Material Handler

Smurfit Westrock; Conover (NC); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Material Handler for a day shift (7am–7pm) with a 4 days on/4 days off schedule. This role supports production by delivering, staging, and moving materials, maintaining clean and safe work areas, and assisting with inventory flow using plant software.

Starting pay is $18/hour and increases with experience. You will operate forklifts, comply with 5S standards, and participate in safety programs.

Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts or willingness to be trained.
• Ability to maintain a clean, orderly work area with 5S standards.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical job functions.
• Reliability and strong attention to detail.
• Follow PPE requirements and safety guidelines.
• Ability to work as part of a fast-paced production team.

Responsibilities

• Load, stage, remove, and deliver materials to production lines and workstations.
• Manage WIP materials and ensure proper material flow throughout the facility.
• Retrieve and return pallets, skids, and excess material to designated locations.
• Keep warehouse aisles and production areas clean and organized per 5S standards.
• Operate forklifts and material-handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Support receiving activities including staging and verifying materials as needed.
• Assist with production scheduling by ensuring timely material delivery and availability.

Skills

Forklift operation

5S

Material handling

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Documentation

AS400

Tools

AS400

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.

Hiring Immediately - Full Time

Starting payrate: $18/hr and can go up based on experience

Day shift -7am-7pm

4 days on 4 days off

The Opportunity

The Material Handler plays a key role in supporting efficient production operations by ensuring all materials, components, skids, pallets, and supplies are properly delivered, staged, moved, or removed as needed. In this position, you will maintain accurate material flow, assist with inventory and WIP staging, and uphold a safe, clean, and organized work environment. A typical day includes supplying materials to workstations, removing completed loads or empty pallets, maintaining orderly warehouse aisles, performing basic documentation tasks, and supporting production teams to prevent downtime. This role requires adherence to safety expectations, 5S standards, and WestRock Core Values and Behaviors. Additional duties may be assigned based on operational needs.

How You Will Impact Smurfit WestRock

• Load, stage, remove, and deliver materials, components, and supplies to production lines and workstations.
• Manage WIP materials and assist with maintaining proper material flow throughout the facility.
• Retrieve and return pallets, skids, and excess material to designated warehouse locations.
• Remove empty skids, completed loads, or packaging materials from equipment such as gluers, sheeters, waxers, or other production machines.
• Keep warehouse aisles and production areas swept, clean, and organized in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and material‑handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Support receiving activities including staging, counting, or verifying materials as needed.
• Assist with production scheduling needs by ensuring timely delivery and availability of materials.
• Use systems such as AS400 or other plant‑specific software to track inventory or movement of materials (training provided).
• Follow all safety protocols including PPE requirements and established safety guidelines.

What You Need To Succeed

• Experience operating forklifts or other material‑handling equipment (or willingness to be trained).
• Ability to maintain a clean, orderly work area consistent with 5S standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical job functions such as standing, walking, carrying, bending, reaching, stooping, and climbing.
• Reliability and strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to following PPE requirements including safety glasses, composite/steel‑toe shoes, ear protection, gloves, and additional PPE as required (hair nets, beard nets, bump caps, etc.).
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast‑paced production environment.

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available immediately
• 401K with company match
• 80 hours of Paid Time Off and 12 Paid Holidays
• Other benefits such as company paid Long-Term & Short-Term Disability, Tuition Assistance and more
• Annual Reimbursement for Safety Shoes
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• 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.