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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-commerce Fulfillment Associate

💰 $28,000 - $48,000

LogisticsE-commerceWarehouse Operations

🎯 Role Definition

An E-commerce Fulfillment Associate is responsible for executing end-to-end fulfillment tasks that ensure online orders are picked, packed, labeled, and shipped accurately and on time. This role requires proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS), RF scanning devices, and standard shipping software while maintaining high quality, safety, and productivity standards. The associate supports inventory reconciliation, returns processing, and continuous improvement initiatives to help scale e-commerce operations and deliver an excellent customer experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Labor
  • Retail Stock Clerk / Back-of-Store Associate
  • Seasonal E-commerce Fulfillment Temp

Advancement To:

  • Lead Fulfillment Associate / Team Lead
  • Fulfillment Supervisor / Shift Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator / Shipping & Receiving Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Returns & Quality Assurance (RMA) Specialist
  • Shipping/Carrier Operations Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick customer orders for single-line and multi-line e-commerce shipments using pick lists, RF scanners, or pick-to-light systems, consistently achieving daily accuracy targets (e.g., ≥ 99.5%).
  • Pack and prepare outbound orders to company and carrier specifications, including protective packaging, void-fill, palletizing, and ensuring correct cartonization to minimize damage and dimension-weight errors.
  • Print and apply shipping labels, manifests, commercial invoices and other carrier documentation (UPS, FedEx, USPS, LTL), and load packages for scheduled carrier pickups and dock departures.
  • Receive inbound shipments from suppliers and carriers, verify quantities and SKU accuracy against purchase orders, report discrepancies, and stage product for putaway.
  • Perform accurate putaway and replenishment tasks in the warehouse using WMS-directed locations, ensuring bin accuracy and optimal pick-face availability.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and inventory audits, reconcile discrepancies, update WMS records, and escalate root-cause issues to inventory control leadership.
  • Process returns (RMA), inspect returned product for resaleability or disposition, update inventory systems, and coordinate with customer service on exception resolutions.
  • Operate material handling equipment safely (hand pallet jack, electric pallet jack, cherry picker, forklift if certified) to move cartons, pallets, and bulky items while complying with OSHA and company safety standards.
  • Stage, sort, and build pick batches and outbound pallets for high-volume sale events, promotions, and daily shipping waves to meet SLA deadlines.
  • Execute quality control checks on picked items (SKU, quantity, condition) and perform final order inspections to reduce customer complaints and returns.
  • Manage kitting and bundling operations according to packing specifications, including attaching inserts, promotional materials, and custom packaging.
  • Use warehouse management system (WMS) and order management system (OMS) to process orders, changes, cancellations, and to update fulfillment status in real time.
  • Monitor and help maintain daily KPIs such as picks per hour, orders per hour, lines per hour, pack accuracy, on-time shipments, and cartonization efficiency.
  • Label, segregate, and document damaged or non-conforming inventory; prepare claims or disposition requests and coordinate with procurement or vendor compliance teams.
  • Support cross-docking activities when required for time-sensitive shipments, ensuring accurate transfers between inbound and outbound flows.
  • Coordinate with customer service and carrier partners to investigate and resolve shipment exceptions, delays, or lost/damaged deliveries.
  • Assist in establishing and maintaining slotting and bin optimization strategies to maximize pick efficiency and reduce travel time.
  • Follow FIFO / FEFO / LIFO rotation requirements and special handling procedures for temperature-sensitive, fragile, or hazardous items in accordance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.
  • Complete daily paperwork, electronic logs, and compliance documentation related to shipping, receiving, and inventory control.
  • Train and mentor new hires and temporary staff on standard operating procedures, equipment usage, safety protocols, and quality expectations.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen) to streamline packing materials, reduce waste, and improve throughput and cost-per-order metrics.
  • Support seasonal surge planning and execution (holiday peaks, promotional events) by working flexible shifts, overtime, and executing expedited fulfillment processes.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including regular housekeeping, spill response, and adherence to PPE requirements.
  • Escalate operational issues, system anomalies, or supply shortages to supervisors and collaborate on resolution plans to sustain fulfillment performance.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with ad-hoc inventory analyses and data pulls to support shrinkage investigations and supplier chargebacks.
  • Support returns reconciliation and credit processing with finance and vendor teams for damaged or over-shipped goods.
  • Help maintain and update fulfillment SOPs, packing guides, and training materials for new workflows or seasonal changes.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings with merchandising, customer service, and logistics to align on order routing and carrier selection.
  • Support carrier onboarding and audit processes by documenting packaging standards and providing sample shipments for compliance checks.
  • Engage in occasional light maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing packing supplies, labeling printers, basic troubleshooting of handheld devices) or coordinate with maintenance teams.
  • Provide coverage for related warehouse functions such as staging for store replenishment or B2B order fulfillment when needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, HighJump, NetSuite WMS, or Fishbowl.
  • Hands-on experience using RF barcode scanners, mobile devices, and handheld terminals for picking and inventory tasks.
  • Familiarity with order management systems (OMS), shipping platforms (ShipStation, ShipWorks, UPS WorldShip), and carrier integrations.
  • Strong barcode labeling, cartonization, and parcel rating knowledge to optimize dimensional weight and shipping costs.
  • Ability to perform accurate cycle counts, reconcile inventory variances, and update ERP/WMS records.
  • Basic forklift and pallet jack operation experience (certification preferred) and knowledge of material handling safety protocols.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel for basic data entry, lookup functions, and simple reporting (VLOOKUP, filters, sorting).
  • Understanding of shipping rules, international documentation (commercial invoices, NAFTA rules if applicable), and carrier service levels (ground, express, freight).
  • Experience with returns processing (RMA) workflows, disposition codes, and restocking procedures.
  • Knowledge of packing engineering best practices for fragile, high-value, and temperature-controlled products.
  • Experience tracking and meeting operational KPIs (pick accuracy, lines/hour, orders/hour, on-time ship rate).
  • Familiarity with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and labeling, if applicable to product mix.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high order accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize when faced with competing shipping deadlines.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with peers, supervisors, and cross-functional partners.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to investigate discrepancies and escalate issues appropriately.
  • Team player attitude, flexible to shifting priorities and seasonal demands.
  • Reliability and strong work ethic with consistent attendance and ability to work scheduled shifts including weekends or overtime during peaks.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new systems, processes, and continuous improvement methods.
  • Customer-focused mindset with appreciation for how warehouse accuracy impacts end-customer experience.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or vocational certification in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Operations Management preferred.
  • Certifications such as OSHA safety training, forklift operator certification, or inventory control coursework are beneficial.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of warehouse or retail fulfillment experience for entry-level roles.
  • 1–3 years of direct e-commerce fulfillment, shipping/receiving, or inventory control experience preferred.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in high-volume e-commerce fulfillment centers, experience with WMS platforms, and demonstrated KPI-driven performance (e.g., order accuracy, productivity targets).
  • Experience training or mentoring teammates and participating in continuous improvement or Kaizen projects.
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