Cooler/Freezer Associate, Warehouse Operations

KeHE Distributors, LLC; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 31,478 - 35,266; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Rx

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Employee stock ownership (ESOP)

Job summary

A reputable food distributor in Portland is hiring for the role of Associate, Warehouse Operations. The position involves handling shipments, operating warehouse equipment, and ensuring safety and efficiency. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and at least one year of relevant experience. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and opportunities for growth after a probation period. A strong emphasis is placed on team collaboration and workplace safety.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in food distribution or warehouse environment preferred.
• Ability to lift, move, and carry 30-40 pounds repetitively.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, day shifts, and overnight schedules.

Responsibilities

• Operate warehouse equipment to manage inventory.
• Maintain attendance in accordance with company policies.
• Build pallets within the warehouse to meet customer guidelines.

Skills

Operating powered warehouse equipment

Strong communication skills

Safe warehouse practices

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Job description

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $22.85/Hr. - $25.60/Hr.
• Shift Days: M-F, Shift Time: 7:00 AM
• Benefits after 30 days
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee‑owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

The Associate, Warehouse Operations role plays a vital part in ensuring accurate, efficient, and proper receiving and preparation of shipments to meet the needs of our customers. In this role, you'll operate warehouse equipment, manage inventory, and perform tasks like receiving, stowing, picking, packing, and shipping—all with a focus on safety, quality, and teamwork.

KeHE Portland is looking for Warehouse Cooler/Freezer Order Selector – Come join the TEAM!

Start time: 8:30am

Shift: Monday-Friday

New Hire Pay: $22.85

Growth Opportunity after 60 days probation period: $25.60 + team bonus!

Cooler Differential: $1.00

Freezer Differential: $1.50

Essential Functions

• Maintain attendance in accordance with company policies
• Uphold safe work practices in the warehouse, prioritizing the well‑being of yourself and your team
• Safeguard confidential company information
• Match product descriptions with label descriptions accurately
• Build pallets within the warehouse to meet customer guidelines
• Maintain production standards while minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency
• Take on other warehouse duties and special projects as requested
• Participate in continuous improvement activities

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, day shifts, and overnight schedules

Additional Skills, Qualifications, and Aptitude

• At least one year of experience in food distribution or a warehouse environment is preferred
• At least one year of experience operating powered warehouse equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, stock pickers, etc.
• Strong communication skills with internal customers and management, fostering collaboration
• Ability to follow safe warehouse working practices as instructed, supporting a culture of safety
• Ability to efficiently work independently while maintaining a commitment to team success
• Preferred experience using a warehouse management system (WMS) and other systems to track performance

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential warehouse functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to lift, move, and carry 30-40 pounds repetitively upwards of 1,000 times per day. Must be able to lift, move, and carry larger items up to 75 pounds less frequently. The associate is frequently required to stand, walk, climb and sit at times in the warehouse. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a warehouse environment where temperatures can vary from very cool to very warm. {Freezer temperatures: (-10 degrees) | Refrigerator temperature (25-35 degrees). The associate is also exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise levels in the warehouse work environment are typically low to moderate.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.