Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Dry Goods Packer

🎯 Role Definition

A Dry Goods Packer is responsible for accurately and efficiently packing, labeling, and preparing non-perishable goods for shipment or store replenishment. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to work in a fast-paced warehouse or fulfillment environment. The Dry Goods Packer ensures orders are processed correctly, inventory is maintained, and outgoing shipments meet company and customer requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Grocery Stock Clerk or Shelf Stocker
Production Line Worker or Manufacturing Packer

Advancement To:

Lead Packer / Senior Packer
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist / Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Material Handler / Picker
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately pick, pack, and prepare dry goods orders for shipment or store delivery, ensuring each carton is packed according to packing lists and product-specific packing standards to minimize damage and returns.
Inspect products for defects, expiration dates, and correct SKU prior to packing, documenting and segregating any damaged or non-conforming items following company quality control procedures.
Apply correct labeling, barcodes, and packing slips to packages, ensuring all required documentation (packing list, shipping label, hazardous labeling when applicable) is present and scannable for carriers and internal tracking.
Operate handheld barcode scanners, RF devices, and warehouse management systems (WMS) to confirm picks, update inventory transactions, and close out orders in real time to maintain accurate stock levels and traceability.
Assemble and secure pallets using stretch wrap, strapping, and cornerboards as required; stack cartons safely to carrier and store specifications to maximize trailer and shelf space while minimizing product damage.
Meet daily productivity and accuracy targets by pacing work, organizing packing stations, and using time-saving packing techniques while maintaining quality standards and safety protocols.
Verify weights and dimensions for outgoing shipments using scales and dimensioning equipment, entering accurate parcel and pallet information into shipping systems to avoid carrier chargebacks.
Fold, cushion, and protect products using appropriate void fill, corrugated dividers, or dunnage to prevent shifting in transit and reduce product damage claims.
Prepare and stage completed orders by route, carrier, or store location to facilitate efficient load planning and dock operations, coordinating with shipping staff for on-time dispatch.
Follow FIFO (first-in, first-out) or other rotation procedures when packing dry goods with expiration or lot controls to reduce waste and ensure regulatory compliance.
Perform cycle counts and assist with periodic physical inventory reconciliations, reporting discrepancies, and investigating root causes with the inventory control team.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of packing areas, bins, and supply inventories, ensuring packing materials (tape, boxes, labels) are replenished and stations are safe and efficient.
Adhere to all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and ergonomic lifting practices to reduce workplace injuries and maintain a safe work environment.
Communicate with supervisors and cross-functional teams (receiving, shipping, quality, and customer service) to resolve order exceptions, shortages, and product substitutions proactively.
Record and report packaging waste and recommend improvements to reduce material costs and increase packing efficiency, participating in continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events.

Secondary Functions

Cross-train in adjacent warehouse roles including receiving, replenishment, and picking to provide coverage during peak periods and absences.
Assist with sorting and merchandising of dry goods for store-ready units or bulk pallet building when requested by retail customers.
Help coordinate small parcel shipments by preparing manifests, arranging carrier pickups, and troubleshooting billing or tracking issues with the logistics team.
Participate in onboarding and training of new packers, sharing best practices for packing accuracy, labeling, and workstation setup.
Monitor carton and packaging quality, suggesting upgrades or replacements when materials are causing frequent product damage or inefficiencies.
Support return processing by inspecting returned dry goods, documenting reason codes, and routing goods to restock, quarantine, or scrap according to policy.
Execute basic equipment checks and minor preventative maintenance on packing machinery (tape machines, stretch wrap machines) and escalate issues to maintenance as needed.
Maintain records of daily packing output and quality metrics for supervisor review and contribute to weekly performance reports and KPI discussions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient use of handheld barcode scanners, RF guns, and warehouse management systems (WMS) such as SAP, Manhattan, or Oracle Warehouse Management.
Experienced in packing techniques for non-perishable goods, including palletizing, shrink-wrapping, strapping, and carton reinforcement.
Accurate weighing and dimensioning skills with experience operating platform scales and entering weight data into shipping/manifest systems.
Strong knowledge of labeling standards, GS1 barcodes, and ability to apply and verify shipping and compliance labels.
Familiarity with FIFO/FEFO inventory rotation methods and lot/expiration date controls for dry goods.
Basic math skills for counting, order reconciliation, and verifying quantities against packing lists.
Ability to read and interpret packing lists, invoices, and work orders with attention to SKU and lot number details.
Experience staging orders for carrier loading and understanding of common carrier requirements for pallets and packages.
Competence with basic packing tools and equipment: box cutters, tape guns, stretch wrap, banding tools, and carton erectors.
Forklift or pallet jack operation (powered and manual) — forklift certification preferred in many postings.

Soft Skills

High attention to detail with a strong focus on packing accuracy and quality assurance to minimize customer returns.
Time management and ability to work efficiently in high-volume, deadline-driven environments.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with pickers, shippers, and supervisors.
Adaptability and willingness to cross-train across multiple warehouse functions during peak and seasonal periods.
Problem-solving mindset to identify root causes of packing errors and suggest process improvements.
Reliability and strong work ethic, including consistent punctuality and adherence to shift schedules.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions precisely and escalate exceptions promptly.
Physical stamina and ergonomics awareness to safely handle repetitive tasks and moderate lifting.
Customer-focused attitude with an understanding that packing accuracy directly impacts customer satisfaction.
Positive, safety-first mindset that models company policies and promotes a safe workplace culture.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent practical warehouse experience.

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or vocational training in logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations (preferred but not required).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology
Manufacturing or Production Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-level to 3 years in warehouse, distribution, or packing roles.

Preferred:

1–2 years of direct packing or order-fulfillment experience in a grocery, retail, or third-party logistics (3PL) environment.
Experience with WMS systems, RF scanning, and basic pallet-building or shrink-wrapping preferred.