Warehouse Associate | 1St Shift | Wilmington, NC

Who We AreFedUp Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand, and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.Our CultureFedUp Foods fuels the growth and success of open-minded, collaborative, and passionate individuals who thrive on teamwork, creativity, and continuous learning.As a proud benefit corporation we have chosen to make People one of our benefit pillars. We strive to make sure every employee of FedUp Foods feels welcomed, valued, and empowered by fostering a collaborative and adaptable community, providing growth opportunities, and creating a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.Our Values: Agility, Collaboration, Communication, Lifelong Learning, Community, GratitudeOur Benefits (FT Roles):Health Insurance (80–90% of individual premium covered)Group Term Life Insurance (100% company-covered)Short-Term Disability (100% company-covered)Long-Term Disability (50% company-covered)Voluntary Dental, Vision, Life & Accident Insurance401(k) with Employer Match9 Paid Holidays, PTO & Sick TimePosition SummaryThe Warehouse Associate I supports daily shipping, receiving, inventory movement, production material flow, and general warehouse activities. This role receives, sorts, loads, unloads, moves, and tracks materials while maintaining safe, organized, and SQF-compliant warehouse areas.Updated Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:30AM - 3:00PMThe person in this role is dependable, safety-focused, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented warehouse environment.General Duties/ResponsibilitiesSafety, Housekeeping, and EquipmentPromote culture of proper warehouse housekeeping and safety standards

Correct or stop unsafe conditions or practices

Actively participate in safety initiatives and complete all required safety training

Follow all safety requirements, including required PPE, safety devices, guarding, and safe work practices

Perform housekeeping and sanitation tasks as assigned

Report all safety concerns and job-related injury/illness immediately and assist in investigating accidents

Follow FedUp Foods Hazard Communication plan

Safely operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT) such as forklifts, standup lifts, and pallet jacks in high pedestrian traffic production areas with situational awareness

Maintain a current forklift operator's license

Inspect PIT equipment and report any irregularities

Charge and maintain PIT equipment safely and efficiently

Shipping and Receiving SupportSupport inbound and outbound shipments

Accurately document all shipments as assigned

Unload inbound deliveries and stack them to assigned places

Inspect deliveries for potential damage or quality deficiencies before driver leaves and escalate issues accordingly

Ensure the outbound trailer meets SQF standards

Load outbound trucks with correct inventory

Check, verify, and fulfill customer orders or shipment paperwork as assigned

Inventory, Material Movement, and Stock AccuracyUse RFID equipment to track inventory movements and maintain accurate stock records

Keep inventory and activity records updated as assigned

Locate, stack, restack, and move products to pallets or crates for storage or shipment

Retrieve specific products and quantities from the appropriate locations

Transport raw materials to production workstations

Cross-Functional Communication and Issue EscalationCommunicate material shortages, damaged goods, shipment concerns, inventory discrepancies, equipment issues, and safety concerns to the appropriate leader in a timely manner

Work with Warehouse, Production, Quality, Inventory, and Shipping/Receiving team members to support accurate material flow and daily warehouse priorities

Follow instructions, ask questions when unclear, and provide updates on assigned work as needed

Food Safety and Quality ResponsibilitiesFollow GMP policy when in the production facility and encourage your team to do the same.Understand our SQF policies relating to pest control, visitors, allergen management, and cleaning and sanitation.Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and work towards Food Safety and Quality and help the company meet this commitment.If there is a problem that involves food quality and safety, report to the Quality Assurance Manager Manager so that the CAPA (corrective action, preventative action) log may be filled out, the situation be investigated, and resolved with the goal of continuous improvement of food quality and safety.Required Skills/AbilitiesExperience operating forklift, standup lift, powered pallet jack and other warehouse equipment in a safe manner Strong hazard and safety awareness for self and others, and ability to follow safety procedures in high-traffic warehouse and production areas

Ability to follow instructions, ask questions when unclear, and complete assigned work accurately Attention to detail Ability to read code dates, product labels, and racking labels

Good organizational and time management skills

Basic computer or handheld scanner skills, with ability to learn RFID and required systems Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Good communication skills and the ability to work well across teams in different departments

Must be willing and able to work overtime, extended shifts, weekends, and schedule adjustments as required to support business operations

Education and ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED required

Minimum 1 full year warehouse experience required

Minimum 1 full year experience operating a fork lift or standup lift Forklift experience requiredNOTE - Must pass hands on demonstration of proficiency operating mobile equipment during the interview process.Work Environment/Physical RequirementsFor 8-hour shifts, employees receive one 30-minute unpaid meal period and two paid 15-minute rest breaks For 10-hour shifts, employees receive one 30-minute unpaid meal period and three paid 15-minute rest breaks

Work is performed in a beverage warehouse or manufacturing environment with moving machinery, conveyors, forklifts, pallet jacks, other industrial hazards; work performed in the manufacturing facility additionally has exposure to compressed air systems and production equipment

Must be able to safely wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hair restraints, beard restraints, protective footwear, and other PPE as required

Must be able to safely perform work in accordance with company safety policies, GMP requirements, food safety standards, and operating procedures

All facilities: may be exposed to elevated noise levels, wet or slippery surfaces, temperature fluctuations, manufacturing dust, fermentation byproducts, other manufacturing-related hazards. When working in the manufacturing facilities, additional exposure to strong product aromas, carbon dioxide (CO), and cleaning and sanitation chemicals. Work areas may include hot, cold, humid, refrigerated, and outdoor environments.Must maintain situational awareness and safely work around production equipment, mobile equipment, and other personnel

Duties may include lifting, moving, and handling raw materials, finished goods, equipment, machine components, and production supplies

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally with assistanceEEO StatementAKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as directed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.Please be advised that as part of our employment process, we conduct background checks on all prospective employees. This may include verification of your employment history, educational background, criminal record, and other relevant information.