Material Handler

Design Foundry; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Foundry is seeking a Material Handler in Hickory, NC. The role requires moving upholstered furniture from Final Inspection to the Wrap Line, coordinating with inspection and wrapping teams, and safeguarding items from damage during handling.

The position emphasizes teamwork, safe lifting, and adherence to production schedules in a fast-paced warehouse setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment is a plus.
• Experience handling upholstered furniture is preferred but not required.
• Ability to move large and heavy furniture pieces safely and efficiently.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with multiple departments.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Move furniture from Final Inspection to the Wrap Line to maintain flow.
• Coordinate with Final Inspection, Wrap Line, and inspection teams to prioritize orders.
• Position furniture for wrapping and packaging and ensure correct order.
• Follow proper lifting and handling techniques to prevent injuries.

Skills

Heavy lifting safely

Teamwork & communication

Workplace safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift or pallet jack

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Material Handler

Full Time Hickory, NC, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1145

Salary Range: $16.00 To $16.00 Hourly

Job Summary

The Furniture Pusher is responsible for maintaining a steady flow of upholstered furniture from Final Inspection to the Wrap Line, ensuring an efficient production process. This role plays a key part in keeping operations running smoothly by moving products safely and efficiently while coordinating with inspection and wrapping teams. The Furniture Pusher ensures that furniture is handled with care to prevent damage before packaging and shipment. You embody our core values: We Are Family, We Own It, We Give Our All, and We Have Fun, fostering teamwork, accountability, and efficiency in every aspect of the job.

Department and Reporting Structure

• Department: Final Inspection & Wrap Line Operations
• Reports To: Shipping, Receiving, and Wrap Line Operations Manager
• Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities

Furniture Movement and Workflow Management

• We Own It: Ensure a continuous and organized flow of furniture from Final Inspection to the Wrap Line.
• We Give Our All: Move furniture safely and efficiently, preventing bottlenecks in the production process.
• We Are Family: Work closely with Final Inspection and Wrap Line teams to coordinate workflow and prioritize urgent orders.
• Position furniture correctly for wrapping and packaging, making sure items are placed in the correct order for processing.

Quality Control and Damage Prevention

• We Own It: Handle all furniture with care to prevent damage, scratches, or tears before wrapping.
• Report any visible defects or damages before moving furniture to ensure only quality-approved products advance to wrapping.
• Follow proper lifting and handling techniques to prevent injuries and maintain workplace safety.

Efficiency and Safety Compliance

• We Give Our All: Maintain a clean and organized workspace, ensuring clear pathways for efficient movement of furniture.
• Adhere to all company safety guidelines when moving furniture to avoid accidents and damage.
• Assist in staging furniture in a way that optimizes workflow and minimizes delays.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment is a plus.
• Experience handling upholstered furniture is preferred but not required.

Skills

• Ability to move large and heavy furniture pieces safely and efficiently.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with multiple departments.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices.

Certifications

• Forklift or pallet jack certification is a plus but not required.

Core Competencies

• We Are Family: Work closely with team members to maintain an efficient and organized production flow.
• We Own It: Take responsibility for keeping the wrap line supplied with a steady flow of furniture.
• We Give Our All: Demonstrate dedication by ensuring timely movement of products while maintaining high safety standards.
• We Have Fun: Foster a positive and engaging workplace while contributing to a smooth production process.

Performance Metrics

• Consistency in maintaining a steady flow of furniture to the Wrap Line.
• Reduction in delays or bottlenecks in the wrapping process.
• Prevention of product damage during movement.
• Adherence to safety and handling procedures.
• Work in a manufacturing and warehouse environment with exposure to moving furniture, production lines, and equipment.
• Fast-paced setting that requires physical stamina and teamwork.

Travel Requirements

• None

Physical Requirements

The Furniture Pusher role is physically demanding and requires the ability to perform tasks that involve heavy lifting, pushing, and maneuvering large upholstered furniture pieces throughout the manufacturing facility. The following are the key physical requirements for this role:

• Ability to stand, walk, push, and maneuver furniture for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and handle furniture weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment while following proper lifting techniques.

Strength and Endurance

• Ability to push and maneuver heavy upholstered furniture, including sofas, chairs, sectionals, and ottomans, throughout the production floor.
• Must have the physical stamina to stand and walk for extended periods (8–10 hours per shift).
• Ability to repetitively push, pull, and lift objects weighing up to 75 lbs. unassisted.

Mobility and Dexterity

• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching to adjust and position furniture for optimal movement.
• Ability to grasp, grip, and hold furniture securely to prevent dropping or damage during movement.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination to maneuver furniture around obstacles and within tight spaces.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to guide furniture onto carts, conveyors, or designated areas.

Balance and Coordination

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with continuous movement.
• Must be able to walk backward while maintaining control of large furniture pieces safely.
• Ability to navigate narrow walkways, ramps, or production aisles without losing balance.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in a manufacturing and warehouse setting, which may involve:
  • Exposure to fluctuating temperatures (hot or cold, depending on seasonal conditions).
  • Moving around large machinery, conveyor belts, and production equipment.
  • Working in areas with moderate noise levels from manufacturing operations.
• Must be comfortable wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)