Hire Material Handlers in Brisbane
From manufacturing floors to distribution centres, material handlers keep product moving safely and on schedule. This page covers what the role involves, what it pays in Brisbane, and how Youngbrook connects businesses with reliable, physically capable staff ready to work.
Brisbane & Surrounds
Temporary, Contract & Permanent
Physically Demanding Role
High Demand Role
ABOUT THIS ROLE
Material handlers are responsible for the physical movement of goods, raw materials and components throughout warehouse, manufacturing and distribution environments.
The role spans receiving and unloading through to internal transfers, production line supply and outbound dispatch. In Brisbane’s manufacturing and logistics sectors, demand for dependable material handlers is steady — particularly across food production, industrial supply, construction materials and third-party logistics operations.
It’s a role that rewards physical fitness, attention to process and a consistent work ethic. Operators who add a forklift licence to their capabilities significantly expand the range of sites they can work across.
Key responsibilities
- Unloading inbound deliveries and checking against purchase orders or delivery dockets
- Moving raw materials and finished goods within the facility using manual handling and mechanical aids
- Supplying production lines with the correct materials at the right time
- Staging outbound orders for dispatch and assisting with loading
- Operating powered equipment including pallet jacks, hand trolleys and forklifts (where licensed)
- Maintaining clear, safe walkways and storage areas in line with WHS requirements
- Recording movements accurately and flagging discrepancies to supervisors
What we screen for
- Physical capability and demonstrated experience in a hands-on warehouse or production environment
- Reliable attendance record — this is a role where showing up on time matters to the whole operation
- Safe manual handling technique and awareness of WHS obligations
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions under production or dispatch pressure
- Forklift licence (LF or LO) — strongly advantageous and widens site access considerably
- Experience with RF scanning or basic WMS use (where applicable)
Licenses and Tickets
- LF licence (counterbalance forklift) — advantageous and often required by larger sites
- LO licence (order picker) — relevant for high-bay picking environments
- White card — required where construction or civil works activity is present on site
- Manual handling certification — some clients require documented training
Pay Rates for Material Handlers in Brisbane
Material handler rates in Brisbane sit above the Manufacturing Award floor once casual loading, shift penalties and site allowances are factored in. Day shift roles typically range from $32–$35/hr, while afternoon and night shifts attract penalty rates that push earnings noticeably higher. Operators who hold a forklift licence are regularly offered roles at the upper end of the range or above it.
Casual and labour hire engagements include casual loading. Permanent and fixed-term placements are priced separately based on shift pattern, site requirements and the level of equipment operation involved.
Core Industry
Supply Chain and Logistics Brisbane
Material handlers sit at the physical heart of manufacturing and logistics operations across Brisbane. These professionals keep lines running and goods moving. See how Youngbrook supports the full breadth of warehousing and industrial hiring across the region.
Explore the industry
Relevant Recruitment Services
We place material handlers across labour hire, temp and permanent — whatever your operation needs.
Service One
Labour Hire
The most common engagement for material handlers. We supply work-ready operators on an ongoing basis to cover shift requirements, volume peaks and operational gaps, without the overhead of direct employment.
Service Two
Temporary Staffing
Short-notice cover for unplanned absences, production surges or project-specific requirements. We move fast, and our candidates are screened before they're ever called.
Service Three
Permanent Recruitment
When you've found a gap in your team that needs filling properly, we source and place permanent material handlers who are physically capable, safety-conscious and built for the long run.