Material Handler

rkmi; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

RK Industries, LLC in Colorado is seeking a Material Handler to support production by receiving, staging, and delivering materials to the line. You will work with Production, Supply Chain, Quality and Logistics to sustain on-time delivery and efficiency.

The role emphasizes 5S, lean practices, accurate BOM handling, and safe operation of forklifts and pallet jacks. You’ll participate in kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• No specific degree required; training provided for entry level roles.
• Strong understanding of lean tools and waste elimination is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, lean manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily tasks based on production priorities and manpower.
• Verify material transactions for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify materials received or shipped and ensure correct items.
• Move materials using hand trucks, forklifts, or hoists.
• Maintain staging areas and 5S compliant storage layouts.
• Assist in setup of supermarket areas for flow and visual management.
• Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives; participate in kaizen events.
• Adhere to safety standards and ISO 9001 environmental protocols.
• Conduct safety checks on material handling equipment.
• Coordinate and perform shipment loading and related paperwork.

Skills

Lean principles

5S

Kanban

Visual management

Root cause analysis

Tools

WMS

ERP

Forklift operation

Job description

$20.00-$28.00/Hourly

RK Company Overview

As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers’ greatest concepts into reality.

Position Summary

The Material Handler is required to perform the daily operations associated with material handling operations. This includes related activities for receiving material availability and staging material to production lines to ensure material flows efficiently and accurately throughout the production process. This role supports Lena Manufacturing initiatives and collaborates closely with Production, Supply Chain, Quality and Logistics to maintain on-time delivery and Production Efficiency.

Role Responsibilities

• Execute daily work tasks based on production priorities, project scheduled and manpower availability
• Ensure material transactions are complete and accurate. Verify transactions made by others are accurate and complete
• Identify materials and items being received or shipped and ensure they are the correct items
• Move materials to or from storage or worksites to designated areas, using hand truck or power device
• Maintain production station staging areas with full and accurate kits
• Maintain supermarket zones per production station requirements
• Participate in the setup of supermarket areas (taping, labeling, shelving) to support flow and visual management
• Ensure that materials are staged efficiently and organized using 5S principles
• Execute accurate kitting, labeling and delivery of all BOM (Bill of Material) items
• Participate in the documentation of best practices
• Identify opportunities to improve material handling efficiency, layout and accuracy through Lean and 5S initiatives
• Participate in kaizen events and continuous improvement projects to eliminate waste and enhance operational processes
• Adhere to all Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) and safety standards
• Adhere to all company policies including ISO 9001 and environmental protocols
• Conduct regular safety checks of material handling equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, hoists, trucks, etc.)
• Maintain a clean, organized warehouse and staging area using visual controls and 5S practices
• May require delivery of material to other plants as needed; acceptable Motor Vehicle Report required for this task
• Coordinate and perform shipment loading and complete required paperwork
• Perform additional assignments per supervisor's request
• Issue material by requisition and work order, locate and distribute material as needed by production requirements and direct supervisor
• Use warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP, or other digital tools for real-time tracking of inventory and transactions
• Inspect and maintain storage yards and warehouse for cleanliness, etc. and report problems to supervisor
• Locate and prepare materials for outbound shipment and notify supervisor when shipment is ready
• Load and unload materials within warehouse, on-site containers, or storage facility
• Utilize hand trucks, forklifts, hoists, trucks, conveyors or other handling equipment to move material

Qualifications

Material Handler 1 & 2:

• Receives direct supervision.
• Performs technical responsibilities.
• Work is generally structured or recurring.
• Objectives based on established guidelines, processes and operating procedures.
• Relevant experience is not necessarily required.
• Participate in entry-level training on 5S and continuous improvement to support team goals.
• Entry-level position.

Material Handler 3:

• Aid in directing crew in daily tasks and special projects.
• Responsible for training new hires on all aspects of the job.
• Mentor junior handlers on lean tools, including kanban, visual management, and root cause analysis.
• Monitor and analyze material flow metrics to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions for enhanced efficiency.
• Stand in for the supervisor in the event of an absence

Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability

• Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy and hazardous areas.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks efficiently while maintaining focus on safety and quality in a fast-paced lean environment.
• Capability to handle materials in a manner that supports quick changeovers, kanban’s, and minimal production downtime.
• Climb, balance, squat, kneel and crouch.
• Work in all types of weather.
• Must have working knowledge of all trade materials, production materials, and tools.
• Ability to lift and carry 31 to 45 pounds of force frequently, and/or 16 to 22 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Support operational excellence by adhering to standardized work procedures and promoting waste elimination in daily tasks.
• Engage in training on lean tools and methodologies, such as value stream mapping, to enhance personal and team performance.
• All employees are accountable for safety and health and are empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition is present. Employees should immediately notify their supervisor so that the hazard may be corrected.

What Sets RK Industries Apart

• Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
• Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
• Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
• Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
• Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.