Forklift Operator / Lead Warehouse Associate

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Pay Range: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour (based on experience)

Company Overview

At The Cary Company, we’ve been serving customers since 1895 — over 130 years of consistent growth, adaptability, and customer focus. What began as a small distributor has grown into a privately owned national organization with more than 240 employees and multiple warehouse locations across the U.S.

We pride ourselves on a positive, supportive work environment and a strengths‑based approach that helps employees grow into roles where they can do their best work. We are currently seeking a Forklift Operator / Lead Warehouse Associate for our Pittsburgh facility. Someone who is hands‑on, dependable, and ready to take ownership on the warehouse floor.

Your Role

This position goes beyond a traditional warehouse associate role. You’ll be a key contributor to daily operations while also serving as a leader by example — helping set standards for safety, accuracy, and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations

• Operate forklifts and material handling equipment safely and efficiently
• Load, unload, inspect, and stage inbound and outbound shipments
• Pick, assemble, and prepare customer orders for shipment
• Read and interpret work orders, packing slips, and shipping documents

Leadership & Ownership

• Act as a floor leader by setting the pace and standard for quality work
• Support training and onboarding of new warehouse associates
• Assist with workflow coordination and problem‑solving during shifts
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organization, and accuracy

Safety, Accuracy & Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment
• Ensure materials are properly labeled, stored, and handled
• Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts and spot checks
• Model and promote safe work practices at all times

Customer Interaction

• Provide professional, courteous service during customer pick‑ups and deliveries
• Represent The Cary Company positively in all interactions

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of warehouse and forklift experience preferred
• Proven reliability with the ability to take initiative and lead by example
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic math and documentation skills
• Ability to lift and handle items up to 50 lbs

Prior lead or informal leadership experience is a plus, but not required. We’re open to strong operators ready to step into a leadership‑focused role.

Perks:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Supplemental Insurance
• 401K Provision
• Profit Sharing
• HRA
• Cafeteria Plan
• Seasonal company sponsored events
• Work/Life Balance
• Childcare Reimbursement Program

A little about the company: 

• Been around since 1895. 
• Grown from 30 employees in 2005 to 60 in 2010 and now over 240. 
• Locations in Addison, IL (Headquarters), Indianapolis, IN (2018), Pittsburgh, PA (2019), Salt Lake City, UT (2021), Jurupa Valley, CA (2021), Livermore, CA (2021), Charlotte, NC (2023). 
• We distribute rigid packaging products and industrial filtration.  
• We have a beautiful newly renovated corporate office/warehouse in Addison. 
• We have a strengths-based approach working to leverage what the employee likes to do and is good at doing.
• Privately owned

Join Our Team:

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in a company that values its employees, we encourage you to apply!