Material Handler – Inventory & Material Tracking

Company Overview

At Northwest Technologies, we value excellence, respect, integrity, stewardship, and family happiness. We are looking for team members who take pride in their work, demonstrate accountability, and contribute to a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.

Job Summary

Northwest Technologies is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Material Handler with strong computer skills and extensive forklift experience to support material flow and inventory accuracy throughout our manufacturing facility.

This position is responsible for receiving, identifying, organizing, tracking, storing, and moving materials to ensure inventory is accurate, materials are easy to locate, and production departments have the materials needed to meet their schedules.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in forklift operation and material handling, along with the computer proficiency necessary to maintain accurate inventory records and track material movement within a manufacturing or inventory management system. This individual will take ownership of material organization, inventory transactions, location tracking, and the safe, timely movement of materials throughout the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Material Handling, Forklift Operation & Organization

• Safely and efficiently operate forklifts to unload, move, position, and store raw materials, components, and production supplies.
• Receive, inspect, identify, and verify incoming materials against purchase orders and receiving documentation.
• Organize and maintain raw materials, sheet metal, components, hardware, and production supplies in designated storage areas.
• Maintain clear material identification, labeling, and storage locations so materials can be quickly and accurately located.
• Maximize the effective use of available storage space while maintaining safe access to materials.
• Move, stage, and deliver materials to production departments according to job requirements and production priorities.
• Pick, issue, and transfer materials while verifying part numbers, specifications, and quantities.
• Identify misplaced, damaged, unidentified, or excess materials and take appropriate action to resolve issues.
• Maintain clean, orderly, and safe material storage areas.

Inventory Control & Computer-Based Material Tracking

• Use the company’s manufacturing, inventory, or ERP/MRP software to record and track material receipts, locations, transfers, issues, and adjustments.
• Maintain accurate computer records that reflect actual material quantities and physical storage locations.
• Track material movement throughout the facility to maintain visibility and traceability from receiving through production.
• Use computer systems to research part numbers, purchase orders, work orders, material availability, and inventory locations.
• Perform routine cycle counts and physical inventory checks; investigate discrepancies and correct errors according to established procedures.
• Complete inventory transactions accurately and promptly to support production planning and scheduling.
• Identify inventory shortages, location errors, and other discrepancies; communicate and help resolve issues.
• Use spreadsheets, email, and other computer applications to document, organize, and communicate inventory information.

Production Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate with production supervisors, purchasing, receiving, and other departments to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Communicate material shortages or delays before they affect production.
• Support accurate material staging and timely delivery to production work centers.
• Identify opportunities to improve storage layouts, labeling systems, inventory tracking, and material flow.
• Follow all company safety procedures and maintain a safe, organized work environment.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Previous experience in material handling, warehousing, inventory control, or a manufacturing environment.
• Strong, demonstrated forklift operating experience, including safely moving, loading, unloading, and positioning materials in an industrial environment.
• Ability to safely handle bulky, heavy, or awkward materials using appropriate equipment and established procedures.
• Strong computer skills, including accurate data entry, navigating software systems, and retrieving and updating information.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to maintain orderly, clearly identified material storage areas.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to inventory accuracy and material tracking.
• Basic math skills and the ability to accurately count and verify materials.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, follow established procedures, and work independently while coordinating with a team.
• Dependable attendance, clear communication, and a commitment to workplace safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts in a metal manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Experience handling sheet metal, plate, steel, aluminum, pallets, or other manufacturing materials.
• Experience with ERP/MRP, inventory management, or manufacturing software, such as MIE Trak.
• Experience with inventory transactions, cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and material traceability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet applications.
• Familiarity with manufacturing work orders, bills of materials, and production requirements.
• Current forklift certification or the ability to complete company-required training and evaluation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout a manufacturing facility during the workday.
• Ability to lift and handle materials within the physical requirements of the position, using mechanical assistance when appropriate.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment after appropriate training and authorization.

Measures of Success

• Materials are safely handled, organized, labeled, and stored in designated locations.
• Forklift operations are performed safely and efficiently.
• Computer inventory records accurately reflect physical quantities and material locations.
• Material receipts, transfers, and issues are recorded correctly and promptly.
• Inventory discrepancies are identified, investigated, and communicated.
• Production departments receive the correct materials in the correct quantities at the appropriate time.
• Material storage and tracking processes minimize misplaced materials, unnecessary movement, and production delays.

What we have to offer you:

• An affordable and comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental and vision plans
• Flexible spending plan
• 401k retirement plan including a matching contribution
• Short term and long term disability plans and life insurance
• PTO and seven paid holidays [including the day after Thanksgiving!]
• Additional benefits, such as safety shoe reimbursements, purchase programs, and quarterly employee meals
• Competitive wages
• Training and development opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Willing to take a pre-employment drug screening including THC.

Work Location: In person

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

Work Location: In person