Lead Forklift Operator (Full-time) - Day Shift

Nestlé S.A.; Hazleton (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé Health Science in Hazleton, PA, is seeking a Lead Forklift Operator to oversee daily warehouse operations, manage inventory accuracy, and train team members. You will lead workflow, coordinate tasks in the absence of a supervisor, and ensure safe, efficient material handling in a GMP environment.

The role requires forklift certification, 3+ years in warehousing, ability to lift 50 lbs, and English proficiency. Shift is Monday-Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a 4-5 day onboarding program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 3+ years of warehouse or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and move throughout your shift.
• Comfortable working around powders, chemicals, and food allergens.
• Flexible to work overtime based on business needs.
• Experience leading or training others preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and advanced material handling equipment.
• Verify shipments and update inventory systems.
• Perform cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies.
• Organize and label warehouse storage areas.
• Pick, pack, and stage materials for shipment.
• Train team members and support on-the-job learning.
• Lead daily workflow and provide updates to leadership.
• Collaborate across teams to support smooth operations.
• Follow safety rules, GMPs, SOPs, and company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Computers and tablets

Inventory systems

Basic math

English literacy

Organization and time management

Teamwork and professionalism

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.

Must have basic proficiency of English language to comply with verbal and written directions, signs, policies and procedures.

SHIFT/SCHEDULE:

This role operates on the 1st shift, with a schedule of Monday-Thursday, 5:00 AM-3:30 PM.

ONBOARDING SCHEDULE:

To ensure a successful start and seamless integration into the team, this role includes a structured 4-5-day onboarding program, typically scheduled from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All new employees are expected to complete this onboarding during their first week.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Lead Forklift Operator, you’ll lead daily warehouse operations while serving as a subject matter expert in inventory accuracy and material handling. You’ll guide workflow, train team members, and support department goals and KPIs. In the absence of a supervisor, you’ll help coordinate tasks and provide updates to leadership. Your experience and leadership help us deliver the products people love - safely, efficiently, and consistently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate forklifts and advanced material handling equipment
• Verify shipments and update inventory systems
• Perform cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies
• Organize and label warehouse storage areas
• Pick, pack, and stage materials for shipment
• Train team members and support on-the-job learning
• Lead daily workflow and provide updates to leadership
• Collaborate across teams to support smooth operations
• Follow safety rules, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and company policies
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 3+ years of warehouse or manufacturing experience preferred
• Ability to obtain forklift certification
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and move throughout your shift
• Comfortable working around powders, chemicals, and food allergens
• Flexible to work overtime based on business needs
• Experience leading or training others preferred

SKILLS:

• Comfortable using computers, tablets, and inventory systems
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Able to read, write, and understand English
• Strong organization and time management
• Team-oriented, dependable, and professional

#OCBT

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Nearest Major Market:

Scranton

Nearest Secondary Market:

Wilkes Barre