Warehouse Forklift Operator

Winland Foods, Inc.; Lake Lotawana (MO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with match

STD/LTD/AD&D/Life

HSA, FSA

EAP

Hospital indemnity

Accident Insurance

Identity and Fraud Protection Plan

Legal

Critical Illness

Job summary

Winland Foods, Inc. in Lee's Summit, MO is seeking a Warehouse Forklift Operator to move ingredients, packaging, and finished goods safely. This full-time role operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and SAP inventory tools on a 2,2,3 schedule, supporting production and shipping.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED, willingness to obtain certifications, and a strong focus on safety, quality, and teamwork in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Prior forklift operation experience in a production/warehouse setting.
• Ability to read and follow safety procedures and work with SAP inventory systems.
• Willingness to obtain required certifications (e.g., forklift).

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, wrapping machines and related equipment.
• Move materials and organize inventory to support production and shipping.
• Maintain accurate documentation and follow DOT and safety regulations.

Skills

Forklift operation

Inventory control

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Job description

At Winland Foods, we know great products don't move themselves. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Forklift Operators play a critical role in keeping our pasta plant running safely, efficiently, and on schedule. As a Forklift Operator, you're the engine that keeps materials and products flowing throughout the facility. Whether you're delivering ingredients to production, moving packaging materials into place, organizing inventory, or transporting finished goods to shipping, every trip you make helps keep our operation rolling. Your attention to detail ensures the right products are in the right place at the right time, helping teammates stay productive and customers receive the quality foods they count on.

Employee Type: Full time
Location: MO Lee's Summit
Job Type: Production Group

Warehouse Forklift Operator

Schedule: 6:00 PM - 6:30 AM on a 2,2,3 schedule

Work Location: 200 NW. Victoria Drive Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $22.00 per hour
$1.50 Shift Differential with additional bonus potential

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, wrapping machines, and other related equipment. Perform inspections on all equipment and maintain accurate documentation. Follow Department of Transportation (DOT) and safety regulations when applicable.

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management: Move materials and ensure FIFO rotation. Accurately and timely stage materials to prevent production downtime. Return materials to appropriate locations to ensure they are easily located. Handle recyclable materials according to plant processes. Deliver daily parcel shipments. Participate in inventory counts.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance: Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies. Follow proper storage procedures for allergens, kosher, and organic products. Maintain cleanliness in assigned areas and an audit-ready work environment. Promptly report any safety or quality concerns.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training: Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement: Use computer systems (e.g., SAP) for inventory transfers and reporting. Maintain accurate material handling records. Participate in improvement projects. Actively participate in all required training. Participate in 5S efforts.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED required; additional certifications (e.g., Forklift, Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement) a plus. Experience operating equipment like forklifts, box trucks, and SAP inventory management systems. Willingness to obtain required certifications (e.g., forklift, SAP, Train the Trainer, etc.). 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills

Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes. Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities. Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills. Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues. Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Safety & Compliance

Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations. Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed. Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership

Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors and others at the worksite regarding work matters, which are mostly conducted in English. This includes the ability to understand and respond to oral communications; understand written information, communications, and safety information; and communicate in writing as needed. Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels). Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic

Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently. Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision. Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas. Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership. Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed. Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned. Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

EEO Statement

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table. That means:

Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.

Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.

People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.