Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Goods Storekeeper

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a highly organized individual with a keen eye for detail? We're looking for a dedicated Goods Storekeeper to be the backbone of our warehouse operations. In this critical role, you will be the guardian of our company's physical inventory, ensuring every item is accounted for, properly stored, and dispatched efficiently. Your precision and diligence will directly impact our operational success, inventory accuracy, and ability to meet customer demands. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic team and play a vital part in the seamless flow of goods through our supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Assistant / Associate
Picker / Packer
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Senior Storekeeper / Lead Storekeeper
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Manager / Inventory Control Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Logistics Coordinator
Inventory Analyst
Procurement Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive, unload, and meticulously inspect incoming shipments of materials and goods, verifying them against purchase orders, invoices, or other documents.
Accurately record the quantity, type, and value of all stock received, issued, and returned using our Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP software.
Systematically store, arrange, and label goods in a safe, organized, and easily accessible manner within the warehouse or stockroom.
Implement and maintain stock rotation principles, such as First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or Last-In, First-Out (LIFO), to ensure product freshness and prevent obsolescence.
Pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for dispatch, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in item selection and quantity.
Conduct regular physical inventory counts, including cycle counts and year-end stock-taking, to maintain inventory accuracy and investigate discrepancies.
Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand dollies, in a safe and efficient manner to move and store goods.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment, adhering to all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Prepare and manage all necessary shipping and receiving documentation, including bills of lading, packing slips, and delivery notes.
Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies by reconciling system data with physical counts and identifying root causes.
Monitor inventory levels to identify potential stock-outs or overstock situations and communicate needs to the procurement department.
Process product returns from customers, inspecting items for damage and updating inventory records accordingly.
Ensure all items are properly tagged, barcoded, and labeled for easy identification and tracking throughout the warehouse.
Coordinate with transport companies and freight forwarders to schedule inbound and outbound shipments effectively.
Generate and analyze inventory reports on stock levels, turnover rates, slow-moving items, and shipment status for management review.
Perform quality control checks on both incoming materials and outgoing orders to ensure they meet company standards.
Manage the quarantine and disposition of damaged, obsolete, or non-conforming stock according to established procedures.
Optimize warehouse space utilization by re-organizing stock layout and suggesting improvements for better efficiency.
Utilize RF scanners and other handheld technology to update inventory information in real-time, enhancing accuracy and speed.
Assist in developing, documenting, and implementing new inventory control procedures to improve overall warehouse performance.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc requests for stock information, inventory history, and exploratory data analysis from various departments.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing warehouse safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
Collaborate with business units such as Sales, Customer Service, and Procurement to translate their needs into operational requirements and ensure smooth order fulfillment.
Participate in daily team huddles, safety briefings, and other agile ceremonies within the logistics and warehouse team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Inventory Management Software: Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Fishbowl).
Material Handling Equipment: Certified and experienced in operating forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse machinery.
Data Entry & Computer Literacy: Strong skills in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for tracking, reporting, and data analysis.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld radio-frequency scanners for real-time inventory tracking and order picking.
Supply Chain & Logistics Knowledge: Solid understanding of fundamental warehousing, shipping, receiving, and inventory control principles.
Health & Safety Compliance: Knowledge of workplace safety standards (e.g., OSHA) and procedures for safe material handling.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in handling inventory records, order picking, and quality checks to minimize errors.
Organizational & Planning Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and maintain an orderly warehouse environment.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and resolving inventory discrepancies and logistical challenges.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with warehouse colleagues, drivers, and staff from other departments.
Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members and updating records.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects (within safety limits), and performing manual tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a vocational certification in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in a storekeeper, warehouse, or inventory control role.

Preferred:

Proven track record of maintaining high inventory accuracy (98% or higher) in a fast-paced environment. Experience in a similar industry is a strong plus.