Material Handler

The Material Handler plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely material flow throughout the facility. This role is responsible for the safe and efficient movement and organization of materials, including raw ingredients, packaging, and indirect supplies, as well as staging materials in preparation for production and packaging work orders (WO).

Key responsibilities include transferring products between facilities and organizing finished goods in the warehouse. This role also supports periodic inventory and receiving activities and contributes to the overall cleanliness and organization of the warehouse environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Material Staging for Production & Packaging

· Review upcoming work orders 1–2 days in advance to prepare staging of required materials.

· Use WMS to transfer materials from storage bins to staging bins and place them in physical staging areas.

· Record lot codes for all staged materials on the printed work order for traceability.

· Follow FIFO principles to maintain proper usage of ingredients and packaging materials.

· Return unused materials to inventory after production is complete, both physically and within the WMS system.

· Transfer finished goods from the manufacturing facility to the warehouse.

· Organize and store finished goods inventory in a clean, orderly, and accessible manner (FIFO).

Inbound Receiving & Inventory control

· As needed, receive and inspect inbound shipments tied to a purchase order (PO), including ingredients, packaging, and indirect supplies.

· Verify PO accuracy before receiving into the ERP system.

· Assign lot codes to raw materials, accurately record all lot information and physically apply lot code information to inbound materials.

· Use WMS to place received items into the correct warehouse storage bins.

· For non-PO parcel deliveries, ensure prompt delivery to the designated internal recipient.

· Assist in cycle counts and physical inventory audits to ensure ERP/WMS accuracy.

· Support the Warehouse Supervisor by documenting and communicating any receiving discrepancies.

Warehouse Cleanliness & Maintenance

· Maintain cleanliness and organization of warehouse, staging, and dock areas.

· Ensure debris, pallets, packaging, and materials are properly stored or disposed of in accordance with food safety and workplace safety standards.

· Perform routine housekeeping tasks as part of the daily workflow and assist in maintaining clear and safe traffic lanes.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and must work well in a team environment.

· Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on warehouse environment.

· Basic computer skills required.

· Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish)

· Ability to safely operate forklifts and pallet jacks (certification preferred or willingness to obtain).

· Effective communication skills to coordinate with multiple departments.

· Understanding of FIFO, inventory accuracy, and food safety handling preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

· High school diploma or equivalent.

· 2–4 years’ experience in a warehouse, inventory, or receiving role.

· Experience with ERP/WMS systems is strongly preferred.

· Experience in a food manufacturing environment is a plus.

· Valid California Driver’s License required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Continually required to stand, walk, and sit.

· Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.

· Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, or kneel.

· Continually required to talk or hear.

· Regularly works near moving mechanical parts such as delivery trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts.

· Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold.

· The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud, consistent with a warehouse environment.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

· Occasionally exposed to dust, airborne particles, hazardous materials, and risk of electrical shock.

· The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

RUSTIC BAKERY invites people of all backgrounds and interests to join our team. We strive for a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunities for all.