Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hand Wrapper

🎯 Role Definition

The Hand Wrapper is a critical member of our warehouse and logistics team, responsible for the final stage of product preparation before shipment or storage. Your primary duty is to manually secure pallets of goods using stretch film and other packaging materials. This hands-on role demands attention to detail, physical stamina, and a commitment to safety and quality, ensuring that our products are perfectly protected from our facility to their final destination. You are the final checkpoint for load stability and presentation, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Associate
Stocker / Order Picker

Advancement To:

Shipping and Receiving Lead
Forklift Operator
Production Line Supervisor
Warehouse Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Inventory Control Clerk
Assembly Line Worker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manually wrap pallets of finished goods using industrial-grade stretch film, ensuring complete, tight, and uniform coverage to guarantee load stability for safe transport.
Operate manual wrapping equipment, such as hand-held stretch wrap dispensers, with skill and efficiency to meet production timelines.
Conduct thorough pre-wrapping inspections of pallets to verify correct stacking, stability, and product integrity before beginning the wrapping process.
Perform rigorous post-wrapping quality checks on all completed pallets to confirm they meet stringent company and transportation safety standards.
Safely and efficiently move pallets to and from the wrapping station using manual or electric pallet jacks, navigating busy warehouse environments with caution.
Accurately apply shipping labels, custom handling instructions, and other essential documentation to wrapped pallets, ensuring they are correctly placed and clearly visible.
Maintain a consistent and energetic work pace to meet or exceed established daily and hourly wrapping quotas and support overall team productivity goals.
Adhere strictly to all workplace safety regulations, including OSHA standards and company-specific protocols for lifting, equipment operation, and general conduct.
Keep the designated wrapping station and surrounding work areas meticulously clean, organized, and free of debris or potential hazards.
Monitor inventory levels of wrapping supplies, such as stretch film, corner protectors, and labeling materials, and promptly report any shortages to the supervisor.
Collaborate effectively with forklift operators, order pickers, and shipping clerks to ensure a seamless and efficient workflow from production to outbound loading.
Strategically apply protective materials like corner boards, slip sheets, and top caps to pallets to prevent product damage during handling and transit.
Weigh completed pallets using floor scales and accurately record the weights in the warehouse management system (WMS) or on manual log sheets.
Assist in staging finished, wrapped pallets in their designated shipping lanes according to carrier or destination, preparing them for efficient truck loading.
Communicate any equipment malfunctions, product damage, safety concerns, or process discrepancies to the shift lead or warehouse manager immediately.
Read and interpret work orders, pick tickets, or digital instructions to understand the specific wrapping and handling requirements for diverse products and clients.
Assist the shipping and receiving department with loading and unloading trailers as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented mindset.
Document daily work activities, including the total number of pallets wrapped, and contribute to production reporting for performance tracking.
Securely build and stack cartons or products onto pallets prior to wrapping, ensuring a stable and interlocked configuration to prevent shifting.
Participate actively in team meetings and continuous improvement training sessions focused on enhancing safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general warehouse housekeeping duties, including sweeping, organizing storage racks, and disposing of waste materials.
Participate in periodic physical inventory and cycle counts to help maintain accurate stock records.
Provide backup support to other departments, such as order picking or packing, during peak operational periods or staff shortages.
Help train and onboard new team members, demonstrating proper hand wrapping techniques, safety procedures, and quality standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating manual and electric pallet jacks for material handling.
Demonstrable skill in various manual stretch wrapping techniques to ensure load security.
Ability to read and correctly interpret work orders, Bills of Lading (BOLs), and shipping labels.
Basic mathematical skills for counting, tallying, and verifying quantities.
Knowledge of proper pallet building and load balancing principles for maximum stability.
Experience using handheld RF scanners or interacting with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a strong asset.
Familiarity with different types of packaging materials, including various gauges of stretch film and protective dunnage.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail to ensure wrap quality, label accuracy, and damage prevention.
High level of physical stamina and strength; ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout an 8-10 hour shift.
Excellent manual dexterity, coordination, and the ability to perform repetitive tasks with precision.
Strong time management skills and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment.
Unwavering commitment to safety and a proven track record of following all safety rules and procedures.
Dependability and a strong work ethic, demonstrated by excellent punctuality and attendance.
Clear communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with a diverse warehouse team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in Warehousing, Logistics, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution center, manufacturing, or similar industrial setting.

Preferred: 6+ months of direct experience in a role involving manual wrapping, packing, shipping, or material handling is highly desirable.