Forklift Operator (Clamp)- Central Hub in Birmingham

Location: Birmingham - Warehouse (Central Hub - Corporate)

Reports to: Receiving Supervisor – Central Hub

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, must be flexible

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Amount of Travel Required: None

Summary / Objective

Buffalo Rock is an award-winning Pepsi and Keurig Dr Pepper bottler founded in Birmingham, AL more than 123 years ago. Buffalo Rock manages the best beverage portfolio in the country, which includes several beloved global and regional brands. The Forklift Operator (Clamp) will be responsible for building pallets with full layers of cases using a specially fitted forklift. The Operator will ensure the efficient flow of products within the Central Hub Distribution Center and will be able to cross‑train and perform any job functions of other Forklift Operators’ positions.

Essential Functions

• Regular and timely attendance is essential. Position requires all hours necessary, including nights, weekends, holidays.
• Operate different types of forklifts, including stand‑up, sit‑down, and clamp fitted, to ensure safe and efficient movement of products.
• Perform pre‑trip inspection on all power equipment used through InfoLink system.
• Follow all driving work rules and stay aware of surroundings.
• Build pallets of full layer cases following the container label request with accuracy—ensure right product, package size, quantity, and quality.
• Ensure all built pallets are fully wrapped in the stretch wrapper station.
• Replenish the Layer Line pick locations across the shift, avoiding unnecessary downtime waiting for products.
• Rotate stock following Location Base Inventory (LBI) process to ensure proper product rotation according to FEFO.
• Move product from backstock to pick locations, registering transactions into the Warehouse Management System using electronic devices (tablets, cell phones, RF scanners).
• Operate and perform basic troubleshooting of the stretch wrapper station.
• Replenish wrapper station with stretch film as needed.
• Properly handle packaged products, avoiding any damaged product or loose packaging.
• Collect, sort by type, organize, and move empty pallets to designated locations.
• Collect and move damages to designated recycling areas.
• Identify needs and assist other areas when appropriate.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of equipment and work area; mop spills to keep floors clean and dry.
• Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries and follow BRC safety practices.
• Make sound decisions and multitask simultaneously without constant supervision.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) and work instructions.
• Required to follow the Good Manufacturing Program GMPs listed in CFR 21 section 110; participate in Food Safety training and report potential issues related to Food Safety.
• Other assigned duties as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain high level of ethical and moral conduct while at work or in attendance at off-site functions during work hours or after work hours while representing the Buffalo Rock Company.
• Commit to continuous self‑improvement through knowledge and use of all Buffalo Rock provided training, either web‑based, in‑house, or other provided methods.
• Must successfully complete assigned training curriculum, including but not limited to online and/or facilitated training.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect the Company from damage, theft, or other liabilities.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect the safety of employees, partners, self, customers, Buffalo Rock property, and customer property.
• Honor and follow through on all business commitments.
• Embody Buffalo Rock’s Purpose of “Building brands through legendary service and remarkable people.”
• Committed to serving our communities. Customer success drives our success. Integrity matters. Obsessed with continuous improvement. We care for each other. Win the day. Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions.
• Communication, Oral – Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Dependability – Ability to behave consistently and predictably; responsible and dependable in fulfilling all duties.
• Diversity Oriented – Ability to work effectively with people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Energetic – Ability to work at a sustained pace and produce quality work.
• Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method.
• Safety Awareness – Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
• Teamwork – Ability to work with others toward daily goals, participate actively, share responsibility and rewards.
• Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete tasks in stressful situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Work Environment

Working conditions require both inside and outside warehouse needs. Temperature conditions vary from extreme heat to extreme cold.

Physical Demands

• Lift/Carry: Stand, walk, sit, manually manipulate, grasp, reach above shoulder, speak, climb. Weight limits: 11‑20 lbs, 21‑50 lbs, 51‑100 lbs. Frequency: frequent, constant, occasional as indicated.
• Push/Pull: 13‑25 lbs (frequent), 26‑40 lbs (occasional), 41‑100 lbs (none).
• Other Physical Requirements: Lift product up to 30 lbs repetitively per shift and up to 50 lbs intermittently. Move and stack pallets weighing up to 65 lbs. Work in fast‑paced and warm environment, especially during summer months. Hearing required for entire workday. Wear PPE: high‑visibility shirt or safety vest, slip‑resistant shoes, safety glasses.

Physical presence within Vertique system at the Central Hub.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate or GED preferred.
• At least one year in warehouse environment.
• At least one year forklift experience.
• Preferred experience using RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems.
• Ability to read product packaging and communicate in English via radio.
• Must pass forklift certification.
• Ability to perform basic math and use Warehouse Management Systems.
• Ability to learn how to operate Tenant Scrubber.

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic makeup, status as a protected veteran, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.