Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Person

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Person (warehouse associate / material handler) is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient handling of goods and materials within a distribution center, fulfillment center, or manufacturing warehouse. This role includes receiving, inspecting, storing, picking, packing, staging, loading/unloading, cycle counting, and maintaining warehouse safety and cleanliness. Ideal candidates combine physical stamina with attention to detail, basic technical literacy (RF scanners, WMS), and a continuous focus on shipping accuracy and on-time fulfillment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Seasonal or temporary warehouse associate roles
Retail stockroom associate or receiving clerk
Manufacturing line worker or general laborer

Advancement To:

Senior Warehouse Associate / Lead Material Handler
Forklift Operator / Certified Lift Truck Operator
Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
Warehouse Supervisor → Warehouse Manager → Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Logistics Coordinator
Customer Fulfillment Specialist
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive inbound shipments: verify bills of lading and purchase orders, perform detailed inspection for damage or discrepancies, and record received quantities accurately in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP.
Unload freight from trucks and containers using forklift, pallet jack, or hand truck while following safe lifting practices and load securement procedures.
Stage incoming product by SKU, lot, and location, updating WMS locations and ensuring FIFO/FEFO rotation to minimize spoilage or obsolescence.
Pick customer and production orders to exact SKU, quantity, lot, and serial number using RF scanners or pick-to-light systems, achieving target accuracy rates and pick times.
Pack orders to carrier and company specifications: cartonization, void-fill, labeling, sealing, and preparation of shipping documentation (BOLs, packing lists, commercial invoices).
Load outbound shipments and trailers: follow load plans, secure loads with straps/edge protection, confirm carrier manifests, and verify trailer seals.
Operate powered equipment (sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, order pickers) safely and maintain valid operator certifications; perform pre-shift equipment inspections.
Conduct cycle counts and physical inventory activities: reconcile variances, research root causes, and update inventory records in WMS to maintain inventory accuracy targets.
Process returns (RMA): inspect returned items, quarantine defective goods, record disposition, and coordinate restock, repair, or disposal per company policy.
Labeling and barcode generation: create and apply correct location, pallet, and product labels; troubleshoot barcode issues to ensure accurate scanning and traceability.
Adhere to shipping carrier requirements (UPS, FedEx, DHL, common carrier) including dimensioning/weight capture, ISF/EDI transmissions, and preparing necessary customs documentation when applicable.
Follow safety programs and regulatory compliance: PPE usage, lockout/tagout, material handling ergonomics, and OSHA and DOT regulations for warehouse operations.
Maintain clean, organized, and obstruction-free aisles, staging, and packing areas; implement 5S practices to improve workflow and safety.
Support cross-docking operations: receive inbound cross-dock shipments and immediately transfer to outbound staging for expedited shipping.
Execute special handling orders and kitting: assemble components into kits, label properly, and manage kit inventory levels for production or direct ship.
Document and report damaged, missing, or non-conforming materials and collaborate with procurement and quality teams to resolve discrepancies and process claims.
Monitor daily KPI dashboards and team goals (OTIF, order accuracy, picks per hour, on-time shipments) and adapt workflow to meet service-level agreements.
Assist with load planning and pallet build optimization to maximize trailer cube utilization while maintaining weight distribution and safe loading practices.
Train new warehouse staff on core processes, safe equipment operation, WMS usage, and company shipping/receiving standards.
Perform basic maintenance tasks on warehouse equipment (cleaning, lubrication, replacing pads) and escalate mechanical issues to maintenance or third-party service providers.
Support refrigerated or temperature-controlled storage procedures when handling perishable goods: monitor temps, follow HACCP procedures, and enforce cold-chain integrity.
Apply proper hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and labeling when required: segregate incompatible materials, follow MSDS/SDS guidance, and use appropriate PPE.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce shrink, increase throughput, and streamline picking/packing work instructions.
Coordinate with customer service, procurement, and transportation teams to troubleshoot delayed shipments, expedite critical orders, and provide status updates.

Secondary Functions

Assist with ad-hoc reporting requests for inventory, shipping status, and returns to support operations and customer service teams.
Contribute practical feedback to process documentation and SOP updates based on frontline experience and observed bottlenecks.
Help implement and test WMS configuration changes and handheld RF workflows during upgrades or rollouts.
Support cross-functional audits and supplier/vendor inspections by preparing sample SKUs and documentation.
Fill-in for shipping or receiving leads during absences to maintain service continuity and escalation protocols.
Participate in seasonal or peak-period staffing plans and share workload across teams to meet increased volume.
Provide input on equipment purchasing decisions (forklifts, conveyors, pallet jacks) based on day-to-day operational needs.
Maintain and update location maps and bin labeling to reflect operational changes and optimize travel paths.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift and powered industrial truck operation with valid certification (sit-down, reach, order picker) and demonstrated safe operating record.
Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and handheld RF scanners (examples: Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, NetSuite WMS, Blue Yonder).
Accurate use of barcode labeling systems, printers (Zebra), and label software; experience with GS1/UPC standards.
Strong inventory control practices: cycle counting, discrepancy research, lot/serial traceability, and stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO).
Packaging and palletization expertise: right-sizing cartons, void fill, pallet wrap, strapping, and carton weight/dimension capture.
Shipping documentation and carrier integration skills: generate BOLs, packing lists, carrier manifests, and basic EDI principles.
Basic forklift maintenance and pre-shift inspection knowledge; use of equipment logs and defect reporting.
Experience handling regulated materials per OSHA, DOT, and local hazardous material regulations; familiarity with SDS/MSDS.
Proficient in basic computer skills: Microsoft Excel (data entry, basic formulas), email, and WMS screens navigation.
Dimensional weighing and cube optimization knowledge to improve freight costs and carrier billing accuracy.
Experience with quality checks and product inspection criteria for incoming and outgoing goods.
Ability to operate temperature-controlled equipment and follow cold-chain protocols for refrigerated or frozen inventory.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and accuracy—critical for order accuracy, inventory integrity, and damage prevention.
Excellent time management and ability to prioritize high-volume tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Effective verbal communication to coordinate with team members, supervisors, drivers, and vendors.
Team-oriented mindset with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and support cross-training.
Physical stamina and stamina for repetitive movements, lifting up to company-defined limits, and standing for extended periods.
Problem-solving orientation: quickly identify root causes for inventory variances or shipping errors and propose corrective actions.
Reliability and strong attendance record; dependable for scheduled shifts and overtime during peak periods.
Adaptability and willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, or rotating shifts as needed.
Safety-first attitude and ability to enforce and model safe work behaviors across the team.
Customer-focused approach when resolving fulfillment issues and responding to internal/external inquiries.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED (or equivalent practical experience in warehousing or distribution).

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or technical training in logistics, supply chain, or material handling; forklift operator certification preferred.
OSHA safety training or other workplace safety certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial/Manufacturing Technology
Business Operations or Distribution Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years (entry-level through experienced associate). Many roles hire 1+ years of general warehouse, shipping/receiving, or production support experience.

Preferred: 2–4+ years as a warehouse associate, material handler, or similar; demonstrated experience with WMS and powered industrial truck operation. Prior experience in e-commerce fulfillment, cold-chain logistics, or hazardous material handling is a plus.