Materials Handler

Material Handler IThe Material Handler I supports production by keeping materials, components, containers, and supplies flowing to the correct work areas at the right time and in the right quantity. The position performs routine line-side replenishment and material movement, maintains organized point-of-use areas, supports inventory accuracy, and removes empty containers and other material-handling obstacles. The role works closely with Materials, Warehouse, Inventory Control, and Operations to prevent material shortages and maintain safe, efficient material flow.
Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesLine-Side Replenishment & Material FlowPerform scheduled and as-needed material replenishment to designated work cells and point-of-use locations.
Deliver the right material, quantity, and container to the correct production area at the required time.
Move raw materials, components, WIP, finished goods, containers, pallets, and supplies safely throughout the plant.
Monitor point-of-use inventory and respond to replenishment signals, requests, and production needs.
Escalate material shortages, incorrect material, damaged material, or other conditions that could affect production.
Maintain orderly material presentation so production operators can easily identify and access required materials.
Milk-Run / Water Spider Standard WorkFollow established routes, delivery frequencies, and standard work for assigned production areas.
Complete routine delivery and pickup cycles consistently and communicate missed or delayed deliveries.
Remove empty containers, pallets, packaging, and other returnable material from production areas.
Return containers and materials to their designated locations and prevent accumulation at the point of use.
Support changes to routes, delivery frequency, and material presentation as production requirements change.
Inventory Accuracy & Material ControlMaintain accurate material identification and location discipline during movement, staging, replenishment, and returns.
Verify part numbers, quantities, labels, and material condition before delivering material to production.
Support line-side and warehouse inventory counts when assigned by Materials or Inventory Control.
Report quantity differences, missing material, unidentified material, damaged material, and transaction issues promptly.
Do not move or consume material outside established processes without appropriate authorization.
Support Inventory Control investigations by providing information on material movement and point-of-use conditions.
Warehouse & Material Handling SupportRetrieve and stage materials for production replenishment from designated warehouse or supermarket locations.
Return excess, unused, or rejected material to the proper location following established procedures.
Keep storage, staging, and material-handling areas clean, organized, and accessible.
Inspect material-handling equipment and report damage or unsafe conditions before use.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, or other material-handling equipment only when trained and authorized.
Lean, 5S & Continuous ImprovementMaintain clean, safe, and organized work areas using 5S principles.
Identify opportunities to improve material flow, replenishment routes, point-of-use storage, and material presentation.
Participate in Lean and continuous-improvement activities as assigned.
Follow standard work and provide feedback when current processes create unnecessary movement, waiting, excess inventory, or production risk.
Support visual management and error-proofing efforts within material-handling areas.
Safety & ComplianceFollow all plant safety rules, material-handling procedures, PPE requirements, and traffic/pedestrian controls.
Operate material-handling equipment safely and maintain awareness of pedestrians, forklifts, and other moving equipment.
Keep aisles, exits, work areas, and emergency equipment accessible and free of obstructions.
Report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, spills, or incidents immediately.
Use proper lifting, pushing, pulling, and material-handling techniques.
Communication & TeamworkCommunicate material shortages, delivery issues, production changes, and other risks promptly to the Materials Supervisor or appropriate team member.
Work professionally with Production, Warehouse, Inventory Control, Planning, Quality, and other plant functions.
Prioritize work based on production needs while maintaining safety and inventory-control discipline.
Support other Materials activities as needed to maintain uninterrupted plant material flow.
Key Performance ExpectationsProduction work areas are replenished on time with the correct material and quantity.
Material shortages caused by missed or delayed replenishment are minimized.
Line-side areas remain organized, properly identified, and free of excess containers and material.
Material movements, returns, and locations follow established processes.
Assigned routes and standard work are completed consistently.
Safety, 5S, and material-handling s