Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Support Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Support Specialist is a hands-on operations professional responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of product through receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping processes. This role supports inventory accuracy, maintains warehouse safety and cleanliness, and works closely with supervisors, inventory control, and logistics teams to meet service level agreements (SLAs). Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, safety conscious, familiar with warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF scanning, and able to perform physically demanding tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Production Associate

Advancement To:

Inventory Control Specialist
Lead Warehouse Support Specialist / Shift Lead
Warehouse Supervisor or Team Lead
Logistics Coordinator or Distribution Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Procurement or Purchasing Assistant
Returns and Reverse Logistics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive inbound shipments by unloading trailers, verifying quantities and condition of goods against purchase orders and bills of lading, and recording discrepancies in the warehouse management system (WMS) to initiate supplier claims when necessary.
Accurately stage and put-away inventory to designated storage locations using RF scanners and pallet jacks or forklifts, maintaining optimal slotting to support efficient picking and replenishment flows.
Pick and prepare customer and internal orders using batch, zone, or wave picking methodologies while meeting production quotas and packing standards to ensure on-time, error-free shipments.
Inspect incoming and outgoing product for quality and damage, quarantine non-conforming items, and coordinate with quality assurance and procurement to document and resolve issues.
Operate material handling equipment (e.g., powered industrial trucks, forklifts, electric pallet jacks) safely and in compliance with company policies and OSHA regulations, and maintain current certifications as required.
Execute cycle counts, full physical inventories, and reconciliation activities to maintain inventory accuracy targets and reduce shrinkage; investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
Prepare shipping documents, labels, and bills of lading; schedule carriers and coordinate with transportation partners to optimize freight costs and ensure timely delivery.
Pack items according to packing guidelines (e.g., correct cushioning, box selection, weight limits) and apply appropriate labels, barcodes and documentation to meet carrier and customer requirements.
Stage outbound pallets for carrier pickup, load trucks as required, and verify carrier paperwork at hand-off to prevent billing or delivery disputes.
Monitor inventory levels and trigger replenishment requests to prevent stockouts, communicating short-dated or excess inventory issues to purchasing and planning teams.
Maintain accurate cycle count records, inventory adjustment logs, and documentation for returns, scrap, and disposition items to ensure audit readiness and traceability.
Support returns processing and disposition by inspecting returned product, determining restockability or quarantine, documenting return reasons, and coordinating reverse logistics.
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for hazardous materials handling, labeling, and storage; maintain MSDS documentation and participate in emergency response drills.
Use warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, and handheld RF devices to update order status, inventory movements, and location accuracy in real time.
Assist with new product introductions and layout changes by executing re-slotting, labeling, and inventory rebalancing to preserve picking efficiency and accuracy.
Maintain warehouse housekeeping standards including aisle clearance, spill cleanup, waste segregation, and safe stacking to reduce incidents and improve operational flow.
Collaborate with customer service and sales teams to resolve order discrepancies, expedite shipments when required, and provide status updates for backorders and priority shipments.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as picking accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, and dock turnaround time; recommend operational improvements based on data.
Train and mentor new warehouse associates on safety, equipment operation, picking/packing accuracy, and company procedures, providing feedback to supervisors on performance.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, Lean) by identifying process bottlenecks, proposing solutions, and participating in pilot projects to increase throughput or reduce costs.
Enforce compliance with company policies, safety programs, and regulatory requirements including OSHA, DOT, and local labor rules while documenting incidents and near-misses.
Assist in demand planning reviews by providing ground-level insights into seasonal trends, velocity changes, and SKU movement patterns to help planners make informed decisions.
Coordinate with maintenance and facilities teams to report and track equipment faults, safety hazards, or facility repairs to minimize downtime and operational risk.
Support ad-hoc cross-functional projects such as site moves, inventory audits, and system upgrades by providing hands-on operational knowledge and implementation support.
Ensure all documentation (receiving logs, quality reports, shipping manifests) is completed accurately and filed according to company retention and audit policies.

Secondary Functions

Provide input to process documentation and update SOPs to reflect on-the-floor best practices and recent process changes.
Assist in basic reporting and data entry tasks (e.g., daily throughput, damage reports) to support operational transparency and management reviews.
Help coordinate seasonal staffing needs, temporary labor onboarding, and scheduling changes during peak periods to maintain service levels.
Support sustainability efforts by participating in recycling programs, reducing packaging waste, and identifying opportunities to optimize pallet and packaging usage.
Serve as a point of contact for internal stakeholders during shift handovers and escalate unresolved issues to supervisors to maintain continuity of operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Warehouse Management System (WMS) proficiency (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, HighJump) — ability to perform receipts, put-aways, picks, and inventory adjustments.
RF handheld scanner experience for accurate barcode scanning and real-time inventory updates.
Forklift and powered industrial truck operation with active certification and demonstrated safe operation in a fast-paced environment.
Shipping and receiving expertise including bill of lading, packing slip reconciliation, and carrier coordination (FedEx, UPS, LTL).
Inventory control techniques: cycle counting, reconciliation, variance analysis, and root-cause investigation.
Basic computer literacy: MS Excel for simple reporting (VLOOKUP, filters), email communication, and ERP interfaces.
Familiarity with packing and labeling standards, carrier packaging requirements, and hazardous materials handling (DOT/HAZMAT basics a plus).
Experience with order fulfillment workflows: batch picking, zone picking, pick-to-light, or carton flow systems.
Basic troubleshooting and maintenance awareness for warehouse equipment, conveyors, and docks.
Knowledge of safety standards and compliance, including OSHA regulations and company EHS procedures.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and accuracy under high-volume conditions.
Excellent communication skills to coordinate with operations, quality, and logistics teams.
Time management and prioritization to meet SLAs and shifting daily priorities.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
Team-oriented attitude and willingness to cross-train across functions.
Physical stamina and endurance to perform repetitive lifting, bending and standing for extended periods.
Adaptability to changing processes, seasonal demand spikes, and system upgrades.
Accountability and integrity in handling inventory and confidential shipping documentation.
Customer service orientation with an emphasis on meeting internal and external stakeholder expectations.
Initiative to identify inefficiencies and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–4 years of hands-on warehouse or distribution center experience; entry-level candidates may qualify with strong transferable skills and certifications.

Preferred:

2+ years in a high-volume distribution center with direct experience using WMS, RF scanners, and operating forklifts; experience with inventory control and shipping/receiving processes is highly desirable.