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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Logistics Assistant

💰 $30,000 - $48,000

LogisticsWarehouseSupply ChainOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Logistics Assistant supports efficient warehouse operations by performing receiving, shipping, picking, packing, inventory control, and material handling tasks. This role ensures timely order fulfillment, accurate record-keeping in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and strict compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate coordinates with carriers and internal teams to optimize throughput, reduces inventory discrepancies through cycle counts and reconciliations, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives that lower costs and improve service levels.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Warehouse Worker
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouse Logistics Assistant / Senior Warehouse Associate
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator / Shipping Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector (Warehouse)
  • Procurement or Materials Planner
  • E-commerce Fulfillment Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive, unload and inspect incoming shipments: verify quantities and product condition against purchase orders and packing slips, document discrepancies, and escalate shortages or damages to supervisors and procurement.
  • Accurately record inbound receipts into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP, assign put-away locations, and complete cycle count adjustments to keep inventory records current.
  • Pick customer and internal orders using batch, wave, and zone picking methods; prepare, pack and label shipments to meet carrier and customer requirements while minimizing damage and errors.
  • Prepare and process shipping documentation — bills of lading (BOL), commercial invoices, packing lists, manifests — and coordinate scheduling with domestic and international carriers to ensure on-time dispatch.
  • Load and unload trailers and shipping containers safely using pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts (where certified), securing loads to prevent damage during transit.
  • Operate RF scanners, barcode readers and mobile terminals for real-time inventory updates; troubleshoot scanning and labeling issues to maintain data integrity.
  • Perform regular cycle counts and physical inventory audits, reconcile discrepancies between physical stock and system data, and investigate root causes to recommend corrective actions.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records by updating WMS/ERP transactions for transfers, returns, adjustments, and quarantined stock; support month-end and year-end inventory close procedures.
  • Execute quality inspections for incoming and outgoing goods — check lot numbers, expiration dates, and labeling accuracy — and manage quarantine and return processes for defective items.
  • Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols (OSHA, company policies) to maintain a safe, organized warehouse environment and reduce workplace incidents.
  • Support cross-dock operations and same-day fulfillment workflows by coordinating staging and priority lane management for time-sensitive shipments.
  • Monitor and report daily KPIs (e.g., pick accuracy, order cycle time, dock-to-stock, on-time shipments), identify trends and participate in corrective action plans to meet service level targets.
  • Stage, palletize, and shrink-wrap finished goods for shipment according to carrier loading plans and cube optimization best practices to reduce freight costs.
  • Handle returns, exchanges, and reverse logistics: inspect returned goods, process return authorizations (RMA), update inventory, and coordinate disposition (restock, repair, or scrap).
  • Maintain equipment and workspace: perform basic forklift and pallet jack checks, report maintenance needs, and ensure storage racks, aisles and emergency exits stay clear.
  • Support invoice and freight payment reconciliation by providing required receiving and shipping documentation to Accounts Payable and Logistics teams.
  • Assist with hazardous materials handling where applicable: follow HAZMAT guidelines for segregation, labeling, documentation and proper storage.
  • Collaborate with procurement, customer service and operations to resolve inventory or shipping issues, follow up on open purchase orders and expedite critical shipments as needed.
  • Implement lean warehouse practices and contribute to continuous improvement projects (5S, Kaizen) to increase productivity, reduce waste and improve order accuracy.
  • Train and mentor new hires on picking/packing procedures, safety policies, and use of equipment and systems to maintain consistency in performance and compliance.
  • Coordinate yard control activities and manage dock appointments, ensuring efficient trailer staging, detention minimization, and optimal dock utilization.
  • Assist with traceability and lot control in regulated environments: maintain chain-of-custody records, support audits and ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations (food, pharma, electronics).
  • Participate in inventory forecasting and replenishment planning by reporting slow-moving or stockout risks and suggesting reorder adjustments to Inventory Managers.
  • Execute ad-hoc operational tasks such as kitting, light assembly, labeling projects, product rework and seasonal surge support to meet changing demand patterns.

Secondary Functions

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by collecting operational data, suggesting layout changes, and participating in time-and-motion studies to reduce cycle times.
  • Assist warehouse management with weekly and monthly reporting, compiling shipment metrics, root-cause analyses and productivity summaries for leadership review.
  • Help coordinate third-party logistics (3PL) and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) activities by sharing inventory status and transit details for synchronized replenishment.
  • Provide cross-functional support to customer service by investigating missing or delayed shipments, locating stock, and providing ETA updates to clients.
  • Support e-commerce fulfillment workflows, including multi-channel order sorting, returns processing, and customized packing for direct-to-consumer shipments.
  • Participate in internal and external audits; prepare documentation, implement audit recommendations, and support corrective action plans to close findings.
  • Maintain vendor and carrier communication for exceptions management (claims, shortages, overages) and support filing of cargo damage or loss claims when needed.
  • Assist with seasonal staffing coordination by recommending staffing levels, supporting temp onboarding and reallocating resources during peaks.
  • Engage in product handling training sessions and certification renewals (e.g., forklift, OSHA) to ensure team compliance and operational readiness.
  • Support sustainability initiatives by managing packaging optimization, waste-reduction programs and responsible disposal or recycling of materials.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, JDA/Blue Yonder, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS or similar.
  • Hands-on experience with barcode scanners, RF terminals, label printers and mobile data collection devices.
  • Forklift operation and certification (counterbalance, reach truck, pallet jack) and familiarity with safe lifting and material handling protocols.
  • Strong knowledge of shipping documentation and logistics paperwork: Bill of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, MSDS, and RMA processing.
  • Inventory control techniques: cycle counting, ABC classification, FIFO/LIFO, lot and serial number traceability.
  • Basic use of ERP modules and order management systems for transaction posting and reconciliation.
  • Experience with carrier scheduling and transportation coordination, including LTL and TL shipping processes.
  • Familiarity with workplace safety standards (OSHA, local regulations), HAZMAT handling and PPE usage.
  • Practical Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, basic formulas) for reporting and data reconciliation.
  • Knowledge of packaging materials, palletization best practices and freight optimization to reduce shipping costs.
  • Experience supporting audits, QA inspections and maintaining quality documentation in regulated industries.
  • Ability to use handheld and desktop label design tools and understand GS1/barcode standards.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy in order picking, data entry and inventory reconciliation.
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills to handle dynamic workloads and meet tight shipping deadlines.
  • Clear communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with operations, procurement, carriers and customer service.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to investigate discrepancies, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, high-volume environments and during seasonal surges.
  • Customer-focused attitude with commitment to on-time, damage-free deliveries and positive internal/external stakeholder interactions.
  • Initiative and continuous-improvement orientation: proposes practical process improvements and follows through on implementation.
  • Team player with mentoring ability to train new staff and promote consistent procedural adherence.
  • Ethical handling of inventory and confidentiality when working with sensitive shipments or customer data.
  • Stress management and composure when resolving urgent logistics exceptions or operational disruptions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (required).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Technology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Engineering/Technology
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 to 3 years of hands-on warehouse or logistics experience (shipping/receiving, inventory control, or order fulfillment).

Preferred:

  • 2 to 5 years of progressive experience in a high-volume warehouse, experience with WMS and ERP systems, and demonstrated forklift certification and safety training.
  • Prior experience in regulated industries (food, pharmaceutical, electronics) or e-commerce fulfillment environments is a plus.
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