Forklift Operator

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand worldwide. Join us in reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet.

About the role

The Forklift Operator is responsible for moving product from the palletizer, within the warehouse, into trailers, and other designated locations in a safe manner in accordance with all company policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Load trailers according to company specifications and in a manner which delivers product on time, damage free, and with order accuracy.
• Receive, unload, inspect, and correctly warehouse all in-bound shipments using safe procedures while maintaining product quality and accurate inventory management.
• Conduct trailer inspections after unloading inbound trailers and prior to loading trailers for product shipment.
• Operate forklift and high lift equipment to move product within the warehouse, maintaining required sanitation levels.
• Repair and recoup damaged goods created during product movement.
• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) principles for finished products.
• Perform accurate inventory transactions into warehousing systems.
• Tag pallets from the palletizer, record production, organize warehouse supplies, and supply materials to packaging lines.
• Report or take appropriate action when quality checks do not meet required specifications.
• Improve operations through individual and group problem solving.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment that promotes employee safety and product integrity.
• Learn and execute the product "Hold" criteria of all applicable areas.
• Receive and scale trucks in (ingredients) and out (finished goods).
• Generate, verify, and correct bills of lading and pick lists using SAP.
• Scan documents and move them to the correct file location using Google Suite.
• Accurately calculate axle weights on loaded trucks.
• Safely operate yard dog, including proper fueling and inspections in Trace Gains system.
• Ensure safety, quality, and food safety in assigned work area(s).
• Safely and accurately perform lot checks.
• Generate maintenance work orders as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Wear proper personal protective equipment (hair net, beard net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform).
• Bending, stooping, twisting, turning, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 55 lbs on a continuous basis.
• Ability to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust, dirt, and chemicals.
• Forklift assignments require OSHA certification.

Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Previous forklift experience.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Must be willing and able to work varying shifts and schedules.
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment screening process.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience operating a variety of machines.
• 2 years of work experience within manufacturing or a technical/trade discipline.
• Demonstrated competency in computer software including Google Suite.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles.

Pay

Salary Range: $16.83 - $19.80 USD. Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Paid parental leave and disability coverage.
• Participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions (subject to eligibility requirements).
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on hire date).
• Paid sick leave adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.