Forklift Operator – Warehouse, Logistics, and Production Support

Position : Forklift Operator – Warehouse, Logistics, and Production Support

Location :   240 Jellicoe St. Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Working hours : 35   hours per week

Salary Range : NZ$54,600-61,250 / annum

Number of vacancies : 7

JOB PURPOSE

To operate forklifts and mechanical handling equipment safely and efficiently while supporting production line operations, inventory accuracy, and logistics coordination in a food-grade manufacturing environment. This role requires integration with production flow, compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, and the use of warehouse management systems to maintain operational efficiency.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Forklift Operations and Warehouse Logistics

Operate counterbalance and reach forklifts for safe loading, unloading, stacking, and storing of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.

Receive inwards goods, verifying quantity / quality, ensuring correct labelling, and storing stock in compliance with FIFO / FEFO principles.

Execute dispatch tasks including picking, palletising, labelling, and precise pallet loading and arrangement inside shipping containers for export shipments, ensuring compliance with load plans, safety standards, and international logistics requirements to meet customer schedules.

Conduct daily forklift inspections, preventative maintenance, and hazard reporting.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment in line with site traffic management plans.

Train and mentor new or junior forklift operators and warehouse staff.

2. Production Line Integration

Deliver raw materials and packaging directly to production lines to align with production schedules.

Ensure uninterrupted material flow to minimise downtime and support efficiency.

Manage finished goods movement from production to warehouse storage.

Handle segregated or quarantined stock in line with QA and compliance procedures.

3.Inventory & Systems Management

Use Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or ERP (e.g., SAP, MS Dynamics) to record stock movements, update inventory levels, and reconcile discrepancies.

Participate in cycle counts and stocktakes to ensure high accuracy of records.

Apply advanced stock rotation methods (FIFO / FEFO) to minimise product loss and ensure compliance with product stability requirements.

Prepare and verify documentation for receiving and dispatch in accordance with customer and regulatory requirements.

4.Compliance, Safety & Continuous Improvement

Work in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (NZ), HACCP, and MPI food safety standards.

Participate in site audits and hazard identification processes.

Report incidents, near-misses, or risks promptly to ensure a safe working environment.

Suggest process improvements in material handling, layout, or systems to enhance efficiency and safety.

Take part in Lean or Kaizen initiatives to improve warehouse and production KPIs (e.g., loading accuracy, waste reduction, stock integrity).

5.Ad hoc

Provide warehouse and logistics support as directed, such as temporary assistance in picking or packing, provided these tasks do not compromise core forklift responsibilities.

• Participate in cross-functional projects or working groups to support broader supply chain goals.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

NZQF Level 4 Certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or Manufacturing Operations (preferred) OR equivalent work experience.

Work Experience

Minimum 3 years’ forklift operation in a manufacturing or food-grade warehouse environment.

Demonstrated ability to integrate forklift operation with production requirements and inventory control.

Experience with WMS / ERP systems for stock management and documentation is an advantage.

Training / License / Certification

Current NZ Forklift OSH Certificate and F Endorsement (or equivalent overseas with commitment to NZ certification).

Food Safety or Health & Safety training / certification preferred.