Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Raw Material Handler

🎯 Role Definition

The Raw Material Handler is a foundational role within our operations, acting as the crucial link between our supply chain and manufacturing teams. This position is responsible for the physical and systematic management of all raw materials required for production. The handler ensures that materials are received, stored, transported, and staged with the utmost accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Success in this role directly impacts production schedules, inventory accuracy, and overall operational smoothness, making it an essential contributor to our company's success. This is not just a logistics job; it's the first step in creating our quality products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
General Laborer
Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Lead Material Handler / Team Lead
Inventory Control Specialist or Analyst
Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Finished Goods Handler
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and drum lifts, to move raw materials from the receiving docks to designated warehouse storage locations.
Accurately receive incoming shipments of raw materials, verifying contents against purchase orders and packing slips to ensure quantity and quality compliance.
Meticulously inspect all incoming materials for damage, defects, or discrepancies, and promptly report any issues to the warehouse supervisor or quality control department.
Perform systematic transactions using an inventory management system (WMS/ERP) to record the receipt, storage, and movement of all materials, ensuring digital records match physical inventory.
Prepare and stage raw materials, components, and other supplies according to production work orders or "pick lists" for timely delivery to the manufacturing lines.
Monitor inventory levels within the warehouse and at production line-side locations, proactively communicating potential shortages to prevent production downtime.
Consolidate partial pallets and organize storage areas to maximize warehouse space utilization and maintain a logical, easily accessible layout.
Ensure all raw materials are properly labeled with identification tags, lot numbers, and expiration dates for accurate tracking and traceability.
Adhere to specific material storage requirements, such as temperature controls or segregation of certain chemicals, to maintain material integrity and safety.
Rotate stock using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) method to prevent material obsolescence and spoilage.
Participate in regular cycle counting and physical inventory audits to validate inventory accuracy and investigate any identified discrepancies.
Manage the return of unused materials from the production floor back to the warehouse, ensuring they are correctly documented and restocked.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in all material storage areas, including aisles, racks, and staging zones, in accordance with 5S principles.
Follow all established safety protocols and procedures, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe equipment operation, to prevent accidents and injuries.
Collaborate closely with production planners, supervisors, and machine operators to anticipate material needs and coordinate deliveries to the production floor.
Assist in the loading and unloading of trucks, ensuring proper handling and securing of materials during transport.

Secondary Functions

Support the disposition of non-conforming, expired, or obsolete materials according to established company and environmental procedures.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting enhancements to material flow, storage, and handling processes.
Assist in training new material handlers on standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, and equipment operation.
Perform minor preventative maintenance checks on material handling equipment, such as battery charging and pre-shift inspections, and report any maintenance needs.
Prepare and package material samples as requested by the Quality Assurance or Research & Development departments for testing and analysis.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation Certification: Proven ability to safely operate sit-down, stand-up, or other specialized forklifts.
Inventory Management Software (WMS/ERP): Experience using systems like SAP, Oracle, or other warehouse management systems for transaction processing.
RF Scanner Usage: Proficiency in using handheld radio frequency (RF) scanning guns for picking, receiving, and inventory tasks.
Basic Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform accurate counts, additions, subtractions, and multiplications for inventory verification.
Material Handling Equipment Operation: Skill in operating manual and electric pallet jacks, dollies, and other warehouse machinery.
Understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Knowledge of how to read and interpret SDS documents for safe chemical handling.
Computer Literacy: Basic skills in using computers for data entry, email communication, and accessing company information.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in verifying part numbers, lot codes, and quantities to ensure absolute accuracy.
Time Management & Organization: Excellent ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong Work Ethic: A reliable and dependable team member who takes ownership of their responsibilities.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly communicate with team members, supervisors, and production staff verbally and in writing.
Problem-Solving Ability: Capable of identifying discrepancies or issues and taking the appropriate steps to resolve them.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, lift, and bend for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
Team-Oriented Mindset: Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared operational goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or associate's degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management
Warehouse Operations

Experience Requirements

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

Preferred: 2+ years of experience as a Material Handler within a fast-paced manufacturing setting, with direct experience using an ERP/WMS system for inventory control.