What does a Material Handler do?
Material handlers move products in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, either manually or using equipment such as trucks or forklifts. Their responsibilities may include pulling inventory and moving stock and other materials to fulfill orders, and unloading product deliveries by pulling them off of trucks and putting them on shelves.
There are no specific education requirements, but many employers prefer a high school degree or equivalent. In some positions, material handlers need a certificate to operate a forklift or other equipment. Material handlers need to have stamina and strength since they are typically on their feet for long periods of time and often need to lift heavy products.
What responsibilities are common for Material Handler jobs?
- Load and unload incoming and outgoing materials and products
- Move materials to and from loading docks, delivery trucks, storage areas, and manufacturing areas
- Identify and label materials, and record their locations in the warehouse/on the shelves to maintain inventory
- Prepare finished products for shipment by identifying their location, then pulling, packing, and loading them
- Operate trucks, forklifts, cranes, and other equipment to move freight
- Perform and report cycle counts
- Comply with all warehouse safety rules and guidelines
What are the typical qualifications for Material Handler jobs?
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1-5 years of experience working in a warehouse setting or in logistics; experience in operating material handling equipment preferred
- Certification to ride forklift truck preferred
- Must be able to work well in a team
- Ability to read.write and to follow instructions, and work independently with little guidance
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time; ability to bend and to lift heavy materials
- Ability to operate computers and relevant warehouse management computer software
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.2 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.1 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years
Material Handler Salaries near United Kingdom
Average Base Pay
£26,059 /yr
Not including cash compensation
Not enough salaries reported to show distribution
Glassdoor Estimated Salary
Material Handler Insights
Read what Material Handler professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
FedEx GroundFedexPackage Handler10 Jun 2023
“Good for if it’s your first job and not really looking for fast food work.”
Lee HealthMaterial Handler9 Sept 2021
“It was fun and fairly easy; i would often finish quick with my work and my boss wouldn't be a pain about it.”
W.D. Dog Training and Rattlesnake Aversion
Rattlesnake Handler27 May 2022
“The pay is good and I didn't have any issues interacting with the clientele.”
ANPCMaterial Handler21 Aug 2023
“There is a flexed schedule (make your own hours) which is great for work/life balance”
Home Hardware StoresMaterial Handler3 May 2023
“I enjoy working at Perficient because it provides good learning environment on the day to day activities”
LSC CommunicationsMaterial Handler13 Oct 2022
“People are great and respectful.”
Kysor WarrenMaterial Handler2 Nov 2021
“Been here six months and have been promised a raise and to get hired on and got neither.”
McKessonMaterial Handler21 May 2023