Material Handler

Position: Material Handler

Reports to: Production Manager

Location: Berlin, CT

Position Summary

The Material Handler is responsible for supporting production flow within the Production department by safely moving, staging, organizing, and replenishing materials, parts, supplies, and finished goods. This role helps ensure workstations have the materials needed to meet production schedules while maintaining accurate inventory movement, a clean work environment, and compliance with AVNA safety, quality, and 5S expectations.

Move raw materials, work-in-process, components, packaging, supplies, and finished goods to and from production areas, staging locations, shipping/receiving areas, and storage locations.

Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other material handling equipment safely and in accordance with company procedures.

Prepare, stage, and deliver materials to workstations based on production needs, schedules, work orders, and department priorities.

Verify part numbers, quantities, labels, and routing information before moving or staging materials.

Maintain organized staging areas and clearly identify materials to support efficient workflow and prevent mix-ups.

Assist with inventory accuracy by reporting discrepancies, damaged materials, shortages, overages, or labeling issues to the appropriate supervisor or support team.

Use PLEX to accurately record and move materials within the system, including material transfers, inventory transactions, and location updates.

Support cycle counts, inventory checks, material audits, and physical inventory activities as needed.

Remove finished goods, scrap, empty containers, packaging waste, and unused materials from work areas in a timely and safe manner.

Follow all safety procedures, quality requirements, 5S practices, and housekeeping standards.

Communicate effectively with production leads, supervisors, quality, shipping/receiving, and other departments to support daily priorities.

Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Prior material handling, warehouse, manufacturing, shipping/receiving, or production support experience preferred.
• Forklift experience required; current certification preferred or ability to become certified through AVNA.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures, work instructions, labels, and basic documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to verify part numbers, quantities, and material identification.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with team members, leads, and supervisors.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and willingness to support department priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math skills and comfort counting, recording, and confirming quantities.

* Ability to work in PLEX and accurately complete material movements, inventory transactions, and system updates.

• Ability to work independently while also supporting a team-based production environment.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the production area for extended periods.
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Must follow required personal protective equipment, safety, and housekeeping requirements.
• Work is performed in a fast-paced production environment with frequent movement of materials and changing priorities.