Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Goods Mover Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

A Goods Mover Assistant is a foundational pillar of any logistics and supply chain operation. This hands-on role is centered on the physical journey of products, from their arrival at the facility to their final departure. More than just lifting and moving, this individual is responsible for the careful handling, accurate tracking, and efficient organization of inventory. They act as the crucial link that ensures products are in the right place, at the right time, and in the right condition, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the overall efficiency of the distribution network. This position requires a blend of physical stamina, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Retail Stock Associate
No prior formal experience required

Advancement To:

Certified Forklift Operator
Warehouse Team Lead or Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Delivery Driver Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diligently load and unload merchandise from various delivery vehicles, including trailers and shipping containers, employing proper handling techniques to prevent any product damage.
Systematically move, stack, and organize goods in designated storage areas such as racks, shelves, and bulk zones, ensuring stability and accessibility.
Safely and proficiently operate manual material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies, to transport heavy or cumbersome items throughout the facility.
Accurately pick customer orders from inventory stock by following detailed instructions from order sheets, RF scanners, or voice-picking systems, meticulously verifying product codes and quantities.
Securely pack and wrap outbound orders for shipment, selecting the most appropriate packing materials to protect items during transit and adhere to carrier specifications.
Conduct thorough quality control inspections on both incoming and outgoing products to identify and report any defects, damages, or discrepancies to the shift supervisor.
Actively participate in regular inventory counts, including cycle counts and full physical inventories, to help maintain precise stock records and support inventory management objectives.
Uphold a clean, orderly, and safe work environment at all times by sweeping floors, removing debris, and ensuring that aisles and workstations remain clear of potential hazards.
Strictly adhere to all company safety protocols, procedures, and OSHA guidelines to foster a culture of safety and prevent workplace accidents.
Skillfully operate radio frequency (RF) scanning equipment to track inventory movements in real-time, update the warehouse management system (WMS), and confirm order fulfillment stages.
Sort and place materials or items onto racks, shelves, or into bins according to a predetermined sequence, such as size, type, style, color, or product code, to optimize storage and retrieval.
Prepare and correctly affix shipping labels, packing slips, bills of lading, and other essential documentation to outbound packages for accurate routing and delivery.
Efficiently break down and dispose of cardboard, plastic wrap, and other packaging waste in designated recycling and trash receptacles to maintain a tidy workspace.
Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and personnel from other departments to coordinate workflow, solve problems, and ensure daily operational targets are met.
Assist with the receiving process by carefully verifying the contents of inbound shipments against purchase orders and packing lists, noting any shortages, overages, or damages.
Expertly assemble and stage pallets of goods for shipment, confirming they are stable, securely shrink-wrapped, and correctly labeled for their final destination.
Proactively report any malfunctions, maintenance needs, or safety concerns regarding warehouse equipment to the appropriate personnel to ensure timely repairs and continuous operation.
Read and interpret work orders, shipping orders, or requisitions to accurately determine which items need to be moved, gathered, distributed, or staged.
Monitor product quality and shelf life during handling and storage, diligently applying stock rotation principles like First-In, First-Out (FIFO) to minimize waste.
Participate in daily pre-shift meetings to review team goals, discuss important safety topics, and stay informed about any operational changes or challenges.
Consolidate partial pallets and reorganize storage locations as needed to maximize the utilization of warehouse space and improve overall operational efficiency.
Support the reverse logistics (returns) process by inspecting, sorting, and restocking returned merchandise according to established company procedures.

Secondary Functions

Perform minor housekeeping duties within the warehouse and surrounding facility grounds to maintain a professional and safe environment.
Assist in the onboarding and training of new team members by demonstrating basic warehouse procedures, safety protocols, and proper equipment usage.
Provide flexible support to other departments, such as shipping, receiving, or inventory control, during peak business periods or in the event of staff shortages.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by offering feedback and practical suggestions on how to enhance warehouse processes, safety, and efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Proficiency in the safe use of manual equipment like pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Basic ability to interact with WMS software via handheld devices or terminals for core tasks.
RF Scanner Usage: Skill in operating radio frequency scanners to accurately track inventory, confirm picks, and update system records.
Inventory Counting: Ability to perform accurate physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and assist with discrepancy reconciliation.
Order Fulfillment: Competence in accurately picking products based on order specifications and packing them to company and carrier standards.
Loading & Unloading: Knowledge of safe and efficient techniques for loading/unloading trucks, including proper weight distribution and load securement.
Basic Computer Literacy: Ability to use a computer to print labels, look up order information, or perform simple data entry.
Safety Protocol Application: Deep understanding and consistent application of workplace safety standards, including proper lifting techniques and hazard identification.
Quality Control Inspection: The ability to visually inspect goods for damage, defects, or discrepancies against order details.
Shipping & Receiving Documentation: Familiarity with handling and verifying documents like bills of lading, packing slips, and purchase orders.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: The capacity to stand, walk, bend, and lift objects (typically up to 50 lbs) repeatedly throughout a full shift.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to checking product codes, quantities, and addresses to prevent errors in fulfillment and shipping.
Teamwork & Collaboration: The ability to work constructively with colleagues and supervisors to achieve shared operational goals.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated through consistent on-time attendance and dependability in completing assigned duties.
Time Management: The skill to manage tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet productivity targets and deadlines.
Adaptability: A flexible mindset to switch between different tasks (e.g., from picking to packing) as daily operational needs dictate.
Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey information to team members and supervisors, both verbally and through system inputs.
Proactive Problem-Solving: The initiative to identify and report issues, such as inventory discrepancies or safety hazards, and contribute to solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in logistics or supply chain management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 2 years of experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, distribution, or similar physical labor environment.

Preferred:

Prior experience working as a Material Handler, Order Picker, or Warehouse Associate is highly valued. Demonstrable experience using RF scanners and interacting with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a significant advantage.