what is a material handler?
As a material handler, you deal with everything on the warehouse floor. At a basic level, this means processing shipments and using machinery to load products onto the shelves. You also take items down when a customer places an order, get them ready for shipping, and load them onto a truck. When your warehouse accepts a return, you process it and put it back on the shelves.
Most material handlers are licenced to use equipment like forklifts, pallet trucks and stackers. You are responsible for obeying safety protocols, using the equipment correctly, and inspecting it to ensure it's still operable.
If you receive a damaged shipment, you work with the office to secure a refund or replacement. You also report issues like missing products or shipments that you didn't order. You keep your workspace free of obstacles and debris that might be a trip hazard. At the end of your shift, you sweep, dust, straighten shelves and store equipment.
Would working as a material handler suit your interest in using machinery? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a material handler role.
material handler jobsaverage material handler salary
According to ONS, a material handler earns an average salary of £22,913 per year or an hourly rate of £11.75. Entry-level positions attract a compensation package of £21,350 annually due to the limited experience required. After working for a few years, your skills and experience improve your earnings. Material handlers with exceptional credentials earn over £26,855 per year.
what affects the salary of a material handler?
As a material handler, your salary depends on your experience and skills. While most employers don't demand academic qualifications, having post-secondary education gives you a competitive advantage. For instance, you can negotiate a higher salary if you have a forklift licence. Your work experience also improves your compensation prospects. New material handlers lack the experience and skills to complete most tasks. However, with over five years of experience, you are familiar with the procedures and can demand a higher salary.
Sometimes, the company size and industry also influence your salary. For instance, if you work in a small warehouse, you are likely to earn less, whereas large industries pay higher salaries due to the complexity of the role.
types of material handlers
Material handlers are classified based on the materials they use. Some of the types of material handlers include:
- manual material handlers: your job is to load, unload and move materials by hand in a warehouse or industrial setting. You move household appliances and furniture from the warehouse to moving trucks. You also perform other material handling tasks like sorting, packing and weighing.
- forklift operators: as a forklift operator, you move materials in a warehouse using specialised equipment for lifting and moving heavy objects. Your job is to safely unload and load cargo onto the forklift and operate it to move materials.
working as a material handler
Working as a material handler involves operating multiple machines and coordinating activities with co-workers to complete tasks on time. If you want to pursue the role, here are the specific duties, work environments and career prospects.
-
material handler job description
A material handler has a range of tasks, including:
- receiving and processing materials and goods: as a material handler, you process new items received at the warehouse. During processing, you track and verify incoming goods' quantities and quality. You ensure the new shipment is complete by double-checking the delivery orders. Maintaining accurate records and documentation of all the materials shipped is essential.
- moving and storing materials: as a material handler, you store materials or finished products received at the warehouse. That means you unload trucks using forklifts and organise them in storage areas. You are also responsible for the materials inventory. You count the incoming shipments and store them in designated locations.
- communicating with suppliers: your job is to ensure the production teams have enough materials for manufacturing. Therefore, you speak with suppliers about the availability of materials and make orders on time. You also relay information on the purchase requirements to ensure the quality and quantities are adhered to during deliveries.
- operating material handling tools: as a material handler, you use various tools to move, load and offload materials in warehouses. You should be familiar with using clamp fastenings and manual jacks and know how to operate lift trucks and forklifts. Apart from operating the equipment, you keep them in optimal condition with regular maintenance.
- reconciliation of incorrect deliveries: as a material handler, you keep track of returned goods and inspect them to determine their condition. You follow the correct replacement procedures when you receive incorrect materials to ensure the inventory is complete.
-
work environment
If you work in an indoor facility, you are likely to work in a heated or air-conditioned building with overhead lighting. Outdoor facilities typically have full exposure to the sun and weather elements. Either way, material handlers have large workspaces that allow them to walk around and tackle different responsibilities. Some material handlers stay in one location, such as if you pack groceries or perform another specific function. The career has occasional slow periods, but for the most part, you work in a fast-paced environment and take on multiple responsibilities throughout the day.
-
who are your colleagues?
Material handlers work with people from various occupations in logistics, manufacturing and procurement. As a material handler, your colleagues include machine operators, general operative role, warehouse workers and forklift operators. You also work alongside assemblers and production workers, as well as other specialists that could include truck drivers, inventory specialists and procurement managers.
-
work schedule
As a material handler, you work eight-hour shifts with opportunities for overtime. Expect to work at least five days a week or more if your employer needs extra help. Some warehouses offer longer shifts but fewer workdays so that you may get an extra day off. It is rare to get regular 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday shifts. Your employer will ask you to work mornings, afternoons and nights depending on the company's needs. You also pick up overnight shifts if your company operates 24 hours a day.
Most material handlers work on bank holidays and weekends. You also work extra hours during seasonal holidays if you work at a major warehouse or shipping facility. When your facility gets busy, you probably won't leave on time, and you should be prepared for your employer to ask you to come in early during peak hours. If you land a high-paying job in your facility, you might be able to secure a more consistent schedule for yourself. Remote working opportunities are impossible since you must be physically present to complete your duties.
-
job outlook
Working as a material handler is a promising career with good job prospects. Some warehouses now use robots to move products and arrange them, but material handlers still have a role to play. Increasing automation in distribution centres means material handlers should acquire the skills to work in modern warehouses. Becoming a material handler also prepares you for a lucrative logistics and supply chain management career. You can become an inventory specialist or a procurement expert.
-
advantages of finding a material handler job through randstad
Finding your material handler job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a material handler is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Material handlers typically need GCSEs to get employment. However, post-secondary education improves your job prospects. You can complete a diploma course in warehouse management or material handling to qualify for the position.
Most companies provide on-the-job training on warehouse management software and operating equipment's health and safety standards. However, if your role involves using machines like forklifts, you may require additional certifications and licences.
material handler skills and competencies
Some of the skills for success as a material handler include:
- communication skills: as a material handler, you constantly communicate with your team, suppliers and supervisors. Good communication skills help you relay information clearly and improve your active listening skills.
- problem-solving skills: material handlers ensure the production team has a constant supply of materials. Problems usually occur due to miscommunication or improper storage. You can rely on problem-solving skills to resolve issues that arise in the warehouse.
- physical strength: as a material handler, you manually move materials and operate machines. These strenuous tasks require physical stamina and capabilities. You also need physical strength to stand for long hours.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a material handler.
-
what is a material handler?
A material handler loads, unpacks, processes, packages and deals with various materials. Typically, this involves working in a warehouse or shipping facility. Most handlers work with heavy machinery that requires training and certification.
-
what are the duties and responsibilities of a material handler?
Every material handler has a specific set of responsibilities. Warehouse employees manage freight and keep the facility safe and clean. Your job also involves managing inventory and loading shipping trucks to move materials.
-
what is material handling experience?
Material handling experience is prior experience working in a warehouse, factory or another part of the industry. This includes unloading trucks, transporting supplies, scanning barcodes and using powered equipment. You don't need the experience to get a job as a material handler, but it makes your resume look good during the interviewing process.
-
how do you become a material handler?
Many companies will hire material handlers who only have GCSEs. It's a great entry-level job because it only requires basic skills and gives you the experience to advance in the warehousing and logistics industries.
-
what is a logistics material handler?
A logistics material handler works directly with the supply chain. These employees work in warehouses that ship products to stores or customers. As a logistics material handler, you package and send out items, process returns, and store freight in the warehouse.
-
how do I apply for a material handler vacancy?
Applying for a material handler job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
