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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Process Assistant

💰 $34,000 - $48,000

LogisticsWarehouseOperationsSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Process Assistant supports day-to-day warehouse operations and process optimization to ensure accurate inventory control, timely order fulfillment, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This role acts as a key operational support specialist—coordinating receiving, put-away, cycle counts, picking/packing/dispatch, and performance reporting—while identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across warehouse workflows. Primary SEO and LLM keywords: warehouse process assistant, warehouse operations, inventory control, WMS, picking and packing, shipping and receiving, cycle count, OSHA, logistics, process improvement, KPI monitoring.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Order Picker / Packer
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Specialist / Analyst
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Continuous Improvement / Process Improvement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Material Handler Team Lead
  • Shipping & Returns Coordinator
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage daily receiving activities: verify shipment contents against purchase orders and bills of lading, inspect for damage, log discrepancies, and coordinate timely put-away using warehouse management system (WMS) and RF scanning tools.
  • Execute accurate put-away and slotting: determine optimal storage locations, update WMS records, and collaborate with inventory control to preserve FIFO/LIFO strategies and maximize picking efficiency.
  • Perform order picking and packing operations: pick items to order specifications, verify SKU and quantity accuracy, apply correct packing materials and labeling, and prepare orders for staging and carrier pickup.
  • Coordinate shipping functions: generate and verify shipping documentation (BOLs, manifests, carrier labels), schedule carrier pickups, and communicate with carriers and internal stakeholders to meet shipment windows.
  • Conduct cycle counts and physical inventory audits: plan and execute regular cycle counts, reconcile variances, investigate root causes of discrepancies, and implement corrective actions to maintain inventory accuracy.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy and reconciliation: track adjustments, process returns and stock transfers, investigate inventory variances, and liaise with procurement and accounting for resolution.
  • Operate warehouse equipment safely and efficiently: use forklifts, pallet jacks, order pickers, and other material handling equipment according to OSHA standards and company safety procedures (forklift certification preferred).
  • Monitor and report operational KPIs: produce daily/weekly metrics for order accuracy, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock cycle time, and productivity; recommend improvements based on trends.
  • Lead and document standard operating procedures (SOPs): draft, revise, and train team members on SOPs for receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, returns, and cycle counting to ensure consistency and compliance.
  • Support cross-docking and expedited order handling: coordinate rapid transfer of inbound product to outbound channels, minimize handling time, and reduce lead times for customer-critical shipments.
  • Implement and support process improvement initiatives: apply Lean, 5S, or Six Sigma concepts to reduce waste, lower labor costs, and improve throughput across warehouse workflows.
  • Manage returns and reverse logistics: inspect returned items, determine disposition (restock, refurbish, scrap), process RMA paperwork, and update inventory systems accordingly.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements: enforce PPE use, hazardous materials handling protocols (HAZMAT/IATA if applicable), and OSHA regulations; conduct safety audits and incident reporting.
  • Support system data integrity and WMS configuration: maintain accurate master data (locations, SKUs, UoM), assist with WMS parameter adjustments, and validate system transactions to prevent inventory drift.
  • Train and mentor warehouse personnel: deliver on-the-job training for new hires on picking techniques, equipment operation, WMS usage, safety protocols, and quality standards.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams: partner with procurement, customer service, transportation, and quality assurance to resolve shipment issues, prioritize orders, and communicate inventory constraints.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate documentation: keep receiving logs, shipping records, inventory adjustment notes, and audit trails for compliance and financial reconciliation.
  • Conduct root cause analysis on operational problems: investigate recurring errors in picking, packing, or inventory, propose corrective actions, and track improvement through action plans.
  • Manage seasonal volume and peak demand operations: plan and execute staffing adjustments, temporary layout changes, and process scaling to maintain service levels during peak periods.
  • Support technology rollouts and handheld deployments: assist IT and operations in testing new WMS releases, RF scanner configurations, barcode label formats, and system integrations.
  • Oversee vendor and carrier coordination at the dock: schedule appointments, verify delivery paperwork, and ensure safe and efficient loading/unloading to minimize dwell time.
  • Enforce quality control standards at the point of activity: inspect product condition, verify proper labeling and packaging, and reject or quarantine nonconforming goods pending disposition.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant warehouse environment: implement 5S principles, ensure aisles and emergency exits are clear, and manage waste disposal and recycling programs.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with ad-hoc reporting requests and provide data to operations managers to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in warehouse layout optimization projects and pilot tests for new equipment or process changes.
  • Work with safety and HR teams to coordinate trainings, incident investigations, and corrective action plans.
  • Support customer service in answering inventory availability questions and expedite special order requests when necessary.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to align inventory, purchasing, and shipping priorities during promotions, recalls, or product launches.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Oracle WMS, Manhattan, SAP EWM, or similar; experience with RF scanning and barcode technology.
  • Strong inventory control and cycle counting techniques, including reconciliation and variance analysis.
  • Experience operating material handling equipment: forklift (sit-down, reach), pallet jack, conveyor systems; valid forklift certification preferred.
  • Practical knowledge of shipping documentation: bills of lading (BOL), commercial invoices, packing lists, manifests, and carrier systems (UPS, FedEx, DHL, LTL).
  • Familiarity with ERP integrations and basic inventory master data maintenance (SKUs, locations, units of measure).
  • Ability to use Microsoft Excel for reporting: pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, basic formulas, and data validation.
  • Understanding of Lean, 5S, or basic Six Sigma concepts applied to warehouse processes.
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety standards, HAZMAT handling, and PPE requirements; experience conducting safety audits and incident reporting.
  • Experience with return merchandise authorization (RMA) processes and reverse logistics workflows.
  • Capability to read and interpret packing lists, product specifications, and labeling requirements including GS1 barcodes and RFID basics.
  • Basic troubleshooting of hand-held scanners, label printers, and warehouse automation equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and obligation to accuracy in inventory and order fulfillment.
  • Excellent communication skills—able to coordinate with supervisors, warehouse staff, carriers, and cross-functional partners.
  • Problem-solving mindset with ability to conduct root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
  • Time management and prioritization under high-volume, deadline-driven conditions.
  • Team player who can train, mentor, and support colleagues while holding teams accountable to SOPs.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities, seasonal spikes, and process changes.
  • Proactive attitude toward safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

(Combined skill count: 15+ distinct hard/soft skills aligned with real warehouse job requirements.)

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Technology, or Operations Management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Industrial Engineering / Operations Management
  • Business Administration with Operations focus

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years in warehouse operations, shipping & receiving, inventory control, or related logistics roles.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years experience in a WMS-driven distribution center.
  • Proven experience with cycle counting, shipping documentation, and operation of forklifts and RF devices.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, forklift operator certification, Lean/5S training, or APICS/CPIM (beneficial).

Physical demands: ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, stand and walk for extended periods, work in refrigerated/ambient warehouse conditions, and occasionally work flexible hours to meet shipping windows or seasonal demand.

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