Forklift Operator

Merchants Foodservice - Lee's Summit, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Lee's Summit, MO

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Forklift Operator position at Performance Foodservice is essential for maintaining the efficient flow of products through the distribution process. This role involves operating material handling equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, to transport incoming freight to inventory and ensure quality standards are met. The operator will work independently and as part of a team to support the company's operations in a safe and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks to transport incoming freight to inventory.
• Locate proper slots on storage racks and set pallets in place with a forklift or hand stack items.
• Enter product data and location into the appropriate unit.
• Perform count checks of incoming freight in the staging area and transport to the freezer.
• Replenish pick slots with outgoing stock items according to work orders.
• Rotate date-sensitive stock to the front of the rack and remove outdated inventory as per company policy.
• Disperse over-stocked items to available slots for temporary storage.
• Remove empty pallets, cardboard packing, and strapping to the proper area or receptacles.
• Inspect empty pallets for damage and stack them appropriately.
• Follow all preferred work methods, safety policies, and procedures as per company guidelines.
• Ensure work area is safe and report any unsafe conditions immediately.
• Review work schedule, perform safety checks on equipment, and prepare for operations.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Gear.
• Meet required productivity and accuracy standards per location and company guidelines.
• Work from receiving sheets, computer outputs, and established procedures.
• Inspect items for damage and perform temperature and quality checks as needed.
• Perform general housekeeping duties in the work area as needed.
• Remove batteries requiring recharging and replace with charged batteries.
• Secure all equipment and complete necessary paperwork at the end of the shift.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent
• 6+ months of warehouse and/or distribution work experience
• Ability to work scheduled/assigned times and required overtime
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, and lift repeatedly throughout the shift
• Ability to lift, stack, and/or pull products weighing between 10-35 pounds and generally up to 60-90 pounds
• Ability to work in multi-temperature environments (cooler, freezer, dry)
• Pass post-offer drug test and criminal background check

Nice-to-haves

• 1+ years of warehouse and/or distribution work experience using a motorized pallet jack or forklift
• Foodservice distribution or related industry experience
• Motorized pallet jack and/or forklift certified

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401K Employer Matching
• Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Growth opportunities