Job: Material Handler (Military/Veteran Friendly)

Shift: Days (6pm – 6:30am)
Location: Royal Canin, Fremont, NE

About Us

Being a Mars Associate is all about opportunity. The opportunity to do the kind of challenging, interesting work that shapes the world’s best-loved brands. To work with real purpose, supported by talented, friendly people from all sorts of different backgrounds. Access the tools, training and experience you need to have a positive impact on our business, on the planet, and most importantly on your own career. Being a Mars associate is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to start your tomorrow today.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Royal Canin offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

Position Purpose

The Material Handler role functions as a member of an area team that is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. This role will operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area. Shipping Operators must ensure efficiency, operational conformance, product quality and continuous improvement. Shipping Operators must have the skills set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires strong communication, interpersonal and team building skills to support site objectives.

We highly value the leadership, disciplined work ethic, and technical expertise of military veterans. Transitioning service members from logistics, supply, motor transport, and aviation support backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance: Always operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Strictly adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
• Equipment Operation (MHE): Operate materials handling equipment, specifically forklifts, at an expert level to move, stage, and stack inventory.
• Inventory Control: Perform periodic and routine physical inventories of raw materials in storage. Utilize automated logistics databases and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) (such as GCSS or equivalent civilian/military inventory software) to maintain 100% accountability of stock.
• Preventive Maintenance & Safety Checks: Conduct routine operator-level maintenance checks (analogous to military PMCS) on forklifts and warehouse equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Shipping & Receiving: Responsible for loading/unloading trucks, live loads, and staged loads. Manage and verify shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOL), cargo manifests, and direct shipping logs.
• Quality Assurance: Execute direct ship responsibilities, including the proper containment, disposition, and tracking of food safety holds or released products.
• Team Support & Housekeeping: Perform housekeeping and sanitation procedures to maintain strict food safety standards. Support the Warehouse Area Lead with daily operational taskings.
• Communication: Maintain clear, functional communication with team members to optimize safety, quality, and productivity.

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

• Standing on a concrete floor for extended periods.
• Mounting and dismounting a forklift frequently throughout the shift.
• Wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform).
• Bending, stooping, twisting, turning, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 55 lbs regularly.
• Ability to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes (such as moving from hot to cold climates, dust, dirt, and food-safe chemicals).
• Vision correctable to 20/20.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules.
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language.

Preferred Skills & Experience (Civilian or Military Equivalent):

• Forklift Certification: Prior certification or formal military training in Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) operation.
• Logistics Systems: Direct experience with commercial Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or military equivalents (e.g., GCSS-A/MC, automated supply databases).
• Shipping Documentation: Familiarity with preparing and processing Bills of Lading (BOL), shipping manifests, and inventory tracking.
• Safety & Quality Standards: Prior experience in environments requiring strict procedural compliance, such as Food Manufacturing, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), or military HAZMAT/safety programs.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with over a century of history, making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.