Material Handler

Job Description

Job Title: Material Handler

General Summary: The Material Handler’s primary responsibility is the efficient loading and unloading of trucks, precise placement and retrieval of items from inventory, and skilled operation of various packaging equipment. This role also encompasses the timely delivery of parts, materials, and supplies to appropriate production areas, as well as the prompt removal of finished products from the production line.

Essential Job Functions:

• Removes finished product and excess parts from the production area to maintain an organized and efficient workspace.
• Stocks and re-stocks parts and products to ensure continuous availability for production and shipping.
• Unloads inbound trucks, accurately enters materials into the inventory system, and stocks them in their designated locations. Verifies shipment accuracy against documentation and inspects all items for potential damage.
• Removes products from inventory according to orders, stages them appropriately for shipment, and loads outbound trucks safely and efficiently.
• Operates the following equipment in a safe and proper manner: fork lift, scanner, shrink wrapper, and various pieces of packing equipment. Adherence to safety protocols is paramount.
• Supports the stocking of the production area to the proper level of parts, products, and packing & raw materials to ensure effective and uninterrupted operations.
• Performs basic maintenance tasks on equipment and lift trucks to ensure operational readiness and longevity.
• Provides training, leadership, and guidance to new or less experienced Material Handlers, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled team.
• Maintains equipment, tools, and the work area in a clean, organized, and professional manner, contributing to a safe and efficient work environment.
• Maintains accurate and proper documentation and record-keeping for all material movements and inventory adjustments.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

Education:

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• Some college or technical school training/coursework is a plus, indicating a commitment to continuous learning.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in automotive material handling and/or inventory control is essential.
• Forklift license, training, and/or experience is a significant plus, demonstrating proficiency in key equipment operation.

Personal/Technical Skills:

• Basic understanding of production processes or prior production, assembly, or manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with the Kanban process, demonstrating knowledge of lean inventory management.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment preferred (e.g., HiLo, Forklift, etc.).
• Basic math and analytical skills for inventory management and problem-solving.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment.
• Ability to function both independently and as a collaborative member of a team.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work effectively within time constraints and deadlines, and handle stressful situations with composure.
• Possesses strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and good judgment.
• Ability to work more than eight hours a day or to work a holiday or weekend if needed, demonstrating flexibility and commitment.
• Ability to communicate and work well with all levels of the organization, fostering positive working relationships.
• Must demonstrate commitment, entrepreneurship, innovation, perseverance, professionalism, self-discipline, and teamwork skills.
• Must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, quality-driven, and capable of working with minimum supervision.

Language Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
• Proficiency in Japanese and/or Spanish is a plus, enhancing communication in a diverse workforce.

Computer/Software:

• Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.).

Work Environment/Conditions:

• Office: N/A (This role is primarily plant/warehouse based).
• Plant: Standard automotive plant/warehouse environment with a moderate noise level. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection, etc., may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply.
• Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 5% of the time, as needed.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to talk, see, and hear. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, standing, and climbing or bending on, under, or near tooling and equipment for extended periods of time. Frequently required to reach, grasp, and manipulate parts, materials, or equipment. May be occasionally required to lift, move, and carry up to 50 pounds.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member.

EOE