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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Coordinator

💰 $ - $

OperationsLogisticsWarehouse

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires an organized, process-oriented Warehouse Coordinator to oversee and optimize daily warehouse operations. The Warehouse Coordinator ensures accurate receiving and shipping, maintains inventory integrity through cycle counts and audits, coordinates carrier and 3PL activities, enforces safety and compliance standards, and supports continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong systems skills (WMS/ERP), hands-on warehouse experience, and the ability to lead and train front-line staff.

Key search terms: Warehouse Coordinator, Inventory Coordinator, Shipping & Receiving, Warehouse Operations, WMS, ERP, inventory control, cycle count, logistics coordination.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Supervisor / Lead
  • Inventory Manager
  • Logistics Coordinator / Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping/Receiving Coordinator
  • Quality Control Specialist
  • 3PL / Carrier Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee daily receiving operations: schedule and coordinate inbound shipments, inspect goods for accuracy and condition, validate packing lists and Bills of Lading (BOL), and immediately quarantine and document damaged or discrepant product following company SOPs.
  • Manage outbound shipping and order fulfillment: generate pick lists, supervise picking/packing activities, verify order accuracy, prepare shipping documentation (BOL, ASN, commercial invoices), and book carriers to meet promised delivery windows.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy with scheduled cycle counts and full physical inventories: design and execute cycle count plans, investigate root causes for discrepancies, reconcile stock levels in the WMS/ERP, and implement corrective actions to reduce shrinkage.
  • Administer the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and ERP data: create and update inventory records, locations, lot numbers and serial numbers, process receipts and shipments, and ensure system transactions mirror physical inventory.
  • Coordinate carrier and 3PL relationships: manage pickup and delivery windows, resolve shipping exceptions, obtain freight rate confirmations, and escalate carrier performance issues to procurement or logistics leadership.
  • Supervise and develop warehouse staff: assign daily tasks, provide hands-on training in safety and standard procedures, conduct performance feedback, and maintain staffing schedules to match throughput needs.
  • Enforce safety, compliance and regulatory requirements: maintain OSHA-compliant work areas, ensure proper handling and labeling for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) where applicable, and lead regular safety inspections and toolbox talks.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and produce operational reports: track on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, order cycle time, dock-to-stock cycle, and use data to recommend process improvements that increase throughput and reduce costs.
  • Lead returns and reverse logistics processes: receive, inspect, disposition, and coordinate restocking, refurbishment, or disposal of returned goods while maintaining related financial documentation and RMA records.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training documentation for picking, packing, receiving, staging, and inventory control to ensure consistent execution across shifts.
  • Manage staging, kitting and cross-docking operations: plan staging areas for efficient loading, coordinate kitting or assembly activities, and execute cross-dock flows to minimize dwell time for high-turn items.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement projects: use Lean, 5S, or Kaizen tools to reduce waste, optimize layout, and implement solutions that reduce order processing times and errors.
  • Schedule and prioritize daily workload to meet service-level agreements: allocate labor and equipment to peak inbound/outbound windows, special projects, and seasonal fluctuations while minimizing overtime.
  • Maintain material handling equipment and facility readiness: coordinate preventative maintenance for forklifts, pallet jacks and racking systems, liaise with maintenance teams for repairs, and ensure appropriate PPE and signage are available.
  • Execute SKU lifecycle management and lot control: oversee product labeling, lot/expiration date tracking, and FIFO/FEFO flows for perishable or date-sensitive inventory to minimize obsolescence and waste.
  • Serve as primary point-of-contact for internal stakeholders: partner with procurement, customer service, sales and production to prioritize orders, manage backorders, and communicate shipment statuses.
  • Manage documentation and compliance for international shipments: prepare export documentation, coordinate customs brokers, and ensure compliance with Incoterms and export controls when applicable.
  • Support cycle count and inventory audit readiness for internal and external auditors: prepare documentation, explain variance investigations, and implement audit recommendations.
  • Implement loss prevention and security controls: maintain secure receiving and shipping areas, limit access to inventory systems, and lead investigations into inventory discrepancies or theft.
  • Coordinate special projects and system implementations: support WMS upgrades, barcode/RFID rollouts, layout reconfigurations, and other technology or process changes with testing and training plans.
  • Control and report on warehouse operating costs: track freight expenditures, labor costs, and recommend cost-saving measures such as consolidation, route optimization, and vendor negotiations.
  • Ensure quality inspection and sampling protocols are followed: manage incoming quality checks, quarantine non-conforming items, and coordinate with Quality Assurance for disposition of suspect materials.
  • Maintain accurate material and packaging inventories: monitor replenishment levels for packaging supplies, bins and consumables, and place orders to prevent disruption to packing and shipping operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with demand forecasting input and inventory planning by providing warehouse lead times, SKU velocity, and seasonal trend data to the supply chain/planning team.
  • Support implementation and refinement of slotting strategies for high-turn SKUs to reduce picker travel time and improve picking accuracy.
  • Collaborate with IT on barcode label design, handheld configuration and WMS/ERP integrations, and participate in user acceptance testing for system changes.
  • Provide training and mentorship to temporary or seasonal staff during peak periods to maintain service levels.
  • Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement committees and present warehouse performance updates to operations leadership.
  • Coordinate emergency response and business continuity activities for the warehouse (e.g., alternate staging locations, surge staffing plans).
  • Support sustainability initiatives such as packaging reduction, pallet reuse programs and recycling efforts within the distribution center.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and ergonomic work environment following 5S principles and assist in periodic facility inspections.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) — experience with systems such as SAP EWM, Manhattan, Oracle WMS, Blue Yonder, or similar.
  • Strong ERP data entry and coordination skills (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
  • Inventory control expertise including cycle counting, reconciliation and variance investigation.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, conditional formatting) and experience producing KPI dashboards.
  • Knowledge of shipping and receiving documentation: BOL, ASN, commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs paperwork.
  • Experience with barcode scanning, RFID technology and handheld devices configuration.
  • Familiarity with freight quoting, carrier scheduling and freight cost allocation.
  • Forklift certification and safe operation experience; knowledge of material handling equipment maintenance needs.
  • Understanding of OSHA safety regulations, HAZMAT handling and DOT shipping requirements.
  • Experience implementing Lean, 5S or Kaizen process improvements in a warehouse setting.
  • Familiarity with slotting optimization, order batching and pick-path design.
  • Ability to manage cold chain or temperature-sensitive inventory where applicable.
  • Basic data analysis skills and experience with reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication — able to coordinate with internal teams, carriers and customers.
  • Leadership and team development — coach and motivate warehouse staff to meet productivity and quality targets.
  • Excellent attention to detail — ensures order accuracy and inventory integrity.
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking — able to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Time management and prioritization — manage competing demands in a fast-paced distribution environment.
  • Customer service orientation — focused on meeting internal and external customer delivery expectations.
  • Adaptability and resilience — comfortable managing change and peak season volatility.
  • Collaboration and cross-functional influence — builds productive relationships across procurement, sales and operations.
  • Initiative and ownership — takes accountability for warehouse performance and continuous improvement projects.
  • Conflict resolution and diplomacy — resolves staffing, vendor or carrier disputes constructively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Relevant certifications: APICS/ASCM (CPIM/CSCP), Certified Logistics Technician (CLT), OSHA 10/30, Forklift Certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2–5 years of progressive warehouse or distribution experience, including exposure to WMS and shipping/receiving operations.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years in a coordination or supervisory role within a warehouse environment, demonstrated experience managing inventory accuracy, running cycle counts, and coordinating carriers/3PLs. Experience with WMS implementations or continuous improvement projects is a plus.
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