Material Handler I

SunOpta, Inc.; Allentown, Northern (Lehigh County, KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Paid Family leave

Paid maternity leave

401(k) with Match

Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Ill

Disability insurance

Paid Holidays

Tuition assistance

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. Allentown facility seeks an Operations Material Handler I to operate palletizing equipment and forklifts for aseptic beverage packaging. The role includes CIP/sanitation, FIFO material control, and routine equipment maintenance.

You will work on 12-hour shifts (5:30 AM–6:00 PM) and report to the Production Supervisor. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of basic math, and English literacy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree or higher preferred; or two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferably at least one year experience in food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of basic math including weight calculations, averages and percentages; must read/write in English.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklift and palletizing equipment.
• Monitor and fix faults; clear jams in palletizing robot.
• Load outbound trucks and unload inbound deliveries.
• Maintain FIFO inventory and clean work area.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment; document parts needed.
• Complete required paperwork neatly and accurately.
• Conduct quality and food safety checks; report delays or issues.
• Follow GMPs; wear PPE; communicate with team about production.
• Ensure proper shift handoff and safety compliance.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Inventory FIFO

Quality checks

Problem solving

Teamwork

Computer skills

Basic math

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree preferred

Two years related experience

Job description

Allentown Facility, 7108 Daniels Drive, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 4:00 AM

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Operations Material Handler I - Team A

Pay Rate: $25.00
Schedule: 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM 12-hour shifts 2-2-3

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Summary:

This position is responsible for all functions relating to operating the palletizing equipment and forklift used to package aseptic beverage finished products as well as cleaning (CIP) and sanitizing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate all energized and non-energized forklift and palletizing equipment.
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in palletizing robot.
• Pick and load outbound trucks as per paperwork.
• Unload and put away inbound trucks.
• Monitor raw packaging material and supplies to ensure it is supplied in an efficient manner to support production.
• Maintain ingredients and material in a First In First Out basis (FIFO).
• Perform routine maintenance as directed on all forklift and palletizing equipment. Document in written form parts needed to be ordered.
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Maintain clean and organized area around equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Complete inspections of all critical parameters.
• Must be able to work independently as well as professionally with all other team members.
• Completes all required paperwork in a neat & professional manner.
• Proficient and comfortable using a computer.
• Performs a variety of quality and food safety checks to ensure standards and specifications are met.
• Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that would hinder production.
• Must follow all employee safety, food safety and quality procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Responsible for proper shift handoff with incoming/outgoing operators.
• Must wear all required PPE; such as protective gloves, aprons, face shields and safety glasses.
• Leadership and ownership of the department, job responsibilities and job function.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Passing of background and drug screens.
• Able to keep operating logs and records
• Able to read manuals and problem solve
• Able to climb off and on forklifts on a regular basis
• A desire to succeed and good work ethics are required
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• High energy, flexible, self-starter, hands-on, comfortable with little or no administrative support.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Team player with a sense of urgency and a self-accountability mentality.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree or higher preferred; or two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Preferably at least one year experience in food manufacturing.

Knowledge and Skills:

Candidate must possess the knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages and percentages. Must be able to read and write in English.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately; 100% of work is performed in a manufacturing facility which is not climate controlled and may contain allergens. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, climb stairs and stand for long periods of time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

Allentown Facility, 7108 Daniels Drive, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America