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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Distribution Associate

💰 $32,000 - $48,000

LogisticsWarehouseDistributionOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Distribution Associate is an operations-focused team member who executes day-to-day warehouse tasks to ensure timely order fulfillment, accurate inventory management, safe material handling, and compliant shipping/receiving. This role works closely with warehouse leads, transportation, and customer service to meet KPIs such as on-time shipments, pick/pack accuracy, and inventory accuracy while using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanning devices, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Fulfillment Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Lead Distribution Associate / Shift Lead
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Material Handler (specialized equipment)
  • Transportation Coordinator
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive inbound shipments, verify carrier paperwork and packing lists, inspect goods for damage, and accurately record receipts in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to maintain inventory integrity.
  • Perform order picking using RF scanners or pick tickets, following pick paths and batch-picking methods to meet daily productivity and accuracy targets while minimizing travel time.
  • Accurately pack customer orders to company standards, generate shipping labels, apply appropriate packaging protection, and prepare documentation for carriers (UPS, FedEx, LTL).
  • Stage and load outbound freight, organize pallets for carrier pickup, verify carrier BOLs, and ensure correct third-party logistics (3PL) handoffs to maintain on-time delivery metrics.
  • Operate powered industrial trucks (forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers) and manual equipment (pallet jacks, dollies) in accordance with OSHA and site safety policies; maintain valid certifications where required.
  • Conduct routine cycle counts and full inventory audits, reconcile discrepancies, investigate root causes, and update inventory records to sustain inventory accuracy above target thresholds.
  • Process returns (RMA), quarantine damaged or suspect goods, document disposition, and coordinate with quality control and purchasing for returns to vendors or repair.
  • Label, re-label, and barcode products and pallets using thermal printers and label standards (GS1, internal schemes) to ensure traceability throughout the supply chain.
  • Perform quality inspections during receiving and picking to ensure product condition and correct SKUs, escalating non-conformances to the shift supervisor for resolution.
  • Support cross-docking and quick-turn shipments by staging incoming loads directly to outbound dock per manifest and routing instructions to shorten lead times.
  • Execute kitting and assembly tasks for promotional packs or customer-specific configurations, following kit lists and verifying component counts prior to sealing.
  • Maintain accurate shipping documentation including bills of lading, packing slips, customs documentation for export shipments, and carrier manifests to ensure compliance and traceability.
  • Monitor and report inventory aging, shortages, overages, and cyclical variances; collaborate with inventory control and procurement to balance stock levels and reduce stockouts.
  • Use ERP and WMS tools (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Infor) to create and close work orders, update item master data, and support data accuracy for planning and reporting.
  • Apply FIFO/LIFO and other inventory rotation practices, including temperature-controlled or cold-chain handling procedures, to maintain product quality and compliance.
  • Follow hazardous materials (HazMat) handling procedures when applicable, including proper labeling, segregation, documentation, and coordination with DOT/IATA rules.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Lean) to optimize layout, reduce waste, and improve order-to-ship cycle times and pick efficiency.
  • Maintain warehouse cleanliness, organize storage locations, and perform routine maintenance checks on equipment to support a safe working environment.
  • Meet or exceed KPI targets such as picks per hour, lines per hour, order accuracy, on-time shipping percentage, and damage rates; proactively communicate performance to supervisors.
  • Assist with carrier scheduling and communication, confirm pickup times, resolve carrier discrepancies, and coordinate special handling or expedite requests.
  • Document process deviations, near misses, and incidents; complete required safety and incident reports and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Train new team members on SOPs, equipment operation, safety rules, packing standards, and system workflows; act as a subject-matter resource for day-to-day questions.
  • Support peak season planning and surge operations by taking on additional shifts, cross-training in adjacent functions, and executing overtime work as needed to meet business demand.
  • Execute basic troubleshooting for RF scanners, label printers, and small battery-powered equipment; escalate IT/WMS issues following escalation matrix for minimal downtime.

Secondary Functions

  • Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, providing inventory evidence, and participating in audit activities to demonstrate process compliance.
  • Assist operations managers with ad-hoc reporting and operational metrics using Excel and WMS exports to drive decision-making and capacity planning.
  • Collaborate with procurement and planning teams to communicate inbound exceptions, expedited needs, and supplier discrepancies that impact fulfillment.
  • Provide backup coverage for shipping clerk, receiving clerk, or dock coordinator roles during absences to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  • Participate in safety committees, toolbox talks, and training refreshers to continuously improve safety culture and OSHA compliance.
  • Contribute to root-cause investigations for repeat shipping or inventory errors and implement corrective action plans in collaboration with quality and process teams.
  • Help coordinate and receive vendor-managed inventory (VMI) shipments and third-party stock replenishments to maintain agreed service levels.
  • Support customer service and account teams by investigating order status, shipment exceptions, and inventory availability for critical customer inquiries.
  • Help maintain and update SOPs, training materials, and job aids to reflect best practices and system/process changes.
  • Participate in pilot programs for new WMS features, mobile scanning improvements, or automation initiatives and provide hands-on feedback to project teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanning workflows (examples: Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle WMS, Infor).
  • Experience with ERP systems for inventory and order processing (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle).
  • Certified or experienced forklift and powered industrial truck operator with safe handling history.
  • Strong barcode labeling and scanning knowledge (GS1 standards, thermal label printing).
  • Accurate data entry and documentation skills; comfortable with handheld devices, tablets, and scanning hardware.
  • Knowledge of shipping documentation and carrier systems (BOL, PRO numbers, LTL vs TL, UPS/FedEx platforms).
  • Familiarity with inventory control practices: cycle counting, reconciliation, FIFO/LIFO rotation, spoilage control.
  • Basic Microsoft Excel skills for reporting: VLOOKUP, filters, pivot tables, and sorting for operational reports.
  • Understanding of OSHA safety standards, HazMat handling basics, and warehouse safety protocols.
  • Experience with packing standards, protection materials, palletizing, and load securement best practices.
  • Ability to use basic maintenance tools and perform pre-operational equipment checks; escalate repair needs.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high order accuracy and inventory integrity.
  • Excellent time-management skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced distribution environment.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for cross-functional coordination with carriers, suppliers, and internal teams.
  • Team player with collaborative mindset and willingness to cross-train across warehouse functions.
  • Problem-solving orientation—able to investigate discrepancies and propose practical corrective actions.
  • Dependable, punctual, and able to pass background checks and drug screenings as required.
  • Adaptability to shift changes, seasonal volume spikes, and evolving SOPs or system updates.
  • Customer-focused mindset with the ability to represent the company when resolving shipping or product issues.
  • Strong physical stamina and ergonomics awareness for repetitive lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
  • Positive attitude toward continuous improvement and participation in Lean/Kaizen activities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or vocational certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
  • Forklift/OSHA/HazMat certifications and WMS training certificates considered advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 – 5 years of hands-on experience in warehouse, distribution, or fulfillment operations.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years operating in a high-volume distribution center with experience on WMS, RF scanning, and material handling equipment.
  • Proven track record meeting KPI targets (accuracy, productivity, on-time shipments) and participating in process improvement projects.
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