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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Goods Receiver

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouseOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Goods Receiver plays a pivotal role at the very beginning of our internal supply chain. Acting as the first point of contact for all incoming materials, this position is the gatekeeper for inventory quality and accuracy. The role is responsible for the physical and administrative tasks involved in receiving, inspecting, and processing shipments. A successful Goods Receiver ensures that the materials entering the facility match the order specifications, are free from damage, and are correctly documented in our systems, thereby setting the stage for smooth downstream operations in warehousing, production, and order fulfillment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Warehouse Worker
  • Picker / Packer
  • Retail Stock Associate

Advancement To:

  • Senior Goods Receiver / Receiving Lead
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Team Leader
  • Inventory Controller / Inventory Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift Operator
  • Shipping Clerk / Dispatch Coordinator
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Diligently unload incoming shipments from trucks, containers, and delivery vehicles using appropriate manual and powered equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts.
  • Conduct thorough visual inspections of all incoming goods, packaging, and pallets to identify and document any signs of damage, moisture, or tampering that may have occurred during transit.
  • Meticulously verify the quantity, description, part numbers, and quality of received items against purchase orders (POs), packing slips, and shipping manifests to ensure order accuracy.
  • Accurately record and process all receiving transactions into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in real-time.
  • Promptly report and document any shipping discrepancies, such as overages, shortages, incorrect items, or damaged goods, to the Warehouse Supervisor and Procurement department.
  • Apply appropriate labels, barcodes, lot numbers, or identification tags to all received goods to ensure proper inventory tracking, rotation (FIFO/FEFO), and storage.
  • Safely and efficiently transport received materials from the receiving dock to their designated storage locations, quarantine zones, or production staging areas.
  • Maintain organized, accurate, and accessible records of all received goods, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, and discrepancy reports, for auditing purposes.
  • Ensure that all received materials, especially those requiring special handling (e.g., temperature-sensitive, hazardous), are processed according to company and regulatory standards.
  • Liaise directly with freight carriers and delivery drivers, managing dock schedules and ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and signed upon delivery and departure.
  • Segregate and prepare non-conforming or returned materials for processing, coordinating with the Quality Assurance or Returns department for disposition.
  • Operate material handling equipment (MHE) in a safe and certified manner, performing daily pre-use inspections to ensure equipment is in good working order.
  • Process and manage inbound returns (Return Merchandise Authorization - RMA), inspecting items and updating system records accordingly.
  • Ensure all received inventory is put away in the correct bin location, utilizing system-directed putaway logic where available to optimize space and picking efficiency.
  • Communicate effectively with internal teams, including Inventory Control, Purchasing, and Production, to provide updates on incoming shipments and material availability.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe receiving area, clearing away debris, empty pallets, and packing materials to prevent hazards and maintain operational flow.
  • Assist with periodic cycle counts and full physical inventory audits to help maintain the highest level of inventory accuracy across the facility.
  • Provide feedback and suggestions for process improvements within the receiving department to enhance efficiency, safety, and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Control team by preparing and staging items that require more detailed incoming inspection and testing.
  • Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions to stay informed of operational priorities and best practices.
  • Support other warehouse functions, such as picking, packing, or shipping, during periods of high demand or as directed by management.
  • Handle the disposition of packing materials, breaking down cardboard for recycling and disposing of other waste in accordance with company policy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS or ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for processing receiving transactions, looking up POs, and managing inventory data.
  • Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Certified and experienced in safely operating equipment such as electric pallet jacks, stand-up/sit-down forklifts, and reach trucks.
  • Data Entry & Computer Literacy: Strong and accurate typing skills for entering data into inventory systems. Proficient with basic computer applications like MS Office (Outlook, Excel) and handheld RF scanners.
  • Basic Mathematics: Solid understanding of basic math for counting, verifying quantities, and identifying discrepancies without reliance on a calculator for simple tasks.
  • Understanding of Shipping Documents: Ability to read and interpret various shipping and receiving documents, including Purchase Orders, Packing Slips, Invoices, and Bills of Lading.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all tasks, crucial for spotting discrepancies between documents and physical goods, and preventing inventory errors.
  • Strong Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple incoming shipments simultaneously, maintain a tidy workspace, and keep accurate records in a fast-paced environment.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Capable of managing one's own time effectively to meet deadlines, prioritizing tasks based on urgency (e.g., "hot" parts for production vs. stock items).
  • Effective Communication: Clear and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, for liaising with drivers, internal departments, and supervisors to resolve issues.
  • Problem-Solving Acumen: The ability to think critically and act decisively when faced with unexpected issues like damaged goods or incorrect shipments, and knowing when to escalate the problem.
  • Physical Stamina & Dexterity: Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (within safety guidelines), and perform repetitive tasks while maintaining a high level of performance.
  • Team-Oriented Mindset: A cooperative and collaborative attitude, willing to help colleagues and contribute to the overall success and safety of the warehouse team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Warehouse Operations.
  • Forklift Operator Certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, logistics, or distribution center environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in a receiving department or inventory control role is highly advantageous. Experience in a similar industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail distribution, pharmaceuticals) is also a plus.

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