Material Handler Lead - 3rd Shift

Job Title: Material Handler- Lead 3rd Shift

Department: Shipping

Reports to: Shipping Supervisor

Location: Shipping/Plant

Position Summary

The Lead Material Handler directs the material handling crew each shift to keep finished product, raw material, and scrap moving so the converting and corrugator lines run without interruption. This role performs all Material Handler duties while also coordinating coverage across takeoffs and bays, prioritizing loads, training and developing handlers, and acting as the first point of escalation for material flow, staging, and load-out issues on the shift.

About Us

ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff. 

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work. 

• Ensure every takeoff line on the shift stays clear so production is never held up or forced to stop due to a full takeoff — this is the top priority of the role.
• Assign and rotate handlers across takeoffs, bays, and unload/load-out tasks based on real-time production and shipping priorities.
• Build and complete assigned loads accurately and on schedule, following pick tickets, load sheets, or BOLs; step in to load or unload directly whenever the crew needs an extra hand.
• Direct finished product staging so goods go to the correct bay by order, customer, or run sheet, and proactively manage bay space to prevent congestion.
• Prioritize and sequence outbound loads against the ship schedule so trailers load out on time and trucks are not delayed.
• Oversee unloading of incoming trailers (raw material, roll stock, outside purchased items) and ensure material is staged correctly and promptly.
• Ensure wastepaper, trim, and scrap are moved to the baler or designated area consistently across the shift, not just when convenient.
• Monitor product quality across all handling points and escalate damage, mis-counts, or recurring issues to the Shift Supervisor.
• Spot-check load counts, bundle counts, and order accuracy before shipment to catch errors before they leave the building.
• Operate a forklift/clamp truck and model safe, efficient operating practices for the rest of the crew.
• Serve as the first point of contact between the material handling crew and operators/leads regarding bay space, load status, and conditions that could slow the line.
• Review and ensure completion of required paperwork/system entries (load tickets, inventory moves, scrap logs) across the crew.
• Maintain organization and safety standards across aisles, bays, and staging areas; address hazards or obstructions immediately.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily material handling coverage and adjust assignments as production priorities shift during the shift.
• Train new material handlers on takeoff procedures, load building, bay assignments, and safe forklift/clamp truck operation.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and on-the-spot coaching to handlers; reinforce safety rules, PPE compliance, and quality standards.
• Communicate shift priorities, schedule changes, and problem areas to the material handling crew at shift start and as needed.
• Flag recurring bottlenecks, staffing gaps, or equipment issues to the Shift Supervisor with recommended solutions.
• Help onboard and evaluate new hires' readiness to work independently on the floor.

Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1+ years of experience as a Material Handler or equivalent forklift/clamp truck role required; experience in a corrugated, packaging, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Prior experience informally leading, training, or mentoring coworkers preferred.
• Valid forklift certification required (or ability to obtain promptly upon hire).
• Basic math skills for counting, verifying loads, and reading pick tickets/BOLs.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours, including weekends, as production needs require.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, and sets that standard for the crew — the line depends on this position being staffed and ready every shift.
• A sense of urgency paired with good judgment; moves with purpose without cutting corners on safety.
• Strong situational awareness in a fast-paced, multi-directional forklift environment.
• Leads by example — willing to jump in on any task rather than just directing others.
• Clear, respectful communication with crew members, operators, leads, and supervisors.
• Sound judgment for making fast, practical calls on priorities when things get busy.
• Attention to detail on counts, labeling, bay assignments, and load accuracy.
• Adaptability to changing schedules, order priorities, and production needs throughout the shift.
• Ownership mentality — takes pride in a clean, organized, well-run shift and holds the crew to that standard.
• Patience and clarity when training or coaching newer handlers.
• Commitment to following and reinforcing all safety rules, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stands, walks, bends, twists, and reaches throughout the shift.
• Frequently lifts, carries, or moves material up to 50 lbs; occasional heavier team lifts.
• Operates powered industrial equipment (forklift/clamp truck) for extended periods.
• Works in a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures, noise, dust, and forklift/foot traffic.
• Required to wear all designated PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe/safety footwear, high-visibility vest, etc.).

Attributes for Success

• Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
• Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
• Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture. 
• Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business. 
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
• Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly. 
• Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.

ND Paper Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family. 
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance. 
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance. 
• A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution 
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location. 

Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2026 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!

Apply

Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers

No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.