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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Inventory Technician

💰 $32,000 - $58,000

LogisticsWarehouseInventory ControlSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Inventory Technician is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, executing cycle counts and physical inventories, investigating and resolving discrepancies, and supporting warehouse operations through data-driven inventory control practices. This role ensures inventory accuracy, reduces shrinkage, supports order fulfillment, and improves warehouse efficiency by leveraging Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP tools, RF/barcode technology, and standard inventory control methodologies (FIFO/FEFO).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Clerk / Data Entry Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Supervisor
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Lead
  • Inventory Analyst / Supply Chain Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Returns / RMA Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct routine cycle counts and full physical inventories to maintain and improve inventory accuracy, documenting results, variances, and corrective actions in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP.
  • Investigate inventory discrepancies by tracing product movements, reviewing receiving and shipping documentation, and performing root cause analysis to recommend and implement corrective actions.
  • Perform receiving inspections, verify quantities and conditions against purchase orders and packing lists, and complete accurate receiving transactions in ERP/WMS (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Execute put-away and replenishment tasks using slotting principles to optimize pick paths and minimize travel time, escalating storage constraints to warehouse leadership.
  • Operate RF barcode scanners, mobile handheld devices, and barcode printers for scanning, labeling, and updating inventory locations in real time.
  • Process stock transfers between locations or warehouses, coordinate staging and documentation, and reconcile transfer records to ensure perpetual inventory integrity.
  • Pick, stage, and prepare outbound orders with an emphasis on accuracy and compliance with FIFO/FEFO expiration date controls for lot-tracked and perishable items.
  • Perform cycle count variance reconciliation, prepare variance reports, and communicate shrinkage, short shipments, and overages to procurement and operations teams.
  • Maintain lot and serial number traceability, update batch/lot codes in systems, and manage quarantine procedures for non-conforming or expired inventory.
  • Execute returns processing (RMAs) including inspection, disposition, restocking, or return-to-vendor actions while maintaining accurate records in the ERP/WMS.
  • Monitor and report inventory KPIs (inventory accuracy, shrinkage rate, pick accuracy, on-time cycle count completion) and support continuous improvement initiatives to raise performance.
  • Reconcile physical inventory results to general ledger and support month-end and quarter-end inventory close processes with accounting and finance teams.
  • Label and re-label stock with clear identification and barcode tags, ensuring compliance with GS1 standards and customer-specific labeling requirements.
  • Perform basic slotting and product placement recommendations to reduce handling time, improve picking efficiency, and increase warehouse throughput.
  • Train and coach temporary staff and new hires on inventory procedures, proper scanning techniques, cycle count methodologies, and safety protocols.
  • Support shipping and receiving dock activities during peak periods including unloading, staging, palletizing, and cross-docking to maintain workflow continuity.
  • Execute warehouse safety and housekeeping tasks, ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies, and report hazards or near-misses immediately.
  • Use Microsoft Excel and inventory reporting tools to create, filter, and analyze inventory data, run VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and generate management-ready reports.
  • Collaborate with procurement and demand planning to communicate stock levels, available-to-promise quantities, and identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
  • Support barcode/labeling system maintenance including stock of consumables, calibration of printers, and verification of label quality to prevent scanning errors.
  • Participate in cycle count process design, frequency planning, and the transition from periodic counting to perpetual inventory programs.
  • Reconcile discrepancies between physical counts and ERP/WMS records by creating inventory adjustment transactions and documenting approvals.
  • Coordinate with carriers and 3PL partners for inbound and outbound inventory movement reconciliation and accurate receipt confirmations.
  • Maintain accurate records of tools, equipment, and warehouse assets; track calibration and inspection schedules where applicable.
  • Assist in implementation and testing of inventory-related system upgrades, WMS rollouts, and barcode/RF hardware deployments; provide feedback from daily operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inventory audits requested by internal audit, finance, or quality teams and prepare documentation for audit trails.
  • Assist continuous improvement teams with kaizen events, 5S audits, and process mapping related to inventory workflows.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams to pilot new inventory control initiatives, technology trials (RFID, voice picking), and layout changes.
  • Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory tasks and contribute to training materials and quick reference guides.
  • Coordinate with maintenance for equipment repairs affecting inventory handling (conveyors, forklifts, pallet jacks) to minimize downtime.
  • Support seasonal surge planning by assessing inventory storage needs and helping to coordinate temporary storage expansions or reconfigurations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and perpetual inventory systems (experience with SAP, Oracle WMS, NetSuite, Manhattan, or JDA preferred).
  • Hands-on experience with RF barcode scanners, barcode label printers, and barcode symbology (QR, Code128, GS1).
  • Strong cycle counting methodology knowledge (ABC cycle counting, blind counts, variance reconciliation).
  • Inventory reconciliation and adjustment procedures, including documenting approvals and audit trails.
  • Familiar with FIFO/FEFO, lot/serial tracking, expiration date control, and batch traceability.
  • Solid Microsoft Excel skills: VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and basic data cleansing.
  • Experience with shipping/receiving processes, packing lists, bills of lading, and carrier receiving protocols.
  • Operating experience and certification for material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, reach truck) is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of basic accounting inventory principles and ability to support month-end inventory close.
  • Familiarity with safety regulations (OSHA) and safe material handling practices.
  • Experience generating and monitoring inventory KPIs and using them to drive process improvements.
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for barcode hardware and ability to coordinate IT/hardware vendor support.
  • Experience with returns processing (RMA) and disposition workflows.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high inventory accuracy and data integrity.
  • Analytical mindset with ability to investigate discrepancies and identify root causes.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for cross-functional collaboration with procurement, operations, and finance.
  • Time management and prioritization to balance cycle counts, daily tasks, and special projects.
  • Problem-solving orientation and continuous improvement mindset to reduce shrinkage and streamline processes.
  • Team player who can train, mentor, and work effectively with temporary seasonal staff.
  • Dependability and integrity handling controlled or high-value inventory.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
  • Customer-focused attitude for internal stakeholders and external vendor interactions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Distribution
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 to 5 years of warehouse or inventory control experience

Preferred:

  • 3+ years in inventory control or warehouse inventory technician roles with demonstrated cycle counting, WMS, and ERP experience
  • Prior experience in high-volume distribution centers, manufacturing storerooms, or third-party logistics (3PL) environments
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, forklift operator certification, or APICS/ASCM fundamentals are a plus
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