Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

KIK Consumer Products•Salem, VA

About The Position

KIK Consumer Products is seeking an entry-level Forklift Operator to support production and shipping operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment operating under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The role safely moves raw materials, packaging, and finished goods throughout the facility; operates forklifts and other material handling equipment; completes basic inventory transactions; and helps maintain a safe, organized warehouse. The position is on the first shift: 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Friday, with weekends as business needs require. The stated hourly rate is $21.63, which may vary based on relevant skills and experience. The work requires a commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and established procedures. The operator will perform visual quality inspections of finished goods, maintain inspection-ready work areas, and follow safety policies, standard operating procedures, GMPs, and personal protective equipment requirements. The role requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing on and off forklifts throughout 10–12-hour shifts, and frequently lifting up to 50 pounds. Work takes place in a non-temperature-controlled manufacturing environment while wearing required PPE.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Forklift certification, or the ability to successfully complete company certification upon hire.
Ability to read shipping documents, labels, and inventory records.
Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and commitment to safety.
Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and in different work areas as business needs require.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb on and off forklifts throughout 10–12-hour shifts.
Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
Work in a non-temperature-controlled manufacturing environment while wearing required PPE.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of forklift experience in manufacturing or warehousing.

Responsibilities

Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to load, unload, transport, and stage raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
Load and unload trailers and accurately place inventory in designated warehouse locations.
Complete basic inventory transactions using RF scanners or warehouse management systems, including receipts, moves, and cycle counts.
Visually inspect finished goods before shipment to ensure products, pallets, labels, and packaging meet company and customer standards.
Re-stack, wrap, or secure pallets as needed to maintain safe, stable loads and prevent product damage.
Maintain a clean, organized, inspection-ready work area by following 5S, GMP, and housekeeping standards.
Promptly report safety concerns, damaged product, equipment issues, and near misses.
Follow company safety policies, SOPs, GMPs, and PPE requirements, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.