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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Operations Specialist

💰 $40,000 - $70,000

LogisticsWarehouseOperationsSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and accurate inbound, storage and outbound flow of goods. This role combines hands-on warehouse execution with process ownership, continuous improvement, and coordination with transportation, procurement and customer service teams. The ideal candidate brings strong warehouse systems experience (WMS/ERP), demonstrated inventory control skills, safety-first mindset, and the ability to lead day-to-day operational activities while meeting accuracy, productivity and service-level KPIs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Material Handler / Forklift Operator

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Operations Lead / Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Manager
  • Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Transportation Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage daily inbound and outbound operations, including receiving, verifying, staging, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping to ensure orders are processed accurately and meet on-time delivery targets.
  • Operate and maintain warehouse management system (WMS) transactions (e.g., putaway, cycle count, replenishment, pick/pack/shipping) and ensure data integrity between WMS and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Manhattan.
  • Conduct cycle counts, reconcile inventory discrepancies, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions to maintain inventory accuracy above company targets.
  • Supervise and mentor warehouse associates, coordinate shift assignments, and delegate tasks to meet daily productivity and service level goals while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
  • Plan and execute load building and pallet optimization for diverse carrier profiles, prepare accurate bills of lading, carrier paperwork, and coordinate carrier check-in/out to maximize trailer utilization and reduce freight costs.
  • Enforce OSHA and company safety standards, conduct daily safety briefings, perform equipment inspections, and document incidents to reduce accidents and maintain a safe workplace.
  • Lead receiving validation activities including inspecting incoming shipments, verifying quantities and quality, processing returns and discrepancies, and initiating claims with suppliers or carriers as needed.
  • Coordinate cross-dock and quick-turn operations to reduce handling time, minimize storage costs, and ensure high-velocity SKUs are routed efficiently to meet customer demand.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, Lean) to streamline processes, reduce order cycle times, lower error rates, and identify opportunities for automation or layout optimization.
  • Prepare and review KPI dashboards and weekly/monthly performance reports (e.g., order accuracy, picks per hour, dock-to-stock time, inventory accuracy) and present findings and improvement plans to operations leadership.
  • Handle customer-specific requirements for kitting, light assembly, special packaging, and labeling to ensure compliance with retailer and regulatory standards.
  • Manage returns processing (reverse logistics) including inspection, disposition, refurbishment, restocking, and coordination with finance for credits and adjustments.
  • Maintain and reconcile chargebacks and claims documentation related to shipping errors, shortages, or packaging non-conformance, and work cross-functionally to prevent recurrence.
  • Participate in seasonality and capacity planning, support peak season labor forecasting, temporary staffing coordination, and scalable scheduling to meet fluctuating order volumes.
  • Oversee handling of hazardous materials (if applicable), ensure proper storage, labeling, manifesting, and employee training to comply with DOT, HazMat and company policies.
  • Perform hands-on operation of powered industrial equipment (forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, RF scanners) and maintain certifications and daily equipment pre-operation checks.
  • Execute quality control inspections on picked and packed orders to ensure product integrity, proper labeling, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate with procurement, planning and demand teams to resolve shortages, expedite replenishment, and minimize stockouts that impact customer fulfillment.
  • Maintain accurate shipping documentation and customs paperwork for international shipments, coordinate with brokers and freight forwarders to ensure timely clearance.
  • Lead root-cause analysis for recurring operational issues, build action plans with measurable targets, and follow through to closure while communicating status to stakeholders.
  • Train new hires and conduct ongoing skill development programs, maintain training documentation, and conduct competency checks to ensure team proficiency.
  • Ensure proper maintenance scheduling and coordination for warehouse equipment and facility systems to minimize downtime and extend asset life.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ERP/WMS upgrades, testing and user acceptance by documenting process flows, testing scenarios, and training materials.
  • Assist in ad-hoc reporting requests and exploratory data pulls to support operations planning and executive decision-making.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (customer service, procurement, transportation, quality) to translate business needs into operational plans and execution priorities.
  • Contribute to the warehouse continuous improvement roadmap by quantifying benefits, developing pilot projects, and scaling successful experiments.
  • Participate in shift planning, weekly operations meetings and agile-style problem solving sessions to ensure alignment with company objectives and service levels.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, HighJump or Blue Yonder.
  • Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and integration points between WMS/ERP.
  • Strong inventory control skills including cycle counting, reconciliation, ABC analysis and stock replenishment strategies.
  • Certified forklift operator with hands-on experience using sit-down forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks and order pickers.
  • Familiarity with RF barcode scanners, mobile data terminals, barcode labeling systems and barcode standards (GS1).
  • Knowledge of shipping systems and carrier portals (UPS, FedEx, DHL, LTL/TL carriers) and experience preparing bills of lading and carrier manifests.
  • Competence in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, conditional formatting) and experience with operational KPI dashboards (Power BI, Tableau is a plus).
  • Understanding of OSHA regulations, DOT HazMat rules, and warehouse safety best practices.
  • Experience with lean methodologies, Kaizen events, 5S, and process mapping for operational improvements.
  • Ability to create and interpret performance metrics (OTIF, order accuracy, dock-to-stock, cycle time) and use data to drive decisions.
  • Basic knowledge of international trade documentation and customs clearance procedures for import/export shipments.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and team development skills; able to coach, motivate and hold team members accountable.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with internal teams and external carriers/customers.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy under high-volume, time-sensitive conditions.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset with ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced or changing environments.
  • Effective time management and prioritization skills to balance competing tasks and deadlines.
  • Customer-focused mindset with commitment to meeting or exceeding service level agreements.
  • Collaborative approach and ability to build cross-functional relationships.
  • Initiative and ownership; self-starter who proactively identifies and addresses operational gaps.
  • Conflict resolution and coaching skills to manage performance and workplace issues professionally.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management or related field preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2 – 5 years of hands-on warehouse operations experience.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years in a warehouse or distribution center role with demonstrated experience in inventory control and WMS operation.
  • Prior supervisory or lead experience managing hourly warehouse staff and meeting KPI targets.
  • Experience in high-volume distribution, e-commerce fulfillment or retail replenishment environments.
  • Certifications (preferred): OSHA 10/30, forklift certification, Lean/Six Sigma Yellow Belt or equivalent.
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