Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Logistics Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Logistics Specialist is responsible for executing and optimizing day-to-day warehouse operations to ensure accurate, safe, and timely movement of goods across the supply chain. This role focuses on inventory management, shipping and receiving, warehouse safety and compliance, process improvement, and coordination with internal teams and external carriers. The ideal candidate combines hands-on warehouse experience, systems proficiency (WMS/ERP), and strong organizational skills to maintain high performance against KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, and dock-to-stock cycle time.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Inventory Control Clerk

Advancement To:

Warehouse Supervisor / Team Lead
Logistics Coordinator / Distribution Coordinator
Operations Manager / Distribution Center Manager

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Analyst
Supply Chain Planner
Carrier/Transportation Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage receiving operations, including verifying incoming shipments against purchase orders, inspecting goods for damage, accurately logging receipts into the WMS/ERP, and generating put-away assignments to maintain a timely dock-to-stock flow.
Oversee picking and packing workflows to ensure order accuracy and timely fulfillment; coach staff on batch picking, zone picking, and use of packing SOPs to reduce errors and minimize product damage.
Conduct cycle counts, periodic physical inventories, and reconciliation of inventory discrepancies; investigate root causes and implement corrective actions to improve inventory accuracy metrics.
Operate forklifts and powered industrial trucks safely and efficiently for pallet movement, staging, and load preparation; maintain certification records and comply with OSHA and company safety policies.
Coordinate outbound shipping activities, preparing bills of lading, carrier paperwork, and shipment manifests; schedule carriers, confirm pickup windows, and optimize load consolidation to reduce freight spend.
Maintain and administer warehouse management system (WMS) transactions—receipts, transfers, replenishments, picking, packing, and shipping—and collaborate with IT/ERP teams to troubleshoot system issues.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order cycle time, on-time shipments, picking accuracy, inventory accuracy, and dock utilization; use KPI data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead root cause analyses for recurring operational problems (e.g., mis-picks, shipment delays) and implement corrective actions using lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and standard work to improve throughput and reliability.
Supervise or coordinate day-to-day activity for temporary and full-time warehouse staff, including shift scheduling, timekeeping verification, training, and performance feedback.
Ensure proper labeling, kitting, and packaging of products to meet customer requirements, reduce transit damage, and maintain compliance with retailer or regulatory packaging standards.
Maintain health, safety, and environmental standards by enforcing PPE requirements, conducting safety meetings, managing incident reports, and participating in safety audits and walkthroughs.
Manage storage optimization and slotting strategies—review SKU velocity, re-slot to reduce travel time, and propose layout changes to maximize space utilization and picking efficiency.
Conduct regular quality inspections and identify non-conforming product; coordinate quarantine, returns processing, and disposition with quality control and procurement teams.
Coordinate reverse logistics, returns, and refurbishment processes including RMAs, inspection, restocking, and disposition decisions to recover value while minimizing processing costs.
Prepare and maintain accurate shipping documentation, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and hazardous materials paperwork when required; ensure compliance with DOT, IATA, IMDG, and other relevant transportation regulations.
Engage with carriers, 3PL partners, and vendor contacts to resolve shipment exceptions, expedite critical orders, and negotiate service level adjustments that impact customer satisfaction.
Train and mentor team members on WMS best practices, RF scanning, order staging, and safe equipment operation to maintain a multi-skilled workforce and reduce single-point dependencies.
Implement and manage vendor-managed inventory (VMI) or consignment processes when applicable; reconcile vendor statements and coordinate replenishment triggers with procurement.
Prepare daily operational reports and shift handover documentation; communicate critical issues and action plans to downstream teams including customer service and production planning.
Participate in cross-functional planning meetings (demand planning, procurement, customer service) to align inbound/outbound schedules and manage inventory buffers for peak seasons and promotions.
Maintain equipment and facility readiness by scheduling preventative maintenance, reporting repair needs, and managing spare-part inventories to avoid operational downtime.
Support continuous process improvement projects such as automation initiatives, conveyor/ASRS integration, or RF device rollouts by providing operational expertise and user acceptance testing.

Secondary Functions

Assist in vendor and carrier invoice audits related to freight, accessorials, and claims; support cost allocation and dispute resolution to protect margins.
Contribute to SOP documentation development, update training materials, and lead cross-training efforts to increase workforce flexibility and operational resilience.
Participate in pilot projects for new technologies (WMS upgrades, barcoding, IoT sensors) and provide feedback on operational impact and training requirements.
Support ad-hoc cross-functional projects such as new product launches, seasonal ramp-ups, and special promotions requiring tailored fulfillment workflows.
Provide backup support to related functions—inventory control, shipping desk, and scheduling—during peak periods or staff shortages.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP integrations (examples: Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, JDA).
Hands-on experience with RF barcode scanners, mobile data terminals, and barcode labeling systems.
Strong inventory management skills including cycle counting, reconciliation, and root-cause analysis techniques.
Forklift / powered industrial truck operation and certification; familiarity with pallet jacks, reach trucks, and order pickers.
Knowledge of shipping processes, carrier routing, freight documentation (BOLs), and international trade compliance basics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reporting, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and basic data analysis to monitor KPIs and identify trends.
Experience with load planning, pallet configuration, and container optimization to maximize shipment efficiency and reduce freight costs.
Familiarity with safety regulations and standards (OSHA, DOT, HAZMAT basics) and experience running safety audits.
Experience using inventory forecasting tools, slotting software, or basic demand planning concepts to optimize stock locations.
Ability to interpret and act on warehouse KPIs, SLA metrics, and operational dashboards to drive continuous improvement.
Basic understanding of lean warehousing principles (5S, Kaizen, standard work) and experience applying them in a distribution environment.
Knowledge of returns and reverse logistics workflows including refurbishment, RMA processing, and restocking procedures.

Soft Skills

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in order picking, shipping documentation, and inventory reconciliation.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with carriers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement practical corrective actions.
Time management and prioritization skills to handle competing operational tasks during peak fulfillment windows.
Team leadership and coaching ability to train staff, enforce standards, and motivate performance on the warehouse floor.
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments with frequent change and occasional intensive peak-period demands.
Customer service orientation to understand downstream impacts of warehouse operations on on-time delivery and order quality.
Collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with procurement, planning, quality, and customer service teams.
Analytical thinking and comfort working with data to drive decisions and continuous improvement projects.
Dependability and strong work ethic, including adherence to safety procedures and commitment to operational excellence.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or vocational certificate in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, or related field.
Certifications such as Certified Logistics Associate (CLA), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) basics, or OSHA 10/30.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Distribution
Operations Management
Business Administration
Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2 – 5 years in warehouse operations, distribution, or logistics roles with progressive responsibility.

Preferred: 3+ years as a warehouse specialist or team lead with demonstrated experience using WMS, managing inventory accuracy above 98%, operating forklifts, coordinating daily shipping schedules, and leading process improvement initiatives.

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