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warehouse inventory worker

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Inventory Worker
salary: $28,000 - $42,000
categories: [Logistics, Warehouse Operations, Inventory Management]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a Warehouse Inventory Worker.
Experienced Warehouse Inventory Worker needed to manage accurate stock levels, execute cycle counts, process receipts and shipping, and maintain inventory integrity using WMS/RF technology. Ideal candidate has hands-on warehouse experience, attention to detail, basic data-entry and Excel skills, and a safety-first mindset. Keywords: warehouse inventory worker, inventory control, cycle counting, WMS, stock reconciliation.

🎯 Role Definition

As a Warehouse Inventory Worker you will be responsible for ensuring inventory accuracy and warehouse organization across receiving, storage, picking and shipping operations. This role focuses on cycle counts, full physical inventories, inventory reconciliation, barcode/RF scanning, and maintaining accurate records in the warehouse management system (WMS) or ERP. You will work closely with warehouse leads, inventory control, and procurement to reduce shrink, optimize stock levels, and support on-time order fulfillment. This is a hands-on, physical role requiring attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to use scanning technology and basic inventory reporting tools.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Warehouse Worker
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Stockroom Clerk / Stock Controller

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Specialist / Inventory Analyst
  • Lead Inventory Clerk / Team Lead – Inventory
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Shift Supervisor
  • Warehouse Manager or Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector (warehouse quality assurance)
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct daily cycle counts and spot checks across assigned zones, accurately recording variances in the WMS and initiating discrepancy investigations to maintain 99%+ inventory accuracy.
  • Execute full physical inventories during scheduled shutdowns, coordinating count teams, reconciling variances, and preparing detailed inventory reconciliation reports for management and finance.
  • Receive incoming shipments: verify packing lists and purchase order numbers, inspect goods for quality and damage, scan and record receipts into WMS/ERP, and route items to appropriate storage locations.
  • Perform systematic put-away using FIFO/LIFO or other specified storage strategies, ensuring product is stored safely, labeled correctly, and placed in the correct bin locations for efficient retrieval.
  • Pick and pack customer orders accurately according to order manifests and packing instructions, scanning items to confirm picks, preparing shipping labels, and staging shipments for carrier pick-up.
  • Reconcile inventory discrepancies by researching transaction histories, reviewing receiving and shipping records, and coordinating with procurement, operations, and vendors to resolve root causes.
  • Operate RF barcode scanners, handheld terminals, and WMS interfaces to perform real-time stock updates, location transfers, and cycle count entries while ensuring data integrity.
  • Perform regular location audits and bin checks to identify mis-picks, misplaced items, and labeling errors; update WMS location mapping as required.
  • Manage SKU and lot tracking for serialized, lot-controlled, or expiration-dated products, ensuring traceability for recalls, quality audits, and client reporting.
  • Prepare and stage materials for production or order fulfillment, including kitting tasks, replenishment to pick faces, and maintaining pick-face accuracy to support continuous operations.
  • Coordinate with shipping carriers and logistics partners to resolve shipment discrepancies, missing items, or tariff/labeling issues before final dispatch.
  • Process returns and reverse logistics: inspect returned goods, determine disposition (restock, quarantine, or scrap), update inventory records, and communicate with customer service or vendors about return findings.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy through daily reconciliation of system counts, cycle count follow-ups, and adjustments, documenting reasons for variances and corrective actions taken.
  • Support onboarding and training of new warehouse associates on inventory procedures, WMS usage, safe handling, and quality standards to sustain consistent inventory practices.
  • Enforce and follow safety protocols (OSHA guidelines), proper material handling, PPE usage, and housekeeping standards to maintain a safe warehouse environment.
  • Labeling and re-labeling of products and storage locations, including printing and applying barcode labels, shelf tags, and pallet markings to reduce picking errors.
  • Monitor and maintain inventory replenishment levels, trigger restock or reorder alerts when minimum thresholds are reached, and communicate low-stock concerns to procurement.
  • Prepare documentation and evidence for internal and external audits, demonstrating inventory controls, reconciliation processes, and chain-of-custody where applicable.
  • Collaborate with supply chain, production, and procurement teams to forecast inventory needs, identify slow-moving or obsolete stock, and recommend disposition strategies.
  • Use basic inventory reporting tools and Excel to generate stock reports, variance logs, aging reports, and daily KPI summaries (accuracy, cycle count completion, shrinkage).
  • Handle hazardous or regulated materials according to policy and regulations, including segregation, documentation, and safe storage practices.
  • Maintain organized and clean warehouse zones, implementing 5S principles to improve flow, reduce damage, and expedite cycle counts and picking.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects to optimize inventory processes, reduce counting time, and implement best practices for accuracy and efficiency.
  • Execute ad-hoc inventory tasks during peak seasons (e.g., holiday surges), including accelerated counting, overflow handling, and temporary reallocation of storage space.
  • Liaise with IT or systems support to report scanning issues, WMS discrepancies, and to help test upgrades or new inventory features prior to rollouts.

Secondary Functions

  • Support internal and external inventory audits by preparing schedules, count sheets, and documentation; act as point of contact during audit activities.
  • Assist in cycle count program development by recommending location groupings, frequency schedules, and tolerance thresholds based on SKU velocity.
  • Contribute to inventory loss prevention initiatives by documenting root causes, recommending security or process changes, and participating in post-incident reviews.
  • Help maintain and optimize bin and slotting layouts by providing on-the-floor feedback and participating in slotting projects to maximize space utilization.
  • Train cross-functional teams on basic inventory practices, receiving procedures, and proper documentation to improve upstream accuracy and reduce downstream errors.
  • Collaborate in small process improvement projects (Kaizen/5S) to reduce handling steps, shorten pick paths, and lower damage rates.
  • Communicate with vendors on damaged or short shipments, arranging return authorizations and supporting claims with photographic and inventory evidence.
  • Perform light maintenance tasks for inventory equipment (label printers, scanners, pallet jacks) and escalate repairs to facilities or maintenance teams.
  • Update and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory tasks to ensure consistent execution across shifts.
  • Provide ad-hoc inventory data extracts and basic reports to supervisors and stakeholders to support decision-making and replenishment planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with warehouse management systems (WMS) such as Oracle WMS, Manhattan, SAP EWM, or similar; experience entering and reconciling transactions.
  • Hands-on experience using RF barcode scanners, handheld mobile computers, and barcode printers for real-time inventory updates.
  • Strong cycle counting and physical inventory techniques, including blind counts, variance tracking, and reconciliation workflows.
  • Knowledge of inventory accounting concepts (FIFO, LIFO, lot/serial tracking, expiration date control) and their operational application.
  • Basic data entry and inventory reporting skills in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, basic formulas) and familiarity with CSV imports/exports.
  • Ability to read and interpret packing lists, purchase orders, bills of lading, and shipping/receiving documentation.
  • Experience operating material handling equipment (manual pallet jacks, electric pallet trucks); forklift certification preferred where applicable.
  • SKU management and bin/slotting best practices to maintain efficient pick paths and minimize travel time.
  • Familiarity with returns processing, RMA handling, and disposition workflows for restocking, refurbishment, or scrapping.
  • Basic knowledge of hazardous materials handling and warehouse safety regulations (OSHA standards, PPE use).
  • Ability to use handheld devices and basic troubleshooting for connectivity or scanning errors; openness to learning new inventory software tools.
  • Experience participating in or supporting inventory audits and preparing audit documentation.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with a strong focus on reducing shrink and preventing mis-picks.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic warehouse environment.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with supervisors, carriers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Problem-solving mindset to investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
  • Team-oriented attitude with experience supporting cross-shift collaboration and knowledge transfer.
  • Time management and reliability to meet count schedules, shipment deadlines, and SLA targets.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal demand spikes, and process changes tied to continuous improvement efforts.
  • Strong work ethic and physical stamina to frequently lift, carry, and move inventory items safely.
  • Customer-service orientation when handling returns, damage claims, or order accuracy concerns.
  • Conflict resolution and escalation judgment to involve supervisors or stakeholders when needed.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or certificate in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business Operations is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management / Logistics
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
1–4 years of warehouse or inventory control experience.

Preferred:
2+ years in inventory control or stockroom environments using a WMS, demonstrated success with cycle counting and physical inventory reconciliations, and forklift certification or equivalent material handling experience.

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