
Material Handler
Shift: 1st Shift | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $21 per hour
Additional Hours: Overtime and weekend availability required as needed
Job Summary
The Material Handler is responsible for maintaining 100% inventory accuracy and preparing “kits”-organized sets of parts and tools-for the production line. This role is critical in a lean manufacturing environment, ensuring that production team have exactly what they need, when they need it, without having to leave their stations to search for parts.
Key Responsibilities
• Cycle Counting: Perform frequent physical counts of raw materials, components, and finished goods. Investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical stock and the ERP/MRP system or excel spreadsheet theoretical values.
• Kitting Operations: Gather and package specific components into “kits” based on Kit Sheets. Ensure all kits are labeled and staged for production.
• Discrepancy Reporting: Identify and report damaged goods, short-shipments from vendors, or “phantom inventory” issues to the Production Control Supervisor.
• Space Optimization: Maintain the “Kitting Area” and Inventory Area using 5S principles. Ensure high-velocity parts are easily accessible to speed up the kitting process.
• Material Transactions: Track and log manual inventory moves, ensuring the spreadsheet or system reflects real-time stock levels.
• Other Duties: Any other tasks assigned by supervisor/manager.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education
• High School Diploma or GED required
Experience & Technical Skills
• 1–3 years of experience in inventory control, kitting, or warehouse operations.
• Attention to Detail: High. Must be able to distinguish between very similar part numbers (e.g. Part-A123 vs Part-A124)
• Math Skills: Proficiency in basic arithmetic for counting, weighing, and unit-of-measure conversions (e.g. pieces to pounds).
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with ERP systems and/or excel based tracking sheets.
• Organization: Strong 5S mindset – maintaining a clean, lean, and organized dock environment.
• Certifications: Forklift Operator certification. Trainer certification a plus.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Additional Requirements
• Lean Manufacturing: Experience with “Kitting” or “Just-in-Time” delivery to production lines. Understanding of Kanban systems and “Two-Bin” replenishment.
• Quality Mindset: Ability to perform basic visual inspections of parts during the kitting process to catch defects before they reach the assembly line.
• Problem Solving: Identifying why a part is consistently missing or “shrinking” from inventory.
Working Conditions
This is a shop floor position. Candidates should be comfortable with the following:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently
• Must be able to stand and walk for most of the shift
• Be able to work in a team environment.
• Bending, crouching, and reaching required to inspect parts and operate equipment
• Shop environment — temperatures may vary seasonally
• Noise exposure on the floor; PPE required
• Must wear required safety gear including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, sleeves, pants, and gloves.