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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Support

💰 $30,000 - $48,000

LogisticsWarehouseOperationsSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

Warehouse Support professionals ensure the smooth flow of goods through receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and returns processes. This role focuses on accurate inventory handling, safe material movement, efficient order fulfillment, and collaborative support for continuous improvement initiatives across warehouse and distribution center operations. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong attention to detail, physical stamina, equipment competency (e.g., forklifts, RF scanners), and familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and standard safety procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Material Handler / Stockroom Attendant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouse Support / Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator / Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Technician (Warehouse)
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist
  • Supply Chain Analyst (entry-level)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive inbound shipments, verify packing lists and purchase orders, inspect goods for damage, and accurately record received quantities into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to maintain inventory integrity.
  • Process returns and customer exchanges by inspecting returned merchandise, documenting condition, restocking salable items, and initiating disposition for damaged products following company reverse-logistics procedures.
  • Pick, pack, and prepare outbound orders for shipment using pick lists or RF scanner-directed workflows, ensuring order accuracy, proper packaging, correct labeling, and adherence to carrier requirements.
  • Operate material handling equipment (powered pallet jacks, forklifts, reach trucks) safely and efficiently to move pallets, load/unload trucks, stage product for shipment, and support daily throughput targets while complying with OSHA and company safety policies.
  • Perform cycle counts, full inventory counts, and bin-to-bin transfers to reconcile discrepancies, research variances, and support Inventory Control in maintaining accurate stock levels.
  • Stage and load outbound shipments onto carrier trailers, verify carrier manifests, obtain signatures, and coordinate with transportation partners to meet scheduled dispatch windows and reduce detention/demurrage risk.
  • Receive and process vendor shipments by checking packing slips, verifying lot numbers and expiration dates, and quarantining nonconforming or recalled items for Quality and Procurement review.
  • Maintain accurate documentation for all warehouse transactions including pick tickets, packing slips, bills of lading, quality inspection records, and daily activity logs to support traceability and audit readiness.
  • Support cycle time and productivity goals by following standard operating procedures (SOPs), meeting pick accuracy KPIs, and using time management techniques to minimize order staging and shipping delays.
  • Utilize handheld RF scanning devices, barcode scanners, and label printers to capture and update inventory data in real time, ensuring system records align with physical inventory.
  • Prepare and execute special handling or kitting orders by assembling multi-item kits, documenting component lots, and ensuring finished kits meet order specifications and quality standards.
  • Perform warehouse housekeeping, including pallet disposition, aisle organization, waste removal, and spill cleanup, to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
  • Collaborate with Customer Service and Sales teams to prioritize rush orders, expedite critical shipments, and resolve order discrepancies in a timely manner to support customer satisfaction and retention.
  • Troubleshoot and report material handling equipment malfunctions, safety issues, or system errors to maintenance and IT teams and participate in minor preventative maintenance when qualified.
  • Enforce and promote strict adherence to company safety programs, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and emergency response plans to reduce workplace incidents and maintain compliance.
  • Support cross-functional continuous improvement projects (5S, Kaizen, Lean) by identifying waste, proposing workflow optimizations, and participating in pilot tests to increase throughput and reduce costs.
  • Load and unload trailers manually or with equipment while following proper ergonomics, lift assist practices, and team-lift procedures to minimize musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Conduct product inspections for accuracy, quality, and damage; segregate defective product, prepare nonconformance reports, and coordinate with QA for root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Coordinate with Procurement to manage returns to vendor (RTV), claim processing for damaged shipments, and documentation for supplier chargebacks and replacements.
  • Maintain accurate cycle count spreadsheets and support the monthly/quarterly inventory reconciliation process by investigating root causes of variance and recommending corrective actions.
  • Train new hires and temporary staff on warehouse processes, safety practices, WMS operations, and picking/packing techniques to ensure consistent performance and onboarding efficiency.
  • Execute temperature-controlled product handling procedures for perishable or regulated items, monitor storage conditions, and log temperature data in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inventory audits, data reconciliation tasks, and provide documentation to internal audit teams for compliance and external audits.
  • Assist in generating operational reports (daily shipment counts, accuracy rates, on-time dispatch metrics) and provide insights to supervisors to improve KPIs and staffing plans.
  • Participate in cross-training initiatives to provide flexible coverage across receiving, picking, packing, and shipping functions during peak periods.
  • Assist with small equipment repairs, routine preventative maintenance checks, and coordinate with facilities for larger repairs to minimize downtime.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement roadmap by documenting workflow inefficiencies, proposing process improvements, and participating in project implementation teams.
  • Support the implementation and rollout of WMS upgrades, mobile scanning solutions, or barcode labeling changes by testing, documenting results, and training peers.
  • Help coordinate seasonal surge staffing, including scheduling temporary associates, conducting skills checks, and ensuring consistent SOP adherence during high-volume periods.
  • Maintain close communication with transportation, customer service, and procurement teams to resolve shipping exceptions, expedite replacements, and prioritize backorders.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient use of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, Blue Yonder (JDA), SAP EWM, HighJump, or Oracle WMS for receiving, picking, and cycle counting operations.
  • Hands-on experience with RF handheld scanners, barcode readers, label printers, and mobile data terminals to support real-time inventory transactions and order fulfillment.
  • Forklift operator certification and demonstrated safe operation of sit-down forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and order pickers; familiarity with daily equipment inspection checklists.
  • Strong understanding of shipping documentation, including bills of lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, customs paperwork, and carrier compliance (UPS, FedEx, LTL, TL).
  • Inventory control techniques including cycle counting, ABC analysis, FIFO/LIFO rotation, lot tracking, expiration date management, and inventory reconciliation best practices.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas) to analyze inventory data, generate reports, and support continuous improvement analysis.
  • Knowledge of workplace safety regulations (OSHA) and safe material handling practices, including PPE usage, lockout/tagout basics, and ergonomic lifting techniques.
  • Experience with order picking methodologies (batch picking, zone picking, wave picking) and packing strategies to maximize accuracy and minimize materials waste.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting conveyors, palletizers, and dock equipment; ability to read simple mechanical instructions and escalate maintenance issues.
  • Familiarity with quality inspection procedures and documentation for damaged goods, nonconforming product quarantine, and returns processing.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially when verifying order contents, labeling shipments, and recording inventory transactions.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to meet tight shipping windows, process backlogs, and balance competing tasks during peak periods.
  • Team player with a collaborative attitude, able to train new staff, support peers during high-volume shifts, and contribute to a positive warehouse culture.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to investigate inventory discrepancies, propose corrective actions, and implement practical solutions.
  • Reliability and dependability — consistent attendance, punctuality, and ability to adapt to variable shift schedules and overtime when required.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to support changing business needs, seasonality, and process improvements in a fast-paced logistics environment.
  • Customer-focus orientation to understand the downstream impact of warehouse accuracy on customer satisfaction and work to resolve issues proactively.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement mindset to suggest process changes, participate in 5S events, and support waste-reduction initiatives.
  • Stress tolerance and composure under pressure, maintaining accuracy and safety standards during tight deadlines and peak shipping windows.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehouse Operations, or related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial Technology
  • Business Administration (with operations focus)
  • Quality Assurance / Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–3 years of warehouse, distribution, or fulfillment center experience (entry-level candidates with strong forklift and WMS exposure may qualify).

Preferred: 2+ years of experience in a high-volume warehouse environment with documented proficiency in WMS, RF scanning, inventory control, and forklift operation. Experience with temperature-controlled inventory, hazardous materials handling, or logistics coordination is a plus.

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