Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Material Handling Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Material Handling Operator is a cornerstone of our operations, serving as the critical link that keeps our facility's materials, products, and supplies flowing smoothly and safely. This role is responsible for the physical movement of inventory from receiving to storage, to production lines, and ultimately to shipping docks. More than just a driver, a successful operator is a guardian of inventory accuracy, a champion of workplace safety, and a key contributor to overall operational efficiency. You are the hands-on expert ensuring the right materials are in the right place at the right time, making you an indispensable part of our supply chain's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
General Laborer
Picker / Packer

Advancement To:

Material Handling Lead / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Quality Assurance Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully and safely operate various types of powered industrial trucks (PIT), including sit-down counterbalance forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, and electric pallet jacks, to move materials throughout the warehouse, production floor, and yard.
Efficiently load and unload materials from inbound and outbound trailers and containers, ensuring proper weight distribution, stacking, and securing of cargo to prevent shifting or damage during transit.
Accurately pick customer orders or production work orders from storage locations using an RF scanner, pick list, or voice-picking system, verifying part numbers, lot codes, and quantities to ensure fulfillment accuracy.
Transport raw materials, components, and packaging from warehouse storage areas to designated production lines, ensuring a continuous and timely supply to support manufacturing schedules without interruption.
Execute put-away procedures by scanning received goods and placing them into their assigned warehouse locations (e.g., rack bins, bulk storage) with precision, optimizing space and maintaining system accuracy.
Utilize a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system via a handheld RF device to meticulously record all inventory movements, including transfers, picks, and put-aways, in real-time.
Conduct thorough pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections on all assigned material handling equipment, documenting findings and immediately reporting any defects, damage, or maintenance needs to the supervisor.
Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and site-specific procedures to foster a culture of safety and prevent accidents or injuries in a fast-paced environment.
Prepare finished goods for shipment by securely wrapping pallets with stretch film, applying necessary strapping or banding, and affixing correct shipping labels and documentation.
Actively participate in inventory control programs, including performing routine cycle counts and assisting in full physical inventories to maintain a high degree of inventory accuracy and help resolve discrepancies.
Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area in compliance with 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) principles, including sweeping aisles, removing empty pallets, and disposing of debris.
Read and accurately interpret work orders, shipping manifests, or transfer requests to determine which items need to be moved, gathered, staged, or distributed to other departments.
Systematically consolidate partial pallets and reorganize warehouse locations as directed to maximize storage density and improve operational efficiency and accessibility.
Support the receiving department by verifying contents of incoming shipments against packing slips and purchase orders, and visually inspecting goods for any obvious signs of damage or defect.
Prepare and manage all necessary paperwork associated with material movements, such as transfer logs, bills of lading (BOL), and shipping/receiving reports, ensuring completeness and accuracy.

Secondary Functions

Assist with value-added services such as assembling product kits, building special promotional displays, or performing light assembly tasks as required before shipment.
Operate ancillary warehouse equipment, including industrial balers, shrink-wrap machines, and automated conveyor systems, following all safety and operational guidelines.
Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors, truck drivers, and other department personnel to coordinate workflow and resolve any logistical challenges.
Monitor inventory levels of essential warehouse supplies like pallets, stretch wrap, tape, and labels, and proactively notify the team lead or supervisor when stock is running low.
Provide flexible support to other warehouse functions, including order picking, packing, and quality control, during peak demand periods or to cover staffing needs.
Contribute to continuous improvement projects by identifying and suggesting enhancements to processes, workflows, or layouts that could improve safety, quality, or productivity.
Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to a predetermined sequence such as size, type, style, color, or product code for organized storage.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified Forklift Operation: Valid certification and demonstrated proficiency in operating multiple types of forklifts (e.g., sit-down, stand-up reach, order picker, turret truck).
RF Scanner Proficiency: Hands-on experience using RF (Radio Frequency) scanning devices for tracking inventory, picking orders, and performing system-directed tasks.
WMS/ERP Experience: Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or ERP software (such as SAP EWM, Oracle SCM, JDA/Blue Yonder) for processing transactions.
Inventory Control Knowledge: Solid understanding of inventory management principles, including cycle counting, FIFO/LIFO, and discrepancy investigation.
Shipping & Receiving Procedures: Knowledge of basic logistics documentation and processes, including reading bills of lading, packing slips, and work orders.
Basic Mathematical Acumen: Ability to perform simple math for counting, tallying, and verifying quantities accurately without a calculator.
-Safety Protocol Awareness: In-depth knowledge of OSHA standards and general warehouse safety practices, including proper lifting techniques and pedestrian safety.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to verifying numbers, codes, and instructions to prevent errors in inventory, picking, and shipping.
Strong Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently to meet tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
Clear Communication: Ability to verbally communicate status, issues, and needs to team members and leadership and to listen to and follow directions precisely.
Adaptability and Flexibility: A willingness to switch tasks, support different departments, and adapt to changing priorities and workflows as business needs dictate.
Reliability and Strong Work Ethic: A dependable team player with a consistent record of punctuality, attendance, and a positive, proactive attitude.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or coursework in Logistics, Warehousing, or Supply Chain Management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience operating powered industrial trucks within a distribution center, manufacturing plant, or large-scale warehouse environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience operating a diverse range of material handling equipment in a high-volume facility that utilizes a modern WMS. Proven track record of meeting performance and safety metrics.