Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Material Handler

🎯 Role Definition

As a Material Handler, you are the backbone of our logistics and supply chain operations. You will be entrusted with the precise and efficient management of all materials, from their arrival at our facility to their final dispatch. This role is crucial for maintaining inventory accuracy, ensuring operational flow, and supporting production or order fulfillment schedules. This role requires a detail-oriented and safety-conscious individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and understands their direct impact on the company's success and customer satisfaction. This isn't just about moving boxes; it's about being a pivotal link in a complex, high-stakes operational chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Picker / Packer
General Laborer

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead / Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist / Analyst
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Logistics Coordinator
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently operate powered industrial trucks (PIT), including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks, to move materials throughout the facility.
Load and unload freight from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring proper handling, weight distribution, and securing of cargo to prevent damage.
Receive incoming shipments, visually inspect for damages, and verify contents against purchase orders, packing slips, or bills of lading.
Accurately record all material movements, transactions, and inventory data into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system using RF scanners or computer terminals.
Pull, pack, and stage finished goods or raw materials for production lines or customer orders, ensuring accuracy in quantity and product type.
Transport materials from storage or receiving areas to designated manufacturing, processing, or shipping locations according to production schedules or dispatch tickets.
Perform order fulfillment duties by picking products from shelves, racks, or bins and preparing them for shipment, including palletizing, shrink-wrapping, and labeling.
Maintain strict inventory control by conducting cycle counts, location audits, and participating in full physical inventories to ensure system accuracy.
Prepare and process all required shipping documentation, both domestic and international, ensuring compliance with transportation regulations.
Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished products, reporting any shortages, discrepancies, or low stock levels to the supervisor.
Segregate, stack, and store materials in their designated locations within the warehouse, following inventory management best practices like FIFO (First-In, First-Out).
Ensure all products are properly labeled, tagged, and identifiable for easy retrieval and tracking throughout the material lifecycle.
Handle hazardous materials according to company, state, and federal safety regulations, including proper storage, labeling, and documentation.
Perform pre-operational safety checks and routine maintenance on forklifts and other material handling equipment, reporting any malfunctions or needs for repair.
Band, wrap, and secure pallets and other large items to ensure stability and safety during transport and storage.
Manage and organize the warehouse space, consolidating partial pallets and optimizing storage locations to maximize efficiency and capacity.
Interface with truck drivers and transportation carriers during pick-up and delivery, ensuring smooth and efficient dock operations.
Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequence such as size, type, style, color, or product code.
Kitting and assembling components into finished goods or sub-assemblies based on work orders or Bill of Materials (BOM).
Operate other warehouse equipment such as dock levelers, balers, and compactors in a safe and responsible manner.
Process returned goods (RMA - Return Material Authorization) by inspecting items, documenting their condition, and returning them to inventory or designated quarantine areas.

Secondary Functions

Actively participate in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to 5S principles and general housekeeping standards.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members on standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
Support other departments and perform various warehouse duties as assigned by the team lead or supervisor to meet operational goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation Certification: Valid and current certification to operate various types of powered industrial trucks.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS software (e.g., SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan) for inventory transactions.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld radio-frequency scanners for picking, receiving, and inventory updates.
Inventory Control Management: Strong understanding of inventory principles like cycle counting, FIFO/LIFO, and lot control.
Basic Computer Skills: Ability to use computers for data entry, email communication, and accessing shipping software.
Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Skilled in the use of pallet jacks, dollies, and other non-powered warehouse equipment.
Shipping & Receiving Procedures: Knowledge of documentation like Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, and commercial invoices.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking orders, counting inventory, and entering data to prevent errors.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following all safety rules and procedures to maintain a zero-incident workplace.
Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with colleagues, supervisors, and other departments to achieve common goals.
Physical Stamina & Strength: Capable of standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects (typically up to 50 lbs), and performing repetitive tasks.
Communication Skills: Clearly communicates with team members and supervisors regarding operational issues or updates.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and report discrepancies or issues and suggest potential solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or Supply Chain Management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of direct experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred: 2+ years of experience operating stand-up reach trucks or order pickers in a high-volume distribution center. Proven experience with a major WMS platform is highly desirable.