Operations Material Handler I (Days)

SunOpta, Inc.; Midlothian (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. Midlothian, TX is seeking an Operations Material Handler I to support raw material delivery, palletizing, labeling, and inventory control in a manufacturing plant.

You will operate forklifts, palletizing robots, and related equipment, follow GMP/SOP requirements, and maintain FIFO material flow while coordinating with production teams on shift transitions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of forklift driving experience.
• Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and related equipment.
• Familiar with GMP, HACCP, and SOPs.
• Strong documentation accuracy and record-keeping.
• Ability to troubleshoot and support maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, palletizing equipment and related machinery.
• Use Oracle tools and RF scanners to generate labels and track inventory.
• Place finished pallets in warehouse; execute moves and FIFO handling.
• Communicate delays or production issues to the team.
• Monitor and clear jams; assist maintenance as needed.
• Perform forklift inspections and maintain paperwork.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Documentation

RF scanners

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Oracle production tools

RF scanners

Palletizing robot

Forklifts

Shrink wrap machines

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Summary:

The Operations Material Handler I will be required to:

• Operator will perform all tasks involving the delivery of raw materials, palletizing, documentation, and storage of all finished goods.
• Operate all energized and non-energized Forklift and Palletizing equipment including Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Floor Scrubber, Palletizing Robot and shrink wrap machines.
• Follow written and verbal procedures to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met.
• Assume responsibility for the Batch Output area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself.
• Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position at the site.
• Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Utilizing the Oracle production tools and wireless handheld RF scanners to generate labels placing them on pallets and account for inventory.
• Scan bar codes to make sure codes are accurate and legible.
• Places finished product pallets in the warehouse processing all necessary moves including immediate transactions for the final locations.
• Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that hinder production.
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in palletizing equipment.
• Perform forklift inspections prior to shift with accurate documentation.
• Conducts required quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Maintains communications within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities.
• Monitor raw packaging material and supplies to ensure it is supplied in an efficient manor to support production.
• Maintain ingredients and material on a First in First Out basis (FIFO).
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork.
• Must be able to work both independently as well as professionally with other team members.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Adheres to all plant safety rules.
• Reports all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and or HR representative.
• Serves an active role the plant safety programs, by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management.

Quality:

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines.
• Follows SOP’s and SSOP’s (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making processing adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality liquid-based products.
• Responsible for compliance with GMP’s, HACCP and SQF programs.
• Identifies all critical control points (CCP) understanding their functions it relates to the process.

Maintenance:

• When Maintenance is occurring in your work
• When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.

Housekeeping:

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping.
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors.

Communications:

• As a member of the Production team, ensures effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.

Teamwork and Training:

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works well among co-workers as a team.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.

Personal Development:

• Continuously improve your knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process.
• Become familiar with SunOpta 360.
• Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 3 – 5 years of Forklift Driving.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be able to run all processors, CIPs, and monitor all surge tanks.
• Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination.
• Must be able to perform maintenance on valves, surge tanks, and processors.
• Must be able to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues associated with the processors and related equipment.
• Ability to assess a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.
• Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management.
• Understand terminology related to the process and surge equipment.
• Must be able to stand and work for long periods of time (12) hours and lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads.
• Computer and basic math skills.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be at our SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX.
• Work Environment: The majority of work for this position will be performed in a manufacturing / plant environment.
• Shift: This is a day (A) shift opening on a 2-2-3 pattern; 6 am to 6:30 pm.
• Pay Rate: $21.00/hour.