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Material Handling Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$97 - $162/hr

Analyze and improve material handling methods, equipment utilization, and labor balancing. Conduct cycle time analysis, bottleneck identification, and throughput optimization. Design plant layouts ...

Material Handling/Shipping

Shelbyville, KY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Operates Lift Trucks and moves materials between plants and warehouse and to shipping or storage areas. Prepares stencils and labels. Moves parts to designated area. Assembles, packs, seals, places ...

Analyze and improve material handling methods, equipment utilization, and labor balancing. Conduct cycle time analysis, bottleneck identification, and throughput optimization. Design plant layouts ...

Material Handler

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

CLARK Material Handling Company, is a 100 year old company, and a global leader in the material handling and forklift industry. CLARK is seeking qualified candidates to join our team. The Material ...

$65 - $140/hr

The Automated Material Handling Consultant is a trusted advisor for our Customers, Sales, and Execution teams. The Automated Material Handling Consultant is tasked in helping our customers to get the ...

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... material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement - a collective ...

... material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement - a collective ...

... material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement - a collective ...

Material Handler

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

CLARK Material Handling Company, is a 100 year old company, and a global leader in the material handling and forklift industry. CLARK is seeking qualified candidates to join our team. The Material ...

$55 - $75/hr

Material Handling Equipment Repair Technician The Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Repair Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing material‑handling assets that ...

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Material Handling information

See Kentucky salary details

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How much do material handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handling in Kentucky is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is material handling?

Material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. It involves a variety of equipment and systems, such as conveyors, forklifts, storage racks, and automated systems, to ensure materials are efficiently transported and stored. Effective material handling is crucial for improving workflow, reducing costs, and maintaining workplace safety.

Are jobs in material handling in demand?

While the positions are becoming more automated, the operators of material handling systems are becoming more vital to the efficient management of inventory and order fulfillment. The two main types of jobs are manual handling, which is becoming less common, and automated handling, which includes the use of various machines to protect workers and make supply systems flow more smoothly. Increased automation results in a lowering of demand for labor, meaning that material handling should not be considered a long-term career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Handler, you need basic math skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, forklifts, pallet jacks, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure efficient inventory movement, workplace safety, and smooth operations in fast-paced environments.

What are some common challenges faced in a material handling role, and how can I prepare for them?

Material Handling professionals often face challenges such as managing heavy loads efficiently, working in fast-paced environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To prepare, it's important to develop physical stamina, learn proper lifting techniques, and become familiar with the operation of equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks. Additionally, practicing good communication skills is essential, as you'll frequently coordinate with warehouse staff and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and prevent errors or accidents.

What is the difference between Material Handling vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectMaterial HandlingWarehouse Associate
Primary RoleMoving, storing, and managing materials and products within a facilityReceiving, stocking, and preparing items for shipment or storage
Required CertificationsForklift certification often requiredBasic OSHA training, sometimes forklift certification
Work EnvironmentFactories, warehouses, distribution centersWarehouses, distribution centers, retail storage areas
Common TasksOperating forklifts, loading/unloading, inventory managementPicking, packing, stocking, inventory checks

Material Handling and Warehouse Associate roles often overlap in warehouse environments, but Material Handling focuses more on moving and managing materials, often involving equipment operation, while Warehouse Associates handle stocking, packing, and order fulfillment. Both roles require safety training and are essential in supply chain operations.

Is material handling a good career?

Material handling involves managing the movement, storage, and control of materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. It offers opportunities for employment with roles that often require physical stamina, operating equipment like forklifts, and sometimes certifications. The field can provide stable employment and career advancement in logistics and supply chain industries.

What are the duties of a material handling?

A material handling worker is responsible for moving, storing, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. Their duties include operating equipment like forklifts, organizing inventory, and ensuring safe handling practices. They often use tools such as pallet jacks and may need certifications for equipment operation.

What are popular job titles related to Material Handling jobs in Kentucky?

For Material Handling jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Handling jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Handling jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Material Handling jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Material Handling job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Handling job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,905 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Material Handling Engineer (KTP)

Ford

On-site

$97 - $162/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

You will manage the flow and movement of materials through manufacturing facilities to support production operations.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

  • Lead end-to-end material flow from receiving docks to point-of-use and shipping for direct and indirect materials.Design and optimize lean material delivery systems (line-side delivery, warehouse marketplace, kitting, sequencing). Manage inventory strategy and PFEP (Plan for Every Part) including storage, flow paths, and capacity planning.
  • Own the end-to-end Engineering Change Management & Control (ECM/ECC) process for MP&L, ensuring alignment with plant and corporate change management systems. Lead cross-functional coordination (Engineering, Purchasing, Suppliers, Operations) for all part, supplier, and process changes. Develop and execute change readiness plans (inventory burn-down, phase-in/phase-out, cutover timing, obsolescence mitigation).
  • Drive performance improvements through structured problem solving and kaizen. Lead cost savings initiatives, including labor efficiency, inventory reduction, and space optimization. Apply root cause problem solving (A3, 8D, DMAIC) to eliminate waste and variation
  • Implement and support automation solutions (AGVs, AMRs, ASRS, smart conveyance)
  • Analyze and improve material handling methods, equipment utilization, and labor balancing. Conduct cycle time analysis, bottleneck identification, and throughput optimization. Design plant layouts, flow paths, and material presentation using CAD and simulation tools. Lead ergonomic assessments and workstation design to improve safety and productivity
  • Ensure system readiness (ERP/SAP updates, BOM accuracy, routings, packaging specs, labeling, and traceability requirements). Drive launch and program integration, ensuring material flow readiness for new programs, engineering changes, and model year transitions. Identify and mitigate change-related risks (line disruption, premium freight, inventory write-offs, supplier readiness gaps)
  • Enforce safety standards, ergonomics, and 5S discipline across all material handling operations. Manage resource planning (labor, equipment, space) to meet production requirements.
  • Strong capability in capacity modeling and constraint-based planning. Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, simulation tools, and CAD (AutoCAD or similar)
  • Understanding of launch management and program readiness (APQP, PPAP impact to MP&L). Experience integrating automation with labor strategy (human-machine balance)
  • Candidates must possess full flexibility and willingness to operate in a fast-paced, high-demand environment and a strong commitment to supporting team success during launches and critical business needs
  • Provide engineering support for material flow process; document standards and procedures, provide training, overall adherence and maintenance to ensure materials are available in designated stock, markets and line locations throughout the facility.
  • Work with Planning & Inventory Control, Production, Material Handlers, and Supply Chain to ensure robust policies are available and practiced and strive for continuous improvement.
  • Apply technical expertise, commensurate with formal training and limited job experience, in the development of material flow processes.
  • Design and/or develops material flow processes and equipment.
  • Recommend changes to increase safety, reduce costs, improve quality and optimize efficiency.
  • Participate in plant layout activities.
  • Develop floor space analyses to confirm storage requirements and recommend practical solutions where required.
  • Assist in qualifying manual and powered material handling equipment requirements
  • Work to improve material flow and manage materials and inventory consistent with Lean principles.
  • Lay out market, sequencing, and kitting areas to facilitate material handling, process flow, space utilization, and labor.
  • Define and manages in-plant storage and call systems to maintain inventories; assists to define appropriate goals and metrics for proper material control.
  • Provide vehicle and pedestrian flow/congestion/safety analyses and recommend practical solutions where required.
  • Interact on a regular basis with other functional groups and vendors on technical and/or administrative matters.
  • Work with Production, Material Handling, and Plant Safety Teams, Supply Chain, Quality, Material Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Ergonomic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Vehicle Manufacturing, Body Construction Engineering, and other engineering departments.
  • Prepare detailed plans, generally spanning several months, vital to complete assigned projects.
  • Develop and approves schedule milestones.
  • Develop and coordinate labor, facility and equipment requirements for projects
  • Propose alternate plans for economic evaluation.
  • Administer technical procedures including process and work procedures.
  • Implement industrial engineering systems and processes (forecast cost data, capacity, establish shop floor control systems, and ensure containment of material movement within floor space).
  • Initiate all inbound packaging approval including efficiency cost savings projects to optimize packaging density.
  • A key aspect of the role will be leading continuous improvement initiatives for returnable containerpackagingsystems. This includes increasing pack density to optimize freight utilization, warehouse efficiency, and labor costs; reducing container and tooling costs through design optimization, standardization, and the adoption of emerging technologies; and enhancing part protection, functionality, durability, and overall packaging performance throughout the supply chain. The engineer will also support campaign and field activities related to container quality concerns, repair requirements, and performance issues. In addition, the position will play a critical role in advancing Packaging Engineering by researching, evaluating, and implementing innovative technologies, materials, processes, and best practices that improve operational efficiency and packaging effectiveness
Qualifications

You'll have...

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 5 or more years of experience in Material Planning & Logistics end to end Material Flow Management.
Even better, you may have...
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
  • Certifications associated with Material Handling Automation
  • Professional Recognitions and Awards reflecting accomplishments
  • Demonstrated experience working with all levels of the organization
  • Experience working collaboratively on teams and driving
  • Demonstrated leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding, and communication skills
  • Experience working or running production in a manufacturing plant environment
  • Tenure working in the automotive industry
  • Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint/Outlook/Access)
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD
  • Validated functional expertise in material flow
  • Strong understanding of lean material flow strategies & lean manufacturing processes

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage

Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more

Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases

Tuition assistance

Established and active employee resource groups

Paid time off for individual and team community service

A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day

Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

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Job Info
  • Job Identification 68389
  • Job Category Manufacturing
  • Posting Date 08/13/2026, 01:38 PM
  • Degree Level Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
  • Job Schedule Full time
  • Locations 3001 Chamberlain Ln, Louisville, KY, 40241, US (On-site)
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