Forklift Operator

M & M Industries, Inc.; Lordstown (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

M&M Industries is seeking a Forklift Operator II to support production, inventory, and logistics. This role emphasizes safe operation, material accuracy, and 5S practices on the floor.

You will inspect, stage, and transport materials, perform cycle counts, assist training, and help maintain organized workspaces while contributing to Kaizen events.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum two years forklift or material handling experience in a manufacturing/warehouse.
• ERP or WMS experience preferred.
• Forklift Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Follows safety policies to maintain a safe work environment.
• Conducts daily forklift inspections and reports safety issues.
• Maintains clean, organized workspace per 5S/Lean principles.
• Reviews schedules to determine material needs and priorities workload.
• Operates forklift to stage and transport materials for multiple lines.
• Performs cycle counts, location audits, and variance reconciliation.
• Troubleshoots inventory discrepancies with Supervisors/Planners.
• Completes shipping and receiving paperwork; may prepare Bills of Lading.
• Ensures finished goods are scanned, labeled, and staged for shipment.
• Supports outbound loading/unloading and verifies load accuracy.
• Identifies process improvements in material flow; participates in Kaizen/5S events.
• Assists in training Forklift Operator I as needed.

Skills

Advanced forklift operation

Inventory systems

Microsoft Excel/Word

Interpret Bills of Lading & shipping

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Communication & teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ERP or WMS

Job description

M&M Industriesis a U.S.-based manufacturer of plastic pails and packaging solutions. We operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and teamwork are critical to keeping production running efficiently.

The Forklift Operator IIis an experienced material handler responsible for safely and efficiently supporting production, inventory, and logistics operations. This role ensures material accuracy, leads by example in safety and 5S practices, and may assist in training or supporting Forklift Operator I employees and production teams.

Schedule: 1st Shift

Key Responsibilities:

• Follows and enforces safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Conducts and documents daily forklift inspections; reports and escalates safety issues promptly.
• Maintains a clean and organized workspace in accordance with 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Reviews production schedules and work orders to determine material needs and prioritizes workload independently.
• Operates forklift to stage, transport, and replenish materials for multiple production lines or departments.
• Performs advanced inventory control activities including cycle counts, location audits, and variance reconciliation.
• Troubleshoots inventory discrepancies and partners with Supervisors, Planners, or Inventory Control to resolve issues.
• Completes shipping and receiving paperwork accurately; may prepare Bills of Lading or verify orders against system data.
• Ensures finished goods are scanned, wrapped, labeled, and staged in correct zones for shipment.
• Supports outbound loading and unloading operations and verifies load accuracy per order and dock audit logs.
• Identifies process improvement opportunities in material flow and participates in Kaizen or 5S events.
• Assists in training or mentoring Forklift Operator I employees as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies (Knowledge/Skills/Abilities)

• Advanced forklift operation skills and ability to maneuver safely in tight spaces.
• Strong understanding of inventory systems and barcode scanning processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word (preferred).
• Ability to interpret work orders, Bills of Lading, and basic shipping documentation.
• Understanding of GMP, Food Safety, and HACCP standards as applicable to packaging operations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to coordinate between departments.

Education

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. (required)

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of forklift or material handling experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment required.
• Experience with ERP or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) preferred.
• Demonstrated history of safe operation and strong attendance record.

Licenses and Certifications

• Forklift Certification (required)
• Additional heavy equipment certifications (preferred)

Physical Job Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in hot or cold manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and operate powered equipment for extended periods of time.