Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Material Handler Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

A Material Handler Specialist is the backbone of any operation that involves physical goods. This role is far more than just moving boxes; it’s about precision, safety, and efficiency. You are the custodian of the company's inventory, responsible for its accurate and timely movement from the moment it arrives at the receiving dock to the moment it ships out to a customer. This position requires a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to safety protocols, and the physical capability to operate in a fast-paced environment. A successful Specialist ensures that production lines are never starved for materials, inventory records are impeccable, and the warehouse operates like a well-oiled machine, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the company's bottom line.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Picker / Packer
Shipping and Receiving Associate

Advancement To:

Inventory Control Lead / Analyst
Warehouse Supervisor / Team Lead
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector
Production Planner Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately and safely load and unload freight from trucks and containers, verifying shipments against purchase orders and reporting any discrepancies or damages.
Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and order pickers, to move materials, supplies, and finished goods to designated locations throughout the facility.
Execute the picking, packing, and staging of customer orders with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring order accuracy and preparing them for shipment according to specific guidelines.
Utilize RF scanning equipment to meticulously track inventory movements, including receiving, put-away, transfers, and picking, ensuring real-time data accuracy in the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Perform regular cycle counts and assist in full physical inventory counts to maintain inventory accuracy and investigate and resolve any identified discrepancies.
Inspect incoming materials for defects, damage, or quality issues, and properly quarantine non-conforming products according to established procedures.
Prepare and assemble kits of components for production lines, ensuring the right parts are delivered to the right place at the right time to support manufacturing schedules.
Safely stack and organize products in their designated storage areas, paying close attention to inventory rotation principles like First-In, First-Out (FIFO).
Generate and affix shipping labels, packing slips, and other necessary documentation to outbound shipments, ensuring compliance with both internal and carrier requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to 5S principles and complying with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Monitor inventory levels of shipping supplies, such as boxes, tape, and labels, and communicate replenishment needs to the supervisor.
Process returns from customers by inspecting merchandise, documenting its condition, and returning it to inventory or routing it for disposition.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate with the inventory control and purchasing teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to material shortages, overages, or location errors.
Participate in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency, safety, and workflow processes.
Provide on-the-job guidance and training to new team members on standard operating procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols.
Assist in the disposition of obsolete or scrap material, ensuring it is properly documented and moved to the designated area for disposal or recycling.
Operate shrink-wrap machines, banding equipment, and other packaging machinery to prepare and secure pallets for transit.
Coordinate with truck drivers and logistics personnel to schedule pickups and deliveries, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of traffic in the dock area.
Perform daily pre-use inspections on material handling equipment and report any maintenance or repair needs to the appropriate personnel.
Support other departments by pulling materials for special projects, R&D requests, or internal transfers as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation: Certified and proficient in operating various types of forklifts (e.g., sit-down, stand-up, reach truck).
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Experience using WMS software (like SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan) to manage inventory and process orders.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Skilled in using handheld radio-frequency scanners for tracking inventory, picking, and put-away tasks.
Inventory Management: Strong understanding of inventory control principles, including cycle counting and FIFO/LIFO.
Shipping & Receiving Procedures: Knowledge of best practices for verifying bills of lading, inspecting shipments, and processing inbound/outbound goods.
Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) or Google Workspace for data entry and report viewing.
Pallet Jack Operation: Competency in operating both manual and electric pallet jacks safely and efficiently.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An absolute must-have for ensuring order accuracy, preventing inventory errors, and maintaining a safe workspace.
Safety Consciousness: A proactive and vigilant approach to workplace safety for oneself and colleagues.
Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others, communicates effectively, and contributes positively to team goals.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, such as inventory discrepancies or equipment malfunctions, and find practical solutions.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing, walking, lifting, and performing physical tasks for extended periods.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities, workflows, and operational demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or professional certification in Logistics, Warehousing, or Forklift Operation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of hands-on experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience with a proven track record of safety and accuracy. Direct experience with the company's specific WMS or ERP system is a significant plus.