Participate in PMs and utilize the root‑cause thought process to ensure corrective actions are sustainable

• Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns

• Utilize a continuous improvement mindset, actively participate in identifying and correcting opportunities to improve processes including participation in the creation and documentation of SOPs and WI, the creation and maintenance of preventive maintenance standards, the writing of One‑Point Lessons, and participation in continuous improvement methodology events

• Follow QMS, GMP and 5S methodology to maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area, maintaining audit‑ready status at all times

• Actively participate in Pillar activities (Quality, Focused Improvement, Safety, etc.) including but not limited to observations, inspections, and recommendations.

• Work diligently to achieve Business Unit Goals

• Ensure clean and inspection standards are up to date and completed in a timely manner

• Ensure lubrication standards are up to date and completed in a timely fashion; maintain lubrication logs

• Support plant production needs and priorities to achieve plant goals

• Facilitate, attend and participate in team meetings and programs

• Assist, train, and coach employees.

• Comply with all regulations, policies and procedures

• All other duties as assigned or become evident

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to pass tests required for this position

• Proficiency in MS Office Excel and basic PC skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proven decision‑making ability

• Ability to prioritize and multitask

• Ability to learn all functions of the job within a reasonable amount of time

• Ability to read and understand written instructions and to keep accurate written records

• Ability to work various hours and shifts

• Able to work overtime when required

Education and Experience

• High School education or equivalent

• Achieve and maintain required certifications

Nonessential Qualifications

• Flexibility

Materials and Equipment Directly Used

• Industrial power equipment (forklift, scissor lift, pallet jack, etc.)

• Office machinery including: computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.

• Software including: Microsoft Office (Outlook and Excel), Warehouse software, SAP

• Various equipment to include hand tools, compactors and various cleaning machines

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. The employee will lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed throughout the facility. Potential hazards include proximity of moving machinery, chemical exposure, noise, or heavy lifting. The position may require an individual to stand, stoop, move equipment; bend, reach or lift for prolonged periods of time. PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection and safety toe footwear.