Lead Material Handler Jobs
Lead Material Handler jobs are open across manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and warehousing, from entry-level handler to senior lead and supervisor, with specializations in inventory control, forklift operations, and receiving and shipping coordination. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1923 that helps people get jobs across Northwest Washington by offering high-quality free job training, education and job placement. Goodwill empowers individuals to overcome barriers to working, by providing comprehensive support and connecting them with life changing job opportunities, ensuring they are career-ready and can support themselves and their families.
The organization employs over 2,000 people, operates five job-training centers, 23 nonprofit retail stores and more than 27 donation sites in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Kitsap Counties. Every day, Evergreen Goodwill connects people with the jobs, services and skills they need — because Jobs Change Lives. We are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) and are focused on creating a joyful, inclusive and successful organization.
Job Title: Material Handler
Department: Production
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Material Handler Supervisor
About Goodwill
We believe in the potential of individuals to make positive changes in their lives. We believe that education and training empower people to make those changes. Our vision for the communities we serve is that each person is able to choose rewarding employment, financial security and the experience of educational achievement. We are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI). We embrace our employees’ differences and acknowledge and support our collective responsibility.
About the Position
The Material Handler unloads donations from containers and moves goods to appropriate production areas.
Pay Rate: $17.13/hour
Work Environment:
Outdoors and warehouse environment, temperature varies, exposure to dust.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Remove and sort through salvage material and garbage from salable goods.
- Sort donations into appropriate bins for further processing.
- Provide a smooth flow of goods to the production floor.
- Use cardboard compactors and identify problems.
- Maintain donor tallies.
- Maintain a clean work environment.
- Demonstrate safe work practices through awareness and observation in support of a safety culture and report any potential hazards or accidents.
- Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction.
- If applicable: Consistent and safe execution of duties associated with forklift operation when certified to Seattle Goodwill standards.
- Minors: Are not allowed to use or perform any job duties with any heavy machinery or compactors.
- Maintain reliable attendance.
- Able to communicate with others effectively both verbally and written, including those who have limited English skills.
Education and Experience:
- High school graduate or equivalency preferred, but not required
- No experience required
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
If applicable to job role: Seattle Goodwill Forklift certification optional, must meet eligibility requirements
Physical Abilities:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to lift and carry up to 30-40 pounds; have developed fine motor control (grasp, handle, manipulate objects with fingers; standing for long periods, frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, stooping, squatting, pushing; climbing ladders; able to travel across a variety of surfaces (stairs, ramps, uneven terrain).
Essential Mental/Sensory Abilities:
- Organizing, sorting, categorizing, counting, adding, subtracting
- Problem Solving
- Communicating with the public
- Verbal and written communication skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Goodwill believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit our employees nor Goodwill to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the Goodwill.
Everyone Is Welcome
When you join Evergreen Goodwill, you join a truly vibrant community. We value the things that make us different and unique. From diverse international and ethnic backgrounds, to languages, identities, ages, orientations, and beyond, Evergreen Goodwill celebrates individual and cultural diversity.
Why work at Evergreen Goodwill?
A health plan that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
100% Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and long term disability insurance (for salaried employee)
Voluntary supplemental coverage for life, accident, illness, and short- and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Plan
Roth and 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan program
Paid vacation, (9) holiday and sick time
Limited paid time off for Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave
Employee discounts
Employee referral bonus
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mentorship Program
Career Advancement Opportunities
Paid Job Training
EEO Statement: Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and termination.
This document does not represent a contract of employment, and EGNW reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as EGNW may deem appropriate.
Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1923 that helps people get jobs across Northwest Washington by offering high-quality free job training, education and job placement. Goodwill empowers individuals to overcome barriers to working, by providing comprehensive support and connecting them with life changing job opportunities, ensuring they are career-ready and can support themselves and their families.
The organization employs over 2,000 people, operates five job-training centers, 23 nonprofit retail stores and more than 27 donation sites in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Kitsap Counties. Every day, Evergreen Goodwill connects people with the jobs, services and skills they need — because Jobs Change Lives. We are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) and are focused on creating a joyful, inclusive and successful organization.
Job Title: Material Handler
Department: Production
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Material Handler Supervisor
About Goodwill
We believe in the potential of individuals to make positive changes in their lives. We believe that education and training empower people to make those changes. Our vision for the communities we serve is that each person is able to choose rewarding employment, financial security and the experience of educational achievement. We are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI). We embrace our employees’ differences and acknowledge and support our collective responsibility.
About the Position
The Material Handler unloads donations from containers and moves goods to appropriate production areas.
Pay Rate: $17.13/hour
Work Environment:
Outdoors and warehouse environment, temperature varies, exposure to dust.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Remove and sort through salvage material and garbage from salable goods.
- Sort donations into appropriate bins for further processing.
- Provide a smooth flow of goods to the production floor.
- Use cardboard compactors and identify problems.
- Maintain donor tallies.
- Maintain a clean work environment.
- Demonstrate safe work practices through awareness and observation in support of a safety culture and report any potential hazards or accidents.
- Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction.
- If applicable: Consistent and safe execution of duties associated with forklift operation when certified to Seattle Goodwill standards.
- Minors: Are not allowed to use or perform any job duties with any heavy machinery or compactors.
- Maintain reliable attendance.
- Able to communicate with others effectively both verbally and written, including those who have limited English skills.
Education and Experience:
- High school graduate or equivalency preferred, but not required
- No experience required
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
If applicable to job role: Seattle Goodwill Forklift certification optional, must meet eligibility requirements
Physical Abilities:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to lift and carry up to 30-40 pounds; have developed fine motor control (grasp, handle, manipulate objects with fingers; standing for long periods, frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, stooping, squatting, pushing; climbing ladders; able to travel across a variety of surfaces (stairs, ramps, uneven terrain).
Essential Mental/Sensory Abilities:
- Organizing, sorting, categorizing, counting, adding, subtracting
- Problem Solving
- Communicating with the public
- Verbal and written communication skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Goodwill believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit our employees nor Goodwill to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the Goodwill.
Everyone Is Welcome
When you join Evergreen Goodwill, you join a truly vibrant community. We value the things that make us different and unique. From diverse international and ethnic backgrounds, to languages, identities, ages, orientations, and beyond, Evergreen Goodwill celebrates individual and cultural diversity.
Why work at Evergreen Goodwill?
A health plan that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
100% Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and long term disability insurance (for salaried employee)
Voluntary supplemental coverage for life, accident, illness, and short- and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Plan
Roth and 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan program
Paid vacation, (9) holiday and sick time
Limited paid time off for Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave
Employee discounts
Employee referral bonus
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mentorship Program
Career Advancement Opportunities
Paid Job Training
EEO Statement: Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and termination.
This document does not represent a contract of employment, and EGNW reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as EGNW may deem appropriate.
Lead Material Handler Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Lead Material Handler JobsLead Material Handler Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Ryder System49
- Graybar42
- O'Reilly Auto Parts42
- Crane Worldwide Logistics38
- Jabil35
Top Industries Hiring
- Transportation & Logistics14
- Manufacturing7
- Chemicals & Materials7
- Music3
- Energy3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead material handler jobs.
- 1-3 years of warehouse or distribution center experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
- Current forklift operator certification for one or more equipment types
- Demonstrated ability to direct a team of material handlers during a shift
- Proficiency with warehouse management system software for inventory tracking
- High school diploma or GED with strong basic math and reading skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and stand for a full shift
Tips for Your Lead Material Handler Job Search
Quantify throughput and accuracy on your resume
Hiring managers want numbers. Replace vague phrases like 'managed inventory' with specific output: units processed per shift, pick accuracy rates, or reductions in shrinkage. Lead material handler resumes that show measurable results move past screening faster than those that don't.
List every forklift certification you hold
Certifications for sit-down counterbalance, reach truck, order picker, and pallet jack are each distinct. List them separately on your resume rather than writing 'forklift certified.' Employers filter by equipment type, so matching their listed requirement exactly improves your chances of getting called.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead material handler openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that match your shift experience
Many distribution centers run 24-hour operations, and lead roles often require committing to a fixed shift. Filtering for openings that match your available hours before you apply saves time and signals to employers that you've read the posting carefully.
Prepare scenario answers about team conflicts
Lead material handler interviews almost always include a question about handling a picker or receiver who isn't meeting pace or following protocol. Prepare a specific example that shows how you addressed underperformance without escalating unnecessarily. Vague answers about 'communication' won't land.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
In warehouse and distribution roles, overnight and weekend differentials can meaningfully change your total compensation. When an offer comes in, ask specifically what differential applies to your assigned shift before accepting. Many candidates leave that money on the table by focusing only on hourly rate.
Lead Material Handler Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead material handlers?
The companies hiring the most lead material handlers right now include Ryder System, Graybar, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Illinois, and Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. High-volume distribution and fulfillment operations consistently post the greatest number of lead-level openings throughout the year.
How many lead material handler jobs are remote?
About 6% of lead material handler openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most warehouse and distribution work. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are inventory auditing, scheduling coordination, and documentation roles within larger logistics operations.
How do you become a lead material handler?
Start by building a few years of experience as a material handler or warehouse associate, focusing on accuracy, pace, and reliability. Earn forklift certifications for the equipment used in your facility. Volunteer for tasks that require coordinating other workers, such as training new hires or covering for a supervisor. Leads are almost always promoted from within, so demonstrating dependability and initiative consistently is what moves you into the role.
Can you get a lead material handler job with little experience?
Getting a lead material handler job with little experience is difficult but possible if you approach it strategically. Focus first on landing a general material handler or warehouse associate role and ask to cross-train on multiple equipment types. Completing a forklift certification course before applying also strengthens your candidacy, since many employers will consider candidates who show technical readiness and a willingness to step into a leadership function quickly.
What does the lead material handler interview process look like?
Most lead material handler interviews run one to two rounds. The first is typically a phone screen covering your experience with specific equipment and your availability for shift assignments. An in-person or video interview follows, usually with an operations manager or shift supervisor, and focuses on how you've handled production gaps, team coordination, and safety compliance. Some employers also conduct a brief facility walk-through to assess your familiarity with the environment.
Where can I find and apply to lead material handler jobs?
You can find and apply to lead material handler jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your equipment certifications, shift availability, and industry background, then apply directly to each listing that fits your situation.
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