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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Stock Technician

💰 $32,000 - $48,000

WarehouseLogisticsInventory Control

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Stock Technician is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory levels, receiving and staging inbound shipments, picking and packing orders, and supporting overall warehouse operations. This role ensures stock integrity through routine cycle counts, data reconciliation, and proper material handling using warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF scanning tools. The ideal candidate balances speed with attention to detail, follows safety protocols, and collaborates closely with procurement, shipping, and production teams to keep inventory flowing efficiently.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Picker / Packer
  • Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Specialist / Lead
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Shift Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator or Inventory Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Forklift Operator / Equipment Operator
  • Procurement Assistant / Buyer Support

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform daily receiving duties: unload trucks, inspect incoming shipments for accuracy and damage, verify packing lists and bills of lading, and record receipt information in the warehouse management system (WMS) to ensure timely put-away.
  • Execute accurate and timely cycle counts and periodic physical inventories; investigate and reconcile variances by researching transaction histories, root-cause analysis, and adjusting records per company policy.
  • Pick, pack, and stage customer and production orders to specified packing standards, using RF terminals or handheld scanners to confirm SKUs, lot numbers, and quantities prior to shipment.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy by performing regular bin audits, correcting mislabeled or mislocated stock, and implementing bin/location adjustments in the WMS to optimize pick paths and reduce retrieval times.
  • Operate powered warehouse equipment (forklift, pallet jack, reach truck) safely and efficiently to move, stack, and load pallets; follow OSHA and company safety guidelines, and complete equipment pre-shift inspections.
  • Apply FIFO/FEFO inventory rotation methods to minimize product obsolescence and expiration; monitor lot, serial, and expiration date tracking for sensitive or perishable items.
  • Prepare and reconcile shipping documentation including packing lists, bills of lading, commercial invoices, and carrier manifests; coordinate with carriers to schedule pickups and resolve transit issues.
  • Receive and process returns (RMA), quarantine defective or non-conforming product, document condition and disposition, and coordinate with Quality Assurance and Purchasing for final resolution.
  • Label, barcode, and repackage inventory as needed to meet client or regulatory requirements; generate and affix lot codes, serial numbers, and shelf-life information to improve traceability.
  • Enter and update inventory transactions in ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), ensuring accurate posting of receipts, transfers, adjustments, and shipments to maintain real-time stock visibility.
  • Monitor and manage replenishment activities for pick faces and production feeds; generate or act on replenishment work orders to prevent stockouts and maintain target par levels.
  • Support vendor-managed inventory and consignment processes by coordinating cycle counts, stock transfers, and reporting with suppliers and account managers.
  • Conduct routine inspections of storage areas for cleanliness, proper racking, and compliance with storage requirements (temperature, humidity, segregation), and report hazards or non-conformances to management.
  • Prepare warehouse stock reports and key performance indicator (KPI) summaries (inventory accuracy, on-time shipment, cycle count variance) to support operational reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Assist in onboarding and training new warehouse personnel on inventory procedures, WMS usage, safety protocols, and quality standards to ensure consistent, compliant operations.
  • Manage hazardous materials storage and handling in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations (e.g., OSHA, DOT), including proper labeling, segregation, and PPE use.
  • Perform regular maintenance and basic troubleshooting of warehouse equipment (scales, RF scanners, conveyors) and coordinate repairs or service calls to minimize downtime.
  • Participate in process improvement projects to streamline picking, packing, receiving, and put-away workflows, recommending layout changes, slotting adjustments, or automation opportunities.
  • Collaborate with procurement, production, and customer service teams to support demand planning, expedite critical orders, and resolve inventory discrepancies impacting customer delivery.
  • Maintain accurate cycle count schedules, document count procedures, and ensure counts are completed within required windows to support audit readiness and financial reconciliation.
  • Execute special projects including seasonal inventory surges, new product introductions, SKU rationalization, and warehouse reconfigurations with minimal disruption to daily operations.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards related to workplace safety, recordkeeping, and product handling; complete required training and certifications annually.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inventory and operations data requests by preparing export reports, inventory ledgers, and transaction histories for supervisors and finance teams.
  • Cross-train in related warehouse functions (shipping, receiving, quality inspection) to provide flexible coverage during peak periods and absences.
  • Assist with continuous improvement and Lean initiatives by documenting standard work, participating in Kaizen events, and piloting process changes on the floor.
  • Coordinate with external vendors and 3PL partners for inbound and outbound logistics issues, damaged goods claims, and special handling requirements.
  • Participate in safety committees, audits, and incident investigations; contribute practical recommendations to reduce risk and improve workplace ergonomics.
  • Help implement barcode labeling, cycle count schedules, and WMS configuration changes in partnership with IT and inventory control managers.
  • Provide input on stockroom layout, racking capacity, and slotting plans to improve space utilization and reduce travel time for pickers.
  • Support vendor returns and warranty claim processing by packaging returned product per vendor instructions and providing shipment documentation.
  • Assist in monitoring product quality trends and reporting suspected quality issues to QA for inspection and disposition.
  • Maintain a continuous feedback loop with supervisors regarding workload, staffing needs, and equipment performance to enable operational planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) proficiency — hands-on experience with systems such as SAP WM/EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan, or NetSuite.
  • RF scanning and barcode data capture expertise, including setup, troubleshooting, and cycle-count usage.
  • Forklift, reach truck, and powered industrial truck operation (certified), plus safe pallet jack handling.
  • Inventory control and reconciliation — cycle counts, variance analysis, inventory adjustments, and audit readiness.
  • Shipping & receiving documentation knowledge — BOL, packing lists, commercial invoices, and carrier communications.
  • Lot and serial number tracking, expiration date management, and batch control.
  • Barcode labeling and printing (Zebra, Honeywell) and SKU/barcode creation best practices.
  • Basic ERP transaction processing — receipts, transfers, adjustments, and shipment confirmations.
  • Knowledge of FIFO/FEFO slotting strategies and basic warehouse slot optimization tools.
  • Microsoft Excel proficiency — pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, filters, and basic data manipulation for reporting.
  • Preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting for warehouse equipment (scales, conveyors, scanners).
  • Understanding of OSHA, DOT, and relevant HAZMAT handling and storage regulations.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to inventory accuracy.
  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clear verbal and written communication to coordinate across teams and document issues.
  • Problem solving and analytical thinking for variance investigations and process improvements.
  • Team player mentality with the ability to train and support colleagues.
  • Reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic in shift-based operations.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal peaks, and cross-functional demands.
  • Initiative to identify inefficiencies and propose practical solutions.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity for frequent lifting, walking, and equipment operation.
  • Customer-focused mindset to ensure accurate, timely fulfillment of internal and external orders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Industrial Technology / Operations
  • Business Administration (with logistics electives)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of warehouse, inventory control, or material handling experience.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years in a WMS-driven environment with demonstrated cycle count and inventory reconciliation experience.
  • Prior forklift certification and experience operating powered industrial trucks.
  • Experience with ERP/WMS systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Manhattan) and RF scanning workflows.
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