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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouseman

💰 $28,000 - $50,000

WarehouseLogisticsSupply ChainOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouseman (also referred to as Warehouse Associate, Warehouse Operative or Shipping & Receiving Clerk) is responsible for efficient, safe, and accurate handling of incoming and outgoing inventory, physical order fulfillment, and maintaining warehouse organization. The role requires hands-on execution of shipping, receiving, picking, packing, staging and storage tasks; consistent use of warehouse management systems (WMS), RF scanning devices and material handling equipment; strict adherence to safety and quality standards (OSHA, PPE, FIFO/FEFO); and collaboration with supervisors, drivers, and cross-functional teams (logistics, procurement, customer service) to meet productivity and service-level targets.

Keywords: Warehouseman, warehouse associate, shipping and receiving, inventory control, forklift operator, WMS, order fulfillment, logistics, supply chain, OSHA compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Material Handler / Picker-Packer
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Logistics Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouseman / Lead Associate
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift Operator / Reach Truck Operator
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Shipping Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive, inspect, verify and record incoming shipments for accuracy against purchase orders and manifests; document shortages, damages and discrepancies and escalate to supervisors and procurement as needed.
  • Unload and load trailers and freight using forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks and conveyor systems while ensuring safe load handling and proper weight distribution for transport.
  • Pick and pack customer and internal orders accurately and efficiently using pick lists, RF scanners, barcode systems and warehouse management systems (WMS), meeting daily productivity and accuracy KPIs.
  • Stage, palletize and prepare shipments for carrier pickup, including labeling, shrink-wrapping, securing loads, weighing pallets and completing bills of lading and shipping documentation.
  • Operate powered industrial trucks (forklift, reach truck, pallet jack) in accordance with site policies and current certification requirements; perform pre-shift equipment inspections and report maintenance issues.
  • Conduct cycle counts, periodic inventory audits and full physical inventory events; reconcile discrepancies, update inventory records in WMS and support month-end inventory close processes.
  • Process returns (RMA), inspect returned goods, record disposition (restock, repair, scrap), and coordinate with quality control and customer service for resolution.
  • Follow established storage procedures (FIFO, FEFO, batch/lot control) to minimize product obsolescence, spoilage and stock rotation errors in ambient, refrigerated or frozen storage areas.
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in warehouse systems; enter transactions for receipts, transfers, adjustments, picks and shipments and assist with ERP/WMS data integrity initiatives.
  • Prepare and inspect packaging to meet carrier and customer requirements; ensure correct labeling for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and follow DOT/IATA rules where applicable.
  • Load outbound shipments onto carrier trucks and containers, verify carrier paperwork, obtain signatures and coordinate with transportation providers to ensure on-time pickups.
  • Monitor and maintain warehouse housekeeping, aisle clearance, signage and storage compliance to meet safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify and report damaged or non-conforming inventory to supervisors and coordinate segregation, quarantine and disposition according to company procedures.
  • Assist with inbound receiving processes including unloading, cross-docking, put-away, and reconciliation of packing lists to purchase orders to minimize receiving delays.
  • Use handheld devices, barcode scanners and mobile computers to process transactions; troubleshoot basic device issues and escalate technical faults to IT or supervisors.
  • Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives by suggesting process efficiencies, participating in Kaizen events and implementing standard work improvements.
  • Perform basic maintenance, cleaning and minor repairs on warehouse equipment and tools; maintain logs and coordinate with maintenance for larger repairs or service.
  • Comply with all OSHA, company and site-specific health, safety and environmental protocols, participating in safety training, incident reporting and corrective action plans.
  • Meet established performance metrics for productivity, accuracy, throughput and on-time shipping while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
  • Train, coach and mentor new hires and temporary staff on safe material handling, warehouse procedures, equipment operation and quality expectations as directed by supervisors.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with cycle count planning, inventory reconciliation and audit support for internal and external auditors.
  • Coordinate with procurement and receiving to expedite urgent inbound shipments and prioritize put-away for high-turn items.
  • Support packaging engineering and quality teams by providing feedback on packaging performance, damage trends and handling issues.
  • Maintain accurate equipment and maintenance logs for forklifts, scales and conveyor systems; schedule service with maintenance as required.
  • Help prepare documentation and packaging for international shipments, including customs paperwork and export declarations when applicable.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to improve on-time delivery, reduce freight claims and optimize warehouse layout and slotting.
  • Aid the returns processing team in disposition decision-making and updating return codes in the WMS.
  • Support seasonal surges and special projects (e.g., facility moves, inventory cleanups, product recalls) and coordinate temporary labor resources.
  • Perform light administrative duties such as filing shipping documents, scanning invoices, and updating tracking information in the order management system.
  • Enforce site security and loss prevention measures by monitoring access, checking incoming/outgoing goods and reporting suspicious activity.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Certified forklift operation (sit-down, reach truck, counterbalance) and experience with powered industrial trucks.
  • Proficiency using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and handheld RF barcode scanners (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder/JDA, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS).
  • Shipping and receiving knowledge, including preparation of bills of lading, packing lists, manifests and carrier paperwork.
  • Inventory control skills: cycle counting, reconciliations, stock transfers, adjustments and root-cause analysis for variances.
  • Order picking and packing expertise, including use of pick-to-light, voice picking or RF-directed pick systems.
  • Familiarity with palletizing, stretch-wrapping, strapping and load securement best practices.
  • Basic understanding of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) labeling, storage and shipping regulations (DOT/IATA) where relevant.
  • Basic computer literacy (Windows), Microsoft Excel for basic data entry and inventory spreadsheets, and email/communications tools.
  • Experience with material handling equipment: pallet jacks, hand trucks, conveyors, scales and basic packaging machines.
  • Knowledge of refrigeration and temperature-controlled storage procedures for perishable goods (where applicable).
  • Ability to read and interpret packing lists, purchase orders, invoices and shipping labels accurately.
  • Experience completing shipping documentation for domestic and international freight (customs paperwork, export packing lists) a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling inventory and completing documentation.
  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
  • Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy loads, stand, bend and move for extended periods safely.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordination with supervisors, carriers and internal teams.
  • Team player mentality with the ability to work collaboratively across shifts and departments.
  • Problem-solving mindset to identify root causes of inventory or shipment issues and propose corrective actions.
  • Dependability, punctuality and strong work ethic to meet daily operation requirements and shift schedules.
  • Safety-first attitude, proactive about identifying hazards and enforcing PPE and safety procedures.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal peaks and urgent shipping demands.
  • Customer-service orientation when interacting with drivers, vendors and internal customers to ensure a positive experience.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training, certificate in logistics, warehousing, or supply chain fundamentals.
  • Forklift/industrial truck operator certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Warehouse Operations / Industrial Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Transportation & Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–5 years (entry-level to experienced associate)

Preferred:

  • 1–3+ years experience in a distribution center, warehouse or manufacturing shipping/receiving environment.
  • Demonstrated experience with WMS, RF scanning and operating forklifts.
  • History of meeting productivity and accuracy KPIs and working in teams focused on inventory integrity and on-time shipments.
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