Production Material Handler

zekelman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing

401(k) with Company Match

Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision

Tuition Assistance Program

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Employee Loyalty Awards

Career Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Zekelman Industries in Chicago seeks a Production Material Handler to support manufacturing operations. You will safely handle raw materials and finished products, operate overhead cranes, and maintain continuous material flow throughout the facility.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and operational excellence with a midnight shift from 11pm to 7am. Prior crane experience and a strong mechanical aptitude are valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree, Bachelor's degree, or Trade Certification preferred.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes to unload master coils and transport coils.
• Load and unload raw materials and finished products safely.
• Maintain inventory levels and communicate with mill personnel.
• Perform daily crane inspections and report equipment issues.
• Follow safety policies and participate in training and cross-training.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic math

Communication skills

Measuring instruments

Reading schedules

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Team player

Safety mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate/Bachelor/Trade certification preferred

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play - all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies - 100% domestic manufacturers - with a legacy dating back to 1877. We're proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

As a Production Material Handler , you will play a key role in supporting production by safely handling raw materials and finished products while maintaining continuous material flow throughout the facility. You will operate overhead cranes to receive, stage, and transport steel coils, support production operations, and help ensure equipment, inventory, and work areas are maintained safely and efficiently.

This role is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is committed to safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Shift: Midnight -11pm - 7am

What You'll Do

• Perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies and immediately report unsafe conditions.
• Operate overhead cranes to unload master coils from trucks, stage materials, and transport slit coils to storage locations.
• Work from rolling schedules and SAP to ensure the proper master coils and slit coils are available for the slitter and mill.
• Load and unload raw materials and finished products safely and efficiently.
• Communicate with mill personnel to maintain continuous production flow.
• Perform daily inspections of cranes and other assigned equipment.
• Report equipment irregularities or malfunctions to management and maintenance in a timely manner.
• Maintain proper inventory levels of production materials.
• Support other production team members and assist with additional operational tasks as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas through proper housekeeping practices.
• Participate in training and cross-training activities to support workforce flexibility.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PM) activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance.

Who You Are

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree, Bachelor's degree, or Trade Certification preferred.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Basic math skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers preferred.
• Ability to read production schedules and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and productive workplace.

Required Certifications

• Overhead Crane Certification required (or ability to obtain certification as required by company policy).

Physical Abilities

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, reach, and use hands throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull materials and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing and industrial environment.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, airborne particles, and elevated noise levels.
• Occasional exposure to wet and humid conditions.

What You’ll Get

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. Additional benefits include:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance ProgramPaid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Pay - $26.65/Hour

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.