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Production Material Handler

Zekelman Industries · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you noticed damaged material or equipment. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report problems promptly instead of hoping they go unnoticed.

This is a midnight shift. How have you handled overnight work in the past?

What they are checking: Whether they can show up reliably and stay alert on nights, which affects safety.

Tell me about working with a team where everyone depended on your timing.

What they are checking: Whether they understand their role supports the whole production line.

What would you do

Someone walks under your load while you're moving a coil. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop immediately and keep people clear, showing safety comes before speed.

How do you keep material flowing so the mill never runs out of coils?

What they are checking: Whether they think ahead about what the mill needs next rather than reacting at the last minute.

A supervisor asks you to rush a lift you think isn't safe. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on safe practices under pressure and explain their concern.

About the work

You'd run overhead cranes to unload and stage master steel coils. What's your experience with overhead cranes?

What they are checking: Whether they have real crane experience, since moving coils safely is the core of this job.

Walk me through your checks before lifting a coil with an overhead crane.

What they are checking: Whether they inspect the crane, rigging and path every time, because a dropped coil can be fatal.

How do you keep track of inventory as you move coils and finished product?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that accurate tracking matters so material is not lost or misused.

How do you keep your work area clean and safe during a busy shift?

What they are checking: Whether they treat housekeeping as part of safety, not an afterthought.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Zekelman Industries.

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday. Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development. We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more. Come build a career you believe in. About the Role As a Production Material Handler , you will play a key role in supporting production by safely handling raw materials and finished products while maintaining continuous material flow throughout the facility. You will operate overhead cranes to receive, stage, and transport steel coils, support production operations, and help ensure equipment, inventory, and work areas are maintained safely and efficiently. This role is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is committed to safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. Shift: Midnight -11pm - 7am What You'll Do • Perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies and immediately report unsafe conditions. • Operate overhead cranes to unload master coils from trucks, stage materials, and transport slit coils to storage locations. • Work from rolling schedules and SAP to ensure the proper master coils and slit coils are available for the slitter and mill. • Load and unload raw materials and finished products safely and efficiently. • Communicate with mill personnel to maintain continuous production flow. • Perform daily inspections of cranes and other assigned equipment. • Report equipment irregularities or malfunctions to management and maintenance in a timely manner. • Maintain proper inventory levels of production materials. • Support other production team members and assist with additional operational tasks as needed. • Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas through proper housekeeping practices. • Participate in training and cross-training activities to support workforce flexibility. • Perform preventive maintenance (PM) activities as assigned. • Perform other duties as assigned. • Maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance. Who You Are Education & Experience • High school diploma or equivalent required. • Associate degree, Bachelor's degree, or Trade Certification preferred. • 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies • Strong mechanical aptitude. • Basic math skills. • Good communication and interpersonal skills. • Experience using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers preferred. • Ability to read production schedules and work instructions. • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment. • Commitment to maintaining a safe and productive workplace. Required Certifications • Overhead Crane Certification required (or ability to obtain certification as required by company policy). Physical Abilities • Ability to regularly stand, walk, reach, and use hands throughout the shift. • Ability to lift, climb, bend, stoop, push, and pull materials and equipment. • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. • Ability to work safely in a manufacturing and industrial environment. • Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, airborne particles, and elevated noise levels. • Occasional exposure to wet and humid conditions. What You'll Get Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental coverage. Additional benefits include: • Competitive Compensation • Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities • 401(k) with Company Match • Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance • Tuition Assistance Program • Paid Vacation & Holidays • Employee Loyalty Awards • Career Growth Opportunities Pay - $26.65/Hour Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more. M/F/D/V We are Zekelman Industries. We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers. We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.

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