Warehouse Forklift Operator 1 - 2nd Shift

AkzoNobel; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 benefits

401K with 6% match

Annual bonus 4%

Medical insurance with HSA

Generous PTO

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Diversity networks

Referral bonus

Employee events

Job summary

AkzoNobel in Waukegan, IL is seeking a Warehouse Forklift Operator 1 - 2nd Shift to support production and material flow. You will stage materials, operate stand-up forklifts, and ensure accurate inventory in SAP, while adhering to safety rules on site.

The role requires a High School diploma, forklift experience, and ability to lift up to 55 pounds and push/pull 500 pounds. Starting pay is $23–$24 per hour with benefits from day one.

Qualifications

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Stand-up forklift experience.
• Ability to operate a variety of material handling equipment.

Responsibilities

• Stage raw materials according to batch sheets and production schedule.
• Load, unload, and transport drums, totes, pallets, and super sacks.
• Perform material transactions in SAP or inventory system and maintain FIFO.
• Follow safety policies and PPE requirements.

Skills

Stand-up forklift

Material handling

Safety procedures

Following instructions

Education

High School diploma

Tools

SAP

Inventory system

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Warehouse Forklift Operator 1 - 2nd Shift

Date: Sep 16, 2026

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

Key Resposnsibilities

Production Support

• Stage raw materials according to batch sheets and production schedule.
• Verify material identity, lot numbers, and quantities before staging.
• Deliver materials to designated production areas safely and on time.
• Return unused materials to proper inventory locations.
• Support urgent material requests to prevent downtime.

Forklift & Material Handling

• Safely operate stand-up forklifts.
• Load, unload, and transport drums, totes, pallets, and super sacks.
• Follow all warehouse traffic flow and pedestrian safety rules.
• Complete daily forklift inspection checklist.

Inventory & Systems

• Perform material transactions in SAP or inventory system.
• Maintain FIFO practices
• Assist with cycle counts and inventory audits.
• Report discrepancies, damaged materials, or label issues.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all site safety policies and Life Saving Rules.
• Follow hazardous material handling procedures.
• Wear required PPE at all times.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform movements in SAP in real time

Job Requirements

• High School degree or equivalent
• Stand up Fork Truck experience
• Ability operate a variety of material handling equipment
• Ability to lift 55Lb
• Ability to push/pull containers weighing up to 500lbs
• Capable of using any personal protective equipment needed
• Capable of passing any material handling tests required
• Capable of demonstrating competency in both the process and the movement of materials
• Able to follow written instructions acquired from a pick-list or order

This position is responsible for operating equipment used in moving materials. Standard Operating Procedures are in place for most stages of the process. Non-routine situations require that a Supervisor be notified before proceeding.

The Waukegan site produces a very wide range of products and sizes ranging from 2,000 – 5,000 gallons. This diversity puts great demands on the Pre-Batch Operators to support the plant floor. They must be sensitive to inventory variations and deal with them aggressively. Great attention to detail is needed to achieve the strict accuracy standards required.

This position requires the incumbent to maintain an awareness of the relevance and importance of the above listed responsibilities and how they contribute to the achievement of quality objectives and customer satisfaction. The employee is expected to adhere to all rules for safety and health and to the site's environmental policies, rules, and regulations

Starting hourly rate $23 - $24 hourly based on experience. (OT at 1.5X after 40 hrs. weekly)

• Benefits beginning Day 1
• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Annual bonus 4%
• Medical insurance with HSA
• Generous PTO policy: vacation (10 days), personal (5 days) and holiday (11 days)
• Short & Long term disability
• Paid Parental leave
• Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks
• Employee referral bonus
• Employee appreciation days

Accepting Direction

Accepting Responsibility

Acquiring Information

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.