Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Goods Supervisor Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Goods Supervisor Assistant is the essential right-hand to the Goods Supervisor, acting as a pivotal link between management and the warehouse floor team. This role is deeply involved in the day-to-day action, ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe flow of goods from receiving to shipping. As the go-to person for the team, you will provide guidance, solve operational problems on the fly, and champion a culture of safety and precision. This position is a crucial support function, directly contributing to the overall success of the supply chain by maintaining operational excellence and fostering strong team morale.

📈 Career Progression

This role is a fantastic stepping stone for a career in logistics and people management. It provides the perfect blend of hands-on operational experience and introductory leadership responsibilities.

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / Operative
Stock Clerk / Inventory Clerk
Junior Logistics Coordinator

Advancement To:

Goods Supervisor / Warehouse Supervisor
Warehouse Team Lead
Shift Manager / Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping and Receiving Coordinator
Logistics Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively assist the Goods Supervisor in the coordination and execution of all daily warehouse activities, including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping.
Serve as the acting team lead in the supervisor's absence, ensuring operational continuity, providing clear direction, and addressing team inquiries with confidence.
Conduct hands-on training for new and current warehouse associates on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and the correct use of Material Handling Equipment (MHE).
Perform and oversee regular cycle counts and physical inventory audits to ensure the accuracy of stock levels within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner, reporting findings and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Monitor the scheduling and processing of all inbound deliveries and outbound shipments to meet strict deadlines and quality standards.
Monitor team performance and conduct regular quality checks on packed orders to ensure accuracy and compliance with customer specifications.
Actively promote and enforce all health and safety policies and procedures, conducting regular safety walks, and immediately reporting any hazards or incidents.
Assist in creating and managing weekly work schedules and daily task assignments for warehouse personnel to optimize labor allocation and workflow.
Foster a positive and collaborative team environment by motivating associates, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing strong performance to achieve individual and team goals.
Provide first-level support for resolving minor employee conflicts and grievances, escalating more serious issues to the Supervisor or Human Resources as appropriate.
Ensure all shipping and receiving documentation (e.g., Bills of Lading, packing slips, manifests) is complete, accurate, and properly filed according to company policy.
Utilize the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and RF scanning technology to manage inventory, process orders, and track operational performance effectively.

Secondary Functions

Liaise with customer service, transportation, and procurement teams to resolve issues related to orders, shipments, and stock availability.
Prepare and distribute daily operational reports on productivity, attendance, shipping volumes, and other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Participate in continuous improvement projects, identifying and suggesting opportunities for enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and workplace safety.
Oversee the processing of customer returns (reverse logistics), ensuring goods are inspected, sorted, and restocked or disposed of correctly.
Monitor and maintain an adequate inventory of warehouse supplies (e.g., boxes, tape, labels, stretch wrap) and initiate reordering to prevent downtime.
Champion a clean and organized work environment by implementing and upholding 5S principles or similar housekeeping standards throughout the facility.
Coordinate the routine maintenance and repair of warehouse equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, to ensure operational readiness and safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS software to track inventory, manage orders, and run reports.
Inventory Control: Strong understanding of inventory management principles, including cycle counting, stocktaking, and discrepancy resolution.
Logistics Coordination: Knowledge of inbound/outbound logistics, shipping and receiving processes, and documentation (BOLs, packing slips).
Health & Safety Compliance: Familiarity with OSHA or relevant local safety regulations and best practices within a warehouse environment.
MS Office Suite: Competency in Microsoft Excel for data tracking and reporting, as well as Word and Outlook for communication.
RF Scanner Technology: Experience using handheld RF scanners for picking, put-away, and inventory tasks.
MHE Operation: Certification or the ability to become certified in operating material handling equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, or reach trucks.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Motivation: The ability to guide, support, and motivate a diverse team to achieve collective goals.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for providing clear instructions and liaising between team members and management.
Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks and unexpected challenges.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in handling inventory, checking orders, and managing documentation.
Time Management & Organization: Superb ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain an organized workflow in a fast-paced setting.
Adaptability: Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, volumes, and operational needs.
Dependability & Accountability: A strong sense of responsibility and reliability; taking ownership of assigned duties.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Business Administration
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of progressive experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or logistics environment.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience in a role with demonstrated leadership responsibilities, such as a team lead, key holder, or senior warehouse associate.