Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Material Handler

🎯 Role Definition

A Material Handler is the backbone of our logistics and production operations, ensuring the seamless and efficient flow of raw materials, components, and finished goods throughout the facility. This role is pivotal in maintaining production schedules, managing inventory accuracy, and fulfilling customer orders on time. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, the Material Handler physically moves and stages products, operates various material handling equipment, and utilizes inventory management systems to track every movement. They are the hands-on link connecting receiving, production, warehousing, and shipping, making their precision and reliability crucial to the overall success of the supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Packer / Picker
Warehouse Associate (Trainee)

Advancement To:

Lead Material Handler
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently operate material handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks, to move materials to and from storage, production lines, and loading docks.
Receive incoming shipments, meticulously verifying contents and quantities against purchase orders and packing lists for accuracy, and thoroughly inspecting goods for any damage.
Accurately pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for shipment, ensuring all items are correctly labeled and documented according to company standards and specific customer requirements.
Utilize radio-frequency (RF) scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to precisely record material movements, track inventory levels, and process transactions in real-time.
Transport raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to designated areas within the facility to directly support production schedules and maintain operational flow.
Perform systematic stocking and replenishment of inventory from bulk storage to primary picking locations to ensure constant product availability for order fulfillment.
Conduct regular cycle counts and actively assist in full physical inventory audits to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and integrity.
Load and unload trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring proper weight distribution, securement of loads, and strict adherence to all safety protocols.
Identify, label, and quarantine non-conforming or damaged materials, and promptly report discrepancies to the warehouse supervisor or quality control department.
Assemble and stage kits of components or raw materials required for specific production runs or assembly jobs, following detailed work orders.
Process and document material returns from customers or production, ensuring items are properly inspected, processed, and returned to the correct inventory location.
Perform daily pre-operational safety and maintenance checks on all material handling equipment and report any operational issues or needs for repair to the maintenance team.
Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, and shipping orders to determine which items need to be moved, gathered, or distributed throughout the day.
Shrink-wrap, band, and palletize products to prepare them for storage or shipment, ensuring the stability and protection of the goods during transit.
Accurately enter data into the company's ERP or WMS to reflect the movement and current status of inventory, providing visibility across the organization.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent accidents and contribute to a safe working culture.
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 efficient retrieval.

Secondary Functions

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to 5S principles, sweeping floors, and properly disposing of waste materials like cardboard and shrink wrap.
Participate in daily team huddles and safety briefings to stay informed on operational priorities and potential hazards.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members by demonstrating proper procedures and safe equipment operation.
Provide feedback to leadership on potential process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, or enhance safety within the department.
Support cross-functional teams by assisting in other warehouse areas, such as shipping, receiving, or inventory, as needed based on operational demands.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation: Certification and experience operating various powered industrial trucks (e.g., sit-down, stand-up reach, pallet rider).
RF Scanner Proficiency: Competence in using handheld radio-frequency scanners for inventory tracking and order processing.
WMS/ERP Experience: Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems or Enterprise Resource Planning software to manage inventory transactions.
Basic Mathematics: Strong arithmetic skills for accurate counting, sorting, and verifying quantities on packing slips and work orders.
Safety Protocol Knowledge: Understanding of OSHA standards, lock-out/tag-out procedures, and general warehouse safety best practices.
Documentation Acumen: Ability to read and interpret documents like safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when handling inventory, checking orders, and recording data to ensure accuracy.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clearly communicate with supervisors and other departments.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and resolving discrepancies or logistical issues as they arise.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing, walking, lifting, and bending for extended periods and lifting heavy objects as required.
Reliability: A dependable and punctual team member with a strong work ethic and commitment to getting the job done right.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in logistics, warehousing, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

1+ years of certified experience operating a forklift or similar powered industrial truck is highly desirable. Experience in a fast-paced distribution center is a plus.