Job Description

Job Location: Hardman Signs - Houston, TX 77086Job Title: Material Handler / Forklift Operator
Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)
Type: Full-time, Manufacturing
Hardman Signs is a national leader in architectural signage and graphics. We design, manufacture, install, and service high-impact signage solutions for commercial properties, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, parking garages, and more. We partner with leading construction companies and architectural design firms to bring signage visions to life—from concept to installation.

Position Summary
Hardman Signs is seeking a dependable and safety-conscious Material Handler/Forklift Operator to join our Houston manufacturing and distribution team. This role is essential for the seamless movement of raw materials (steel, aluminum, acrylic) and finished architectural signage throughout our facility. The ideal candidate is a skilled operator who can navigate a busy shop floor with precision, ensuring that large-scale signage components are moved, loaded, and stored safely without damage to the product or the facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Material Handling: Safely operate sit-down or stand-up forklifts to transport raw materials, large crates, and finished signage between production departments, storage areas, and loading docks.
- Loading & Unloading: Lead the loading and unloading of flatbed trucks and shipping containers. Secure finished signage properly to prevent shifting or damage during transit to job sites.
- Inventory Accuracy: Assist the warehouse team in organizing stock, performing cycle counts, and ensuring materials are staged in the correct locations for the production teams.
- Receiving Inspection: Inspect incoming shipments for damage and verify quantities against packing slips. Report discrepancies or material defects to management immediately.
- Safety & Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-operation inspections of equipment (fluid levels, battery, brakes). Maintain a clean and organized warehouse floor to ensure a safe environment for all pedestrians.
- Support Production: Proactively monitor the needs of the fabrication and paint departments, ensuring they have the materials required to stay on schedule.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
-

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience operating a forklift in a manufacturing, construction, or industrial warehouse environment.
- Education: High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
- Technical Skills: Valid forklift certification (or the ability to obtain one upon hire). Proficiency in using hand tools for crating/uncrating and basic digital skills for inventory tracking.
- Physical Requirements:
- - Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs without assistance.
- - Comfort working in various positions (climbing on/off equipment, bending, or reaching).
- - Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment (up to 105-degree heat) for extended periods.
- - Excellent spatial awareness and depth perception for navigating tight spaces with oversized loads.
- Safety: Must strictly adhere to all company safety protocols, including the consistent use of high-visibility gear, steel-toe boots, and eye protection.