Senior Material Handler - Whitestown, IN

The Hershey Company; Whitestown (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hershey Company is seeking a Senior Material Handler to operate and maintain production equipment and forklifts in a food manufacturing environment. The role focuses on safe handling of bulk ingredients, accurate record-keeping, and coordination with plant teams to meet production schedules.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of sit-down forklift experience, basic computer skills, and a willingness to learn SAP and Visitrak for material movement and tracking.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years operating an industrial powered truck in a manufacturing/warehouse setting.
• Experience in food manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physical environment.
• Basic computer skills; learn SAP and Visitrak for product movement.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production/bulk ingredients equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine equipment checks and maintain clean workspaces.
• Safely operate forklifts and move raw materials and finished products.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and COA documentation.
• Follow SQF and GMP requirements and assist with other plant tasks.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Team work

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SAP

Visitrak

Job description

Job Summary

Senior Material Handler position is responsible for operating and maintaining production equipment, ensuring that bulk ingredients are handled in a safe, efficient, and timely manner as well as the safe and efficient operation of a forklift to transport raw materials and finished products throughout the plant in both our Warehouse and Ready to Eat Departments. The Senior Material Handler has experience working in a food manufacturing environment and a commitment to quality and safety. Our Senior Material Handler performs all Material Handler duties and other popcorn manufacturing duties as assigned by the shift supervisor or leadership team.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production / bulk ingredients equipment to ensure that products are produced or transferred in accordance with safety standards, production schedules and quality standards.
• Perform routine checks on equipment, including cleaning and housekeeping of the workspace to ensure that machines operate at peak efficiency.
• Complete Master Sanitation Schedule
• Troubleshoot ingredients transfer equipment as needed to minimize downtime. Elevate repairs to the proper level if necessary.
• Follow safety guidelines and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Monitor the bulk ingredients unloading process. Ensure that bulk ingredients are routed to the proper storage vessels.
• Maintain accurate records. Including but not limited to documenting deliveries, ingredient transfers, quality control records. Ensure COA documentation matches deliveries.
• Communicate with other plant personnel regarding equipment issues and product quality.
• Ensure supply of bulk ingredients aligns with scheduled demand; communicate any questions or concerns with Production Scheduler.
• Participate in training programs to develop knowledge and skills related to production equipment and processes.
• Fill and empty kitchen oil tanks, load and unload trucks using a forklift.
• Monitor communications between bulk ingredient containers and kitchen HMI to ensure proper ingredient deliveries.
• Ensure exterior unloading areas are maintained and cleaned. Including hoses and end fittings. Area to remain swept and tidy.
• Safely operate Powered Industrial Vehicles to move raw materials and finished products throughout the plant.
• Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items, or signals machine operators to move materials onto and off trucks, ships, and loading docks.
• Keep accurate inventory records and update the computer system with all material movement.
• Properly tagging of all finished goods as they are produced and moving to the Warehouse staging areas.
• Communicate effectively with team members to coordinate material movement and ensure production timelines are met.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including the forklift and storage areas.
• Follow all SQF and GMP required for accurate records and lot tracking.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by plant management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating an industrial powered truck, primarily sit-down forklifts in a manufacturing or warehouse environment
• Preferred experience of minimum of 2 years of experience operating production equipment in a food manufacturing environment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards related to forklift operations.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures for operating production equipment
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping and equipment monitoring.
• Ability to learn SAP and Visitrak systems to support product movement and tracking.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to read and write.
• Assist with all other tasks as assigned by plant management.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications or working conditions.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center ([e-mail]).