Forklift Operator (Night Shift)

Southeastern Food Merchandisers; Pelham, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeastern Food Merchandisers in Pelham, AL is hiring for a warehouse associate responsible for accurate inbound receiving, handling, storage, and movement of products across freezer, cooler, and dry environments. This role ensures quality, safety, and documentation standards are met while maintaining inventory through forklift operations.

You will verify shipments against orders, process paperwork, identify nonconforming items, operate equipment safely, stock slots, and keep work areas clean.

Qualifications

• Prior experience operating a stand-up forklift or electric pallet jack.
• Previous warehouse experience required; foodservice industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verify accuracy, quality, quantities, dates, labeling, and condition of all inbound products against purchase orders and receiving documentation.
• Ensure all inbound paperwork (BOLs, receivers, pick tickets, and related records) is completed accurately and maintained per warehouse SOPs.
• Identify and take appropriate action on products that do not meet SFM quality, shelf-life, packaging, or food safety standards.
• Safely operate a stand-up forklift and other material handling equipment (no sit-down forklifts) to load, unload, stage, store, retrieve, and replenish product.
• Transport materials to and from storage locations and accurately place products into correct pick and reserve slots.
• Replenish pick slots from reserve locations to maintain adequate inventory levels for selectors.
• Interact with warehouse management systems, automation screens, and/or paper pick tickets to verify inventory accuracy and pallet builds.
• Operate bay doors and designated warehouse equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned work areas, including spill cleanup, trash removal, restacking pallets, and general housekeeping as needed.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, food security, and workplace safety policies.
• Ensure consistent accuracy, quality, and efficiency in all assigned tasks.
• Perform other warehouse-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to detail

Documentation

Safety compliance

Tools

Stand-up forklift

Electric pallet jack

Job description

Description

Job Summary

Responsible for the accurate and safe receiving, handling, storage, and movement of inbound products. This role ensures all inbound shipments meet SFM quality, food safety, and documentation standards while maintaining proper inventory levels through forklift operation and replenishment activities across freezer, cooler, and dry environments.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Verify accuracy, quality, quantities, dates, labeling, and condition of all inbound products against purchase orders and receiving documentation.
• Ensure all inbound paperwork (BOLs, receivers, pick tickets, and related records) is completed accurately and maintained per warehouse SOPs.
• Identify and take appropriate action on products that do not meet SFM quality, shelf-life, packaging, or food safety standards.
• Safely operate a stand-up forklift and other material handling equipment (no sit-down forklifts) to load, unload, stage, store, retrieve, and replenish product.
• Transport materials to and from storage locations and accurately place products into correct pick and reserve slots.
• Replenish pick slots from reserve locations to maintain adequate inventory levels for selectors.
• Interact with warehouse management systems, automation screens, and/or paper pick tickets to verify inventory accuracy and pallet builds.
• Operate bay doors and designated warehouse equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned work areas, including spill cleanup, trash removal, restacking pallets, and general housekeeping as needed.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, food security, and workplace safety policies.
• Ensure consistent accuracy, quality, and efficiency in all assigned tasks.
• Perform other warehouse-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively for safety, documentation, and operational needs.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• Ability to safely work in fluctuating temperature environments: Dry, Cooler (approx. 32°F), and Freezer (down to -6°F).
• Ability to work in moderate to high noise environments.
• Ability to safely operate industrial material handling equipment.
• Ability to successfully complete forklift certification.

Education and Experience

• Prior experience operating a stand-up forklift or electric pallet jack.
• Previous warehouse experience required; foodservice industry experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

Position requires standing for long periods of time, walk, frequent lifting of material up to 100 pounds and frequent twisting, turning, reaching, pushing and pulling use hands to finger, grasp objects occasionally, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear.