Forklift Operator - Cold Storage Warehouse

Job Description

Forklift Operator - Cold Storage Warehouse

Department: Warehouse
Location: Avon, NY
Reports To: Warehouse Supervisor
Union: Teamsters 118

Position Summary

The Kraft Heinz Company is currently seeking a Forklift Operator - Cold Storage Warehouse to work at our food processing facility in Avon, NY. This position is responsible for safely operating forklifts, scissor lifts, and material handling equipment to move, store, load, unload, and inventory finished products while supporting efficient warehouse operations. The Forklift Operator maintains compliance with safety, quality, food safety, inventory control, and GMP requirements while working in cold storage environments.

Basic Purpose

To safely and efficiently transport, store, load, unload, and inventory finished products and warehouse materials while maintaining inventory accuracy, product traceability, and compliance with warehouse safety, food safety, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Acquire and maintain a valid forklift license.
• Safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Transport finished product pallet loads from staging areas to designated storage locations.
• Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently.
• Transport empty pallets to pallet storage and stacking locations.
• Operate palletizer equipment.
• Utilize warehouse computer systems to maintain inventory records.
• Maintain inventory accuracy and product traceability.
• Support production and warehouse operations through timely movement of materials.
• Assist with inventory counts and warehouse audits.
• Maintain warehouse housekeeping standards.
• Follow all warehouse procedures and standard operating practices.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all Kraft Heinz safety policies and procedures.
• Safely operate powered industrial equipment.
• Complete required forklift inspections.
• Wear and maintain required PPE.
• Report unsafe conditions, behaviors, and equipment immediately.
• Follow warehouse traffic and material handling safety requirements.
• Support Kraft Heinz's safety-first culture.

Sanitation Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean and organized warehouse environment.
• Support GMP and housekeeping standards.
• Assist with warehouse sanitation activities as required.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and storage requirements.

Quality Assurance Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory and product traceability.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of finished products.
• Support food safety, GMP, and quality programs.
• Communicate inventory discrepancies and product concerns promptly.
• Participate in QRMP and audit activities as required.

Skills Profile

Technical Skills

• Forklift operation
• Material handling
• Inventory management
• Warehouse operations
• Product traceability
• Shipping and receiving
• Warehouse computer systems
• Inventory documentation

Professional Competencies

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Adaptability
• Time Management
• Safety Awareness

Physical Requirements

• Standing up to 12 hours a day
• Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs. including overhead work
• Repetitive motion with hands
• Kneeling
• Twisting
• Squatting
• Climbing stairs
• Working in hot and cold environments (Lunchables 40 degrees F, Cool Whip 90 degrees/ -35 degrees F, Cold Storage 0 degrees F)
• Working in loud environments over 85 decibels
• Able to give and understand instructions and hold conversations in a manufacturing environment as well as an office or classroom setting
• Must operate a computer and other standard office equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain forklift certification.
• History of safe work practices.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior warehouse experience.
• Shipping and receiving experience.
• Inventory control experience.
• Previous forklift operation experience.
• Food manufacturing experience.

Working Conditions

This position works in a warehouse and cold storage environment and may be exposed to:

• Sub-zero freezer temperatures
• Forklift traffic
• Moving mechanical equipment
• High storage racking systems
• Loading dock operations
• Variable temperatures
• High noise levels
• Production and warehouse environments

Additional Information

• Applicants must be willing to work any shift, including weekends and holidays.
• Overtime may be required based on business needs.
• Employees are expected to comply with all federal, state, local, company, safety, quality, food safety, and sanitation requirements.

Benefits Overview

In addition to competitive pay, Kraft Heinz offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial future, and personal well-being, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• HRA and Optional Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with Company Match and Additional Core Contribution
• Company-Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance and Voluntary Benefits
• Maven Family Support Resources
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Shift Differentials and Overtime Opportunities
• Growth and Advancement Opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Compensation Overview

• Starting Pay: $26.98
• Second Shift Differential: $1.25/hour
• Third Shift Differential: $2.50/hour

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to redefine not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.

Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility, and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and own the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and commitment to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions while celebrating our wins and our failures as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and cultivating strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we're growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Avon Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected].