Forklift Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical w/ HSA

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation time & holidays

Life Insurance & AD&D

Short- & Long-term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a forklift operator at our Houston facility to safely move materials, support production, shipping, and inventory control on-site.

Responsibilities include loading/unloading trailers, maintaining inventory locations, and ensuring accurate shipments. Applicants should have 3–5 years forklift experience and the ability to read a tape measure and perform basic math.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3 to 5 years of forklift experience in shipping, warehouse, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift or complete company forklift certification requirements.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend basic English.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic math calculations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform physical tasks in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks and follow established safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklift safely and efficiently to support production, shipping, and warehouse operations.
• Load and unload trailers ensuring products are handled, secured, and protected.
• Transport raw materials and finished goods to maintain efficient workflow.
• Maintain accurate inventory locations and product tracking through system transactions and scanning.
• Verify product identification, load tags, and shipment accuracy; escalate discrepancies as needed.
• Conduct pre-shift equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.

Skills

English literacy

Measurement reading

Basic math

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

RF scanners

WMS

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Location: Houston North

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Shift: 1st shift

Travel Requirements: 0

Relocation: No

The Opportunity

When you join Smurfit Westrock, you will be joining a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. In this role, you will safely operate powered industrial trucks to support production, shipping, receiving, and inventory management activities throughout the facility. You will work closely with production, shipping, warehouse, and maintenance teams to ensure materials and finished goods are delivered accurately and efficiently. This position plays a critical role in maintaining product flow, supporting customer deliveries, and ensuring safe and efficient plant operations. If you enjoy operating equipment, working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and contributing to a high-performing team, this opportunity is for you.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Operate forklift (powered industrial truck) safely and efficiently to support production, shipping, and warehouse operations.
• Load and unload trailers while ensuring products are handled, secured, and protected according to company and customer requirements.
• Transport raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility to maintain efficient workflow and production schedules.
• Maintain accurate inventory locations and product tracking through system transactions, documentation, and scanning processes.
• Verify product identification, load tags, and shipment accuracy, escalating discrepancies to leadership as needed.
• Conduct pre-shift equipment inspections, report maintenance concerns, and support equipment reliability and uptime.
• Partner with production and shipping teams to ensure timely movement, storage, and delivery of materials and finished products.
• Follow all safety, quality, housekeeping, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements while supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, and company standards
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Alignment with Smurfit Westrock's values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3 to 5 years - Previous experience operating a forklift in a shipping, warehouse, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift or successfully complete company forklift certification requirements.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend basic English.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic math calculations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform physical tasks in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks and follow established safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 yr - Previous forklift operating experience in the corrugated packaging, paper, or converting industry.
• Experience loading and unloading trailers.
• Experience with inventory tracking systems, RF scanners, or warehouse management systems.
• Knowledge of shipping, receiving, and material handling best practices.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

Benefit eligibility begins Day 1

• Benefits include:
• Medical w/ HSA
• Mental Health
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Paid vacation time & holidays
• Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.