Pallet Wrapper

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Pallet Wrapper

Company: STRIVE Recruitment (Contracting for a Leading Food Distribution Firm)

Location: Ottawa, ON (Central Location)

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Employment Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Perm

Shift: Afternoon/Night (5:30 PM – 2:00 AM)

Clean Professional Job Summary

STRIVE Recruitment is seeking a hardworking, reliable Pallet Wrapper to join the operations of a premier food distribution facility in Ottawa. This is an essential role within a high-volume, state-of-the-art environment where you will be responsible for the final stage of the shipping process: securing inventory for safe transport. Working within a clean and highly organized warehouse, you will ensure that skids are perfectly wrapped and loaded to meet the demanding delivery schedules of a growing company. This position is a “temp-to-perm” opportunity, meaning it is a gateway to a long-term, stable career with a reputable organization that values internal advancement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Pallet Preparation: Organize and prepare pallets based on specific store orders to ensure accurate loading.

  • Shrink-Wrap Operation: Expertly operate shrink-wrap machines to secure products to skids, preventing damage during transit.

  • Material Handling: Utilize manual or electric pallet jacks to move materials and load/unload trailers.

  • Loading/Unloading: Transfer goods onto pallets, skids, or carts with a focus on weight distribution and stability.

  • Safety & Compliance: Strictly follow all facility safety protocols and company procedures to maintain a zero-incident work environment.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Clearance: Must have a clear criminal record.

  • Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Commitment: Ability to consistently work 5 shifts per week (Afternoon/Night).

  • Attitude: A positive team mindset and a proactive willingness to assist supervisors and teammates.

  • Experience: Previous warehouse or distribution experience is considered a strong asset but is not mandatory.

About the Recruiter: STRIVE Recruitment

STRIVE is a specialist firm known for connecting talent with Fortune 500 organizations and thriving SMEs. They focus on “proactive” recruitment, meaning they look for candidates who want to grow alongside the companies they are placed in.

Market & Industry Context: Ottawa Warehouse Operations (2026)

As of March 2026, the logistics and food distribution sector in Ottawa is experiencing a period of rapid modernization.

Industry Trends & Statistics:

  • The “Logistics Hub” Growth (2026): Ottawa has solidified its position as a secondary logistics hub for Eastern Canada. Food distribution facilities are seeing a 15% year-over-year increase in volume, leading to higher job security for warehouse personnel.

  • Wage Benchmarks: The $20/hr starting rate is the 2026 standard for high-quality, clean-facility roles in Ottawa. This represents a competitive entry point, especially when combined with the premium on-site amenities offered.

  • Ergonomic Innovation: In 2026, state-of-the-art facilities like this one utilize Semi-Automated Turntables, which reduce the physical strain on workers compared to manual hand-wrapping methods.

  • Sustainability Standards: By 2026, most leading distributors have switched to High-Performance Nano-Films for wrapping, which require specific tension settings to ensure maximum load stability with minimum plastic waste.

Career Growth & Progression Path

  • Warehouse Lead / Shift Supervisor: Manage a team of wrappers and loaders, overseeing workflow and shift KPIs.

  • Inventory Control Specialist: Move into a technical role managing stock levels and digital tracking systems.

  • Forklift / Reach Truck Operator: Gain specialized equipment certifications to handle high-level racking and heavy bulk movements.

  • Logistics Coordinator: Transition into the office to manage the scheduling of inbound and outbound trailers.

Interview & Success Insights

  • Punctuality for the Night Shift: The 5:30 PM start time is non-negotiable in distribution. Be ready to discuss how you manage your schedule to ensure 100% attendance.

  • The “Clean Facility” Standard: Since this is a food distribution center, emphasize your commitment to hygiene and organization. Mentions of “cleaning as you go” will be highly regarded.

  • Safety First: Be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle a spill or a damaged pallet. The “Corrective Action” approach is always preferred.

  • Team Synergy: Because you are working in a team environment, highlight your communication skills—specifically how you coordinate with pallet jack operators to keep the loading docks clear.

Perks & Benefits

  • Modern Amenities: Access to a brand-new on-site cafeteria and a private gym.

  • Clean Environment: Work in a facility that is significantly more organized and climate-controlled than older, traditional warehouses.

  • Career Pathing: Benefit from a structured “temp-to-perm” transition that rewards hard work with long-term security.

  • Central Location: Easy access within the Ottawa city limits, reducing commute times for local residents.

    Category Details & Specifications
    Employer STRIVE Recruitment (For a Food Distribution Client)
    Pay Rate $20.00 / hour
    Location Central Ottawa, ON
    Status Full-time, Temp-to-Perm
    Shift Afternoon/Night: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM
    Environment State-of-the-art, clean food distribution facility

    Role Breakdown: Logistics & Load Integrity

    As a Pallet Wrapper in a high-volume food distribution center, your primary goal is “Load Stability.” Food products vary in weight and fragility; your job is to ensure that when a delivery truck hits a pothole on the 417, the cargo stays exactly where it belongs.

    • Skid Preparation: You will organize and secure products onto pallets (skids) based on store orders. This requires an understanding of weight distribution—placing heavier items (like crates of canned goods) at the bottom and lighter items (like bread or chips) at the top.

    • Shrink-Wrap Operation: You will operate both manual and semi-automatic shrink-wrap machines. This involves ensuring the tension is high enough to hold the load but not so high that it crushes the packaging.

    • Material Handling: Using manual or electric pallet jacks to move staged skids from the wrapping station to the loading docks.

    • Trailer Loading/Unloading: Assisting in the physical movement of goods onto trailers, ensuring they are positioned for efficient delivery routes.

    2026 Ottawa Warehouse & Distribution Insights

    Ottawa’s logistics sector in 2026 is centered around the “Last Mile” delivery hubs. Food distribution is a “recession-proof” industry, meaning this role offers high job security.

    • 2026 Salary Benchmarking: At $20/hr, this role is competitive for general labor in Ottawa. Because it is a “Night Shift” (starting at 5:30 PM), this rate often includes a small shift premium compared to day-shift roles.

    • The “Clean Facility” Standard: Working in food distribution requires higher hygiene standards than a typical construction warehouse. You will likely be required to follow strict HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) protocols, which include wearing hairnets and avoiding cross-contamination.

    • Temp-to-Perm Path: STRIVE uses this role as a trial. In 2026, workers who show 100% attendance over the first 90 days are typically transitioned to the client’s permanent payroll, which includes the on-site gym and cafeteria benefits mentioned.

    • Central Location: Being “Centrally Located” in Ottawa usually refers to the industrial parks near Cyrville or Sheffield Road. These areas are well-served by OC Transpo, but given the 2:00 AM finish time, having a personal vehicle is highly recommended as bus service is limited at that hour.

    Essential Requirements & Physical Fit

    • Schedule Commitment: You must commit to 5 shifts per week (40 hours). In a “busy and growing” company, overtime is frequently available during peak holiday seasons.

    • Safety & Criminal Record: A clear criminal record is mandatory for bonding purposes, as you will be handling high-value food inventory.

    • Physical Stamina: Expect to be walking, pulling pallet jacks, and bending for the duration of the 8.5-hour shift.

    Total Rewards & Career Path

    • Modern Amenities: The facility features a new cafeteria and on-site gym, which is a rare perk for general labor roles and speaks to the “Fortune 500” level of the client organization.

    • Advancement: This is a “foot-in-the-door” role. Successful wrappers often move into:

      1. Order Picker: Higher-pay roles using voice-picking technology.

      2. Forklift Operator: The company may provide training and certification for those who show mechanical aptitude.

      3. Shift Lead: Managing the flow of the wrapping and staging area.

    Application Insider Tips

    • Focus on “Work Ethic”: In the warehouse world, “Reliability” is the #1 trait. If you have a history of perfect attendance in a previous job, highlight it.

    • Mention Safety: During the interview, talk about your “Safety-First” mindset. Mention that you always check your surroundings before moving a pallet jack.

    • Night Owl Advantage: Emphasize that you prefer the 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM schedule. Employers worry that people will quit because they can’t handle the hours; proving you are a “night person” makes you a lower-risk hire.

To apply for this job please visit striverecruitment.ca.