Forklift Operator

Position: Forklift Operator
Hours: 2nd Shift (2:00 pm -10:00 pm)
Pay Rate: $18.00 - $19.50/hour
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

DITSCH USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean-label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the ART OF PRETZEL MAKING!

We seek those who want to learn and grow within our organization. Ditsch USA offers development options to add to your skill set and open new opportunities for you within our organization. At Ditsch USA you will find a welcoming, safe, and team-orientated environment.

Job Summary:

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forklifts, reach trucks, and ride-on material handling equipment to transport raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods throughout the production floor, storage areas, and designated workstations. This role is essential in maintaining a smooth and organized production flow by ensuring timely material delivery, supporting manufacturing teams, and optimizing storage efficiency. Key responsibilities include loading and unloading production lines, staging materials for processing, stacking and organizing products, and transferring completed goods for further storage or shipment. The operator must adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards while maintaining productivity in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment while following safety guidelines and company policy.
• Efficiently transport raw materials, finished products, and various loads between production areas, storage locations, freezer locations, and shipping/receiving docks while following inventory practices.
• Maintain accurate inventory labeling, documentation, and tracking by updating records, applying identifiers, and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Assist with breaking down and restacking pallets, ensuring proper weight distribution, stability and compliance with storage requirements while handling damaged goods and repackaging materials as needed.
• Identify and report damages, shortages, and quality issues in received shipments, documenting discrepancies and collaborating with quality assurance teams to resolve product defects.
• Conduct daily forklift inspections and report any issues to maintenance while keeping detailed logs for safety compliance.
• Utilize handheld scanners to track inventory and manage locations, resolving errors by verifying SKU numbers and barcode accuracy, while training new employees on proper scanner usage for improved efficiency.
• Perform physical inventory cycle counts to verify stock accuracy, assist with reconciliation, and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with warehouse managers to ensure smooth production and distribution.
• Accurately record inventory movements and generate reports on stock levels and material usage, ensuring timely and precise documentation in inventory management systems.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures, company policies and safety guidelines while staying updated on safety protocols, participating in training and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas, storage zones, and docks by removing debris, eliminating obstructions, and properly disposing of materials to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and PPE requirements by wearing proper safety gear, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to hygiene protocols. Ensure compliance with company and industry regulations by safely handling and storing materials to prevent contamination, supporting a sanitary production environment, and participating in ongoing training to stay current on best practices.
• Assist with production floor audits, inspections, and compliance initiatives by ensuring accurate inventory tracking, verifying material storage conditions and addressing any safety or regulatory concerns to maintain a compliant and efficient work environment.
• Operate efficiently in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks to meet production goals and deadlines while adapting to changing demands and maintaining safety and accuracy.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to ensure efficient production operations, communicate effectively to coordinate workflow & participate in team meetings to discuss improvements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. Provide back-up support in other warehouse departments as necessary. Take on additional responsibilities based on operational needs. Assist with special projects, such as facility reorganizations or process improvements.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry, production, and technical documents in English. Basic math skills in all units of measure.
• Proven experience as a forklift warehouse operator (within a food manufacturing environment preferred).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and familiarity of inventory management principles and systems.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Warehouse Practices
• Commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced environment with a focus on quality and safety.
• Basic knowledge of workplace safety regulations (e.g., OSHA standards).
• Excellent time management and effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to clearly articulate process problems or troubleshooting issues.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Warehouse or factory experience, food manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Current Forklift certification

Physical Requirements:

• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to adjust or move objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions.
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Ability to withstand various climates through the facility i.e. freezer, dock, production (as low as -15 degrees up to 110 degrees)
• Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position and often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to move self into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and/or confined spaces.
• Must be physically able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, poles and scaffolding.
• Excellent hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
• Stand and move around the manufacturing floor for up to 8 hours.
• Capability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks.

If you're seeking a role where you where you can become an integral part of our innovative team, apply today.

What we offer you (perks, bonuses, benefits):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Automatic, FREE $25,000 life insurance policy
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Additional voluntary life, AD&D, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability
• 401k Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Ongoing training and development

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The physical requirements are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

For more information, visit www.ditsch.com/en

*Recruiters* We are not accepting resumes/referrals from outside recruiters unless we have signed a contract. We value our relationships with our recruiting partners and all potential candidates. As a recruiter, if you share a resume/referral and we do not have a signed agreement, we still may contact the candidate and reserve the right to not engage your recruiting partnership.

Ditsch USA, is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.