Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Incoming Worker (Logistics & Receiving)

🎯 Role Definition

As a vital member of our operations team, the Incoming Worker is responsible for managing the entire inbound flow of goods into our facility. You are the gatekeeper of our inventory, ensuring that what we ordered is what we receive, in the right quantity and quality. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. You'll collaborate closely with inventory control, procurement, and warehouse management to maintain a smooth and accurate supply chain, directly impacting our ability to meet customer demand.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Retail Stock Associate
Mover or Package Handler
Fast Food Crew Member

Advancement To:

Receiving Team Lead
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Shipping & Outbound Associate
Order Picker / Fulfillment Specialist
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently unload incoming shipments from trucks, containers, and delivery vehicles using appropriate material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
Meticulously inspect all incoming materials, supplies, and products for visible damage, defects, or discrepancies, comparing items against purchase orders, invoices, or packing lists.
Accurately verify and count quantities of received goods, ensuring that the physical count matches the shipping documentation, and immediately report any shortages, overages, or incorrect items.
Promptly and accurately enter receiving data into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, capturing critical information like item numbers, quantities, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
Properly label and tag all received inventory with internal tracking numbers, barcodes, and other identifying information according to company standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Transport and put away received goods to their designated storage areas, racks, or bins within the warehouse, ensuring optimal space utilization and inventory organization.
Adhere strictly to all workplace safety regulations, OSHA standards, and company policies, maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free receiving area at all times.
Manage and maintain all receiving-related paperwork, creating detailed receiving reports, filing packing slips, and ensuring documentation is complete and accessible for auditing purposes.
Effectively communicate with procurement, inventory control, and warehouse management teams regarding the status of incoming shipments, delays, and quality control issues.
Process and document customer returns (RMA - Return Merchandise Authorization), inspecting returned products and routing them for restocking, repair, or disposal according to established guidelines.
Perform basic quality control checks on incoming components and materials, escalating any non-conforming products to the Quality Assurance department for further evaluation.
Conduct daily pre-operational safety checks on material handling equipment and promptly report any maintenance needs or malfunctions to the supervisor to ensure safe operations.
Actively participate in cycle counts and physical inventory audits to help reconcile discrepancies between the system records and physical stock on hand.
Stage and prepare incoming raw materials or components for transfer to the production or manufacturing floor, ensuring the right parts are available for assembly lines when needed.
Execute cross-docking procedures by receiving goods and preparing them for immediate outbound shipment, bypassing storage to increase supply chain velocity.
Monitor and record temperatures for temperature-sensitive shipments, ensuring compliance with cold chain logistics and maintaining product integrity.
Assist in monitoring and reporting on vendor compliance with shipping and packaging guidelines, providing constructive feedback to the purchasing department.
Investigate and resolve receiving discrepancies by collaborating with carriers, vendors, and internal departments to find a swift and accurate solution.
Identify and suggest opportunities for process improvements within the receiving department to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall safety.
Handle, document, and store hazardous materials in strict accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring proper segregation and safety protocols are followed.

Secondary Functions

Assist other warehouse departments, such as shipping and order picking, during peak periods or as needed to support overall operational goals.
Participate actively in team meetings and contribute to discussions on improving daily operations, workflows, and workplace safety.
Maintain and organize the supply of receiving materials, such as boxes, tape, labels, and shrink wrap, ensuring stock levels are adequate.
Provide support for special projects, such as warehouse reorganization or the implementation of new technology, as directed by management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation: Certified or able to be certified to operate forklifts (e.g., sit-down, stand-up reach truck).
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Experience using WMS or ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for inventory transactions.
RF Scanners: Proficient in using handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanning devices for tracking and moving inventory.
Material Handling Equipment: Skilled in the safe operation of pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other warehouse equipment.
Data Entry: Accurate and efficient typing skills for entering receiving information into computer systems.
Basic Math Skills: Ability to perform accurate counts, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Safety Protocol Knowledge: Understanding of OSHA regulations and standard warehouse safety practices.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in checking paperwork, inspecting goods, and entering data to ensure accuracy.
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work effectively, and maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication with team members, supervisors, and truck drivers.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and resolving discrepancies or issues with shipments.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve shared goals and contributes to a positive team atmosphere.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (typically up to 50 lbs) for extended periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational Certificate or Associate's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in a warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, or receiving environment.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience in a receiving role with a proven track record of accuracy and efficiency. Forklift certification is a significant plus.