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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Support Coordinator

💰 $38,000 - $55,000

LogisticsOperationsWarehouse

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Support Coordinator is responsible for supporting day-to-day warehouse operations to ensure accurate inventory control, timely order fulfillment, safe material handling, and clear communication across supply chain stakeholders. This role serves as a central point for coordinating shipping and receiving activities, maintaining the warehouse management system (WMS), driving cycle counts and reconciliation, and partnering with supervisors and logistics teams to resolve discrepancies and improve operational KPIs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate or Order Picker
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator / Shipping Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control Specialist
  • Procurement / Buyer
  • Customer Service / Order Management

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate daily inbound and outbound logistics by scheduling carrier pickups and deliveries, verifying Bill of Lading (BOL) details, and ensuring shipments meet customer SLA requirements to support on-time delivery goals.
  • Execute and maintain accurate cycle counts and full physical inventories, reconcile discrepancies between the warehouse management system (WMS) and physical stock, and initiate corrective actions to minimize shrinkage and inventory variance.
  • Receive, inspect, and verify incoming shipments against purchase orders and packing lists, document exceptions (damages, shortages, overages), and work with suppliers and procurement to resolve receiving discrepancies.
  • Pick, pack, and stage customer orders according to standardized packing procedures and shipping instructions, ensuring order accuracy and compliance with carrier requirements.
  • Maintain and update the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and ERP inventory records in real time, including lot, serial number, expiration date, and location changes to ensure data integrity for downstream processes.
  • Monitor daily warehouse KPIs such as pick accuracy, on-time shipments, dock-to-stock time, and order cycle time; prepare weekly and monthly performance reports and recommend process improvements to leadership.
  • Train and mentor warehouse staff on best practices for order fulfillment, safe equipment operation (e.g., forklifts and pallet jacks), inventory handling, and WMS transactions to ensure consistent operational performance.
  • Oversee staging, loading, and unloading operations, coordinating dock assignments and optimizing trailer slotting to improve throughput and reduce detention and dwell time.
  • Implement and enforce warehouse safety protocols, PPE requirements, and OSHA-compliant procedures; report incidents, maintain safety documentation, and lead regular safety briefings.
  • Manage returns processing (RMA), inspection, disposition, and restocking activities, ensuring accurate crediting and efficient disposition of defective or returned goods.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring operational issues such as mispicks, damaged product, or stock imbalances; design and lead corrective action plans (CAPAs) with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate labeling, barcoding, and bin location organization; coordinate shelf-life rotation and First-In-First-Out (FIFO) procedures to minimize expired or obsolete inventory.
  • Partner with procurement and planning teams to communicate low-stock alerts, forecast adjustments, and expedited replenishment needs to avoid stockouts and service disruptions.
  • Coordinate with transportation providers and 3PL partners on carrier performance issues, special handling requests (hazmat, temperature-controlled loads), and cost optimization initiatives.
  • Schedule and supervise special projects such as warehouse moves, slotting redesigns, equipment installations, and seasonal peak readiness to sustain operational continuity.
  • Audit and maintain warehouse documentation including SOPs, receiving logs, inventory adjustment records, and equipment maintenance schedules to support compliance and operational consistency.
  • Utilize RF scanners, barcode readers, and handheld devices to perform inventory transactions and support staff in efficient device usage and troubleshooting.
  • Prepare and verify export and import documentation where applicable, ensuring compliance with customs requirements, restricted party screening, and international shipping regulations.
  • Facilitate communication between customer service, sales, and operations to prioritize urgent orders, manage order exceptions, and provide timely status updates to customers.
  • Control and monitor spare parts, consumables, and warehouse supplies inventory; initiate replenishment and supplier orders to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  • Support continuous improvement and Lean material handling initiatives by documenting current-state processes, suggesting improvements, and participating in Kaizen events to increase productivity and reduce waste.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact during audits (customer, vendor, or regulatory), coordinate evidence collection, and implement corrective actions to address audit findings.

Secondary Functions

  • Generate and support ad-hoc inventory and shipping reports, using data from the WMS and ERP to answer operational questions and support decision-making.
  • Contribute to the organization's warehouse technology roadmap by recommending WMS enhancements, barcode strategies, and automation opportunities based on operational needs.
  • Collaborate with IT and business analysts to translate warehouse requirements into system configuration, user stories, and testing plans for WMS or ERP changes.
  • Participate in sprint planning, change-control reviews, and operational readiness activities when new systems or process changes are deployed.
  • Support cross-training initiatives to build flexible teams that can absorb peak workload and reduce single-point-of-failure risks.
  • Maintain vendor and carrier relationships by facilitating performance reviews, coordinating service level agreements (SLAs), and escalating service issues for resolution.
  • Assist in budget tracking for warehouse operations by monitoring overtime, outsourcing costs, and material consumption against the operational budget.
  • Help develop and maintain training materials, SOPs, and quick-reference guides for warehouse personnel to promote standardized, scalable procedures.
  • Pilot small-scale automation or assisted picking technologies and collect performance metrics to inform broader implementation decisions.
  • Provide backup supervision for shifts, ensuring coverage of key tasks and maintaining continuity of operations during staffing fluctuations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, JDA/Blue Yonder, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, or HighJump for inventory transactions, wave planning, and slotting.
  • Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Dynamics) to update inventory records and coordinate purchasing and fulfillment workflows.
  • Strong Excel skills including VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, data filtering, and basic macros for operational reporting and reconciliations.
  • Experience using RF handheld scanners, barcode printers, and mobile data terminals for picking, receiving, and cycle counts.
  • Knowledge of inventory control techniques: cycle counting, ABC analysis, FIFO/LIFO rotation, lot and serial tracking, and shrinkage prevention strategies.
  • Familiarity with shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, regional LTL and TL) and international shipping documentation for export/import compliance.
  • Forklift and powered industrial truck operation knowledge; forklift certification preferred.
  • Understanding of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, and hazardous materials handling (when applicable).
  • Ability to read and interpret pick slips, packing lists, bills of lading, commercial invoices, and other logistics documents.
  • Experience preparing and delivering KPI dashboards and operational performance reports to management.

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional coordination with procurement, sales, and carrier partners.
  • Excellent attention to detail to ensure order accuracy, correct labeling, and precise inventory adjustments.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring issues.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to handle competing tasks during peak shipping windows.
  • Team leadership and coaching capability to train staff, foster accountability, and build a safety-first culture.
  • Customer-focused attitude to resolve order exceptions and ensure a positive customer experience.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work variable shifts or manage surge periods and seasonal demand.
  • Analytical thinking to interpret operational data and make data-driven recommendations for process improvements.
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills for managing vendor or carrier performance issues.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement orientation to identify waste reduction and productivity gains.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred)

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of warehouse operations, shipping & receiving, or inventory control experience

Preferred:

  • 3+ years in a warehouse coordinator, inventory control, or logistics support role with demonstrated experience using a WMS, managing cycle counts, and preparing operational reports
  • Prior experience in a high-volume distribution center, 3PL environment, or in industries with regulated inventory (e.g., food, medical, or hazardous goods) is a plus
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