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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Production Worker

💰 $ - $

WarehouseProductionManufacturingLogistics

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Production Worker is a hands-on role responsible for efficient, safe, and accurate execution of production and warehouse tasks on the shop floor. This role supports end-to-end warehouse and production operations including receiving, material handling, kitting, assembly line work, picking and packing, quality inspections, shipping and receiving, inventory control, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, GMP). The ideal candidate operates material handling equipment (pallet jacks, forklifts, RF scanners), follows standardized work instructions, meets production targets, contributes to continuous improvement (Lean/5S), and collaborates with supervisors and cross-functional teams to maintain throughput and product quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • General Laborer or Assembly Line Worker
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Lead Production Worker / Lead Warehouse Associate
  • Shift Supervisor / Team Leader
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Production Supervisor or Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift Operator / Certified Lift Truck Operator
  • Quality Inspector / Quality Technician
  • Shipping & Receiving Specialist
  • Kitting or Assembly Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute daily production and warehouse tasks—including picking, packing, kitting, assembly, and palletizing—according to production schedules, bills of materials (BOMs), and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to meet daily throughput and accuracy targets.
  • Operate material handling equipment safely and efficiently (electric pallet jacks, stand-up and sit-down forklifts, hand trucks) following OSHA and company safety policies to move raw materials, WIP (work in progress), and finished goods between staging, production, and shipping areas.
  • Perform accurate picking and packing using RF barcode scanners and warehouse management systems (WMS) or ERP modules (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to ensure order accuracy, minimize picking errors, and maintain real-time inventory records.
  • Conduct receiving activities: verify incoming shipments against purchase orders (POs), inspect for damage, perform quality checks, and complete receiving documentation and put-away to correct storage locations.
  • Execute shipping and staging processes: verify packing lists, prepare shipping labels, load/unload trailers, stage pallets to dock schedules, and coordinate with carriers and logistics teams to ensure on-time shipments.
  • Monitor and maintain inventory accuracy by performing cycle counts, physical inventories, reconciliation of discrepancies, and reporting variances to inventory control or management for root-cause analysis.
  • Follow quality assurance procedures by conducting in-process inspections, documenting non-conformances, performing product sampling, and escalating rejects to quality control to maintain product integrity and regulatory compliance (GMP where applicable).
  • Assemble, package, and label products at the production line per product specifications and packaging instructions, ensuring correct lot and batch traceability, expiry dates, and regulatory labeling where required.
  • Maintain production documentation and paperless records: complete batch records, production logs, packing slips, material requisitions, and electronic transactions in MES/WMS/ERP systems accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Support line changeovers and setup activities by staging materials, preparing tooling, cleaning workstations, and adjusting equipment settings to minimize downtime and ensure first-pass quality.
  • Execute preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting for production machinery and material handling equipment; report defects and coordinate with maintenance to ensure prompt repairs and reduce production interruptions.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols, participate in daily safety briefings, identify and remediate hazards, and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain a safe workplace and reduce incidents.
  • Meet and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as units per hour, on-time shipments, order accuracy, downtime, and scrap rates while collaborating to meet departmental productivity goals.
  • Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen) by suggesting process improvements, participating in waste reduction activities, and implementing standardized work improvements.
  • Handle hazardous materials or regulated materials in accordance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and company protocols, including proper labeling, storage, and disposal practices.
  • Train, mentor, and support new hires and temporary staff on standard work, safety procedures, picking/packing best practices, and use of equipment to accelerate onboarding and ensure consistent performance.
  • Coordinate closely with production planners, supervisors, quality, and shipping teams to prioritize work, manage backorders, and expedite critical orders while keeping stakeholders informed of production status.
  • Ensure proper segregation and documentation of non-conforming materials and implement quarantine procedures until disposition is determined by quality or management.
  • Use handheld devices and WMS to scan items, confirm locations, reconcile inventory transactions, and capture timestamps to maintain accurate audit trails and facilitate traceability.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas by performing daily housekeeping tasks, organizing staging and storage locations, and ensuring aisles and emergency exits remain unobstructed.
  • Prepare materials kits and sub-assemblies (kitting) for production runs, ensuring accurate quantities, component quality checks, and timely delivery to the production line to prevent shortages.
  • Accurately weigh, measure, and dispense raw materials per recipe or work instruction when preparing production batches, following GMP and safety protocols to ensure consistency and compliance.
  • Participate in product changeover documentation and support quality handoffs during shift changes, maintaining continuity and communication across shifts to reduce errors and rework.
  • Report and document production issues, suggestions, and near-misses through formal reporting channels to support continuous improvement and maintain compliance with internal audit requirements.
  • Support ad-hoc operational tasks including returns processing, rework operations, labeling corrections, and special packing requests while maintaining production flow and quality standards.
  • Assist with seasonal demand surges or special projects by flexing to different areas of the warehouse or production floor as required, demonstrating flexibility and cross-functional capability.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with inventory control and procurement to flag low-stock or obsolete items, assist with material disposition, and provide feedback on vendor or material quality issues.
  • Help generate daily production reports and input operational data into dashboards to provide real-time visibility for supervisors and planners.
  • Support continuous improvement projects by participating in root-cause analyses, time studies, and pilot implementations for process changes.
  • Aid in compliance and audit preparedness by organizing documentation, executing mock audits, and responding to information requests from auditors.
  • Cross-train in related functions (shipping, receiving, quality, kitting) to increase workforce flexibility and provide coverage during absences or peak periods.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Forklift and material handling certification: safe operation of sit-down and stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and stackers; experience with lift truck inspections and safe load handling.
  • Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and handheld RF barcode scanners for picking/put-away and cycle counting.
  • Experience with production floor systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), production batch entry, and digital work orders.
  • Knowledge of inventory control practices: cycle counting, physical inventory reconciliation, FIFO/LIFO rotation, lot and batch traceability, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Familiarity with standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), hazard communication (HAZCOM/MSDS), and OSHA safety regulations.
  • Basic machine operation and routine maintenance skills: line setup, minor adjustments, cleaning, and reporting equipment faults.
  • Packaging and labeling experience: preparing shipping cartons, palletizing to specification, applying shipping labels, and verifying product labels and barcodes for compliance.
  • Quality inspection skills: visual inspection, measurement tools (calipers, tape), defect logging, and familiarity with non-conformance reporting.
  • Ability to read and interpret pick lists, bills of materials (BOM), production work instructions, and shipping paperwork.
  • Experience with Lean/5S methodologies and continuous improvement tools to help reduce waste and improve throughput.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy to minimize errors in picking, packing, and documentation.
  • Effective communication skills for collaboration with supervisors, quality, and logistics teams.
  • Time management and ability to meet production deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate issues and propose practical solutions.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to perform repetitive tasks, lift heavy items safely, and stand for extended shifts.
  • Adaptability and willingness to cross-train across multiple warehouse and production functions.
  • Team player attitude combined with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Reliability and punctuality to support shift schedules and ensure consistent coverage during peak periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or relevant vocational certificate.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical diploma in logistics, supply chain, manufacturing technology, or industrial operations.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck Certification, or Lean/5S training are a strong plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Manufacturing Technology / Industrial Maintenance
  • Business Operations / Production Management
  • Quality Assurance / Food Safety (where applicable)
  • Mechanical or Electrical Technician programs (for roles involving machine setup/troubleshooting)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years for entry-level warehouse production roles; 2–5+ years preferred for experienced production workers or specialized machine operators.

Preferred:

  • 1–3+ years of hands-on experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing/production environment.
  • Prior experience operating forklifts, RF scanning systems, and working under SOPs/GMP guidelines is preferred.
  • Demonstrated track record of meeting productivity KPIs, following safety procedures, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
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