- Ensure orderly production and distribution of products by efficiently managing inventory flow and staging finished products for shipment
- Maintain accurate inventory records and contribute to the organized operation of stock and materials storage areas
- Support timely fulfillment and delivery of customer orders by locating, pulling, and preparing materials according to specifications
- Facilitate smooth warehouse operations by keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards
- Contribute to workplace safety by adhering to all safety regulations and maintaining material-handling equipment in optimal condition
- Enhance operational efficiency through effective collaboration with inventory control, purchasing, and production teams
Objectives
Responsibilities
- Load and unload inventory from delivery trucks, loading docks, storage areas, and production areas using appropriate equipment
- Verify that all incoming deliveries match company purchase orders in terms of quantity, quality, and specifications
- Store cargo in assigned locations using cargo boards, pallets, and proper labeling systems
- Maintain inventory by identifying, cataloging, and recording the location of materials and supplies while reporting shortages
- Locate and pull materials and supplies by verifying items listed on production orders and pick sheets
- Deliver and open materials and supplies to work centers to maintain in-process inventory levels
- Prepare finished stock for shipment by identifying, pulling, packing, crating, loading, and securing products
- Document materials handled by recording units delivered, units shipped, and location of inventory
- Receive and process credit-return materials and supplies from production by verifying codes, lot numbers, and quantities
- Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items throughout the facility
- Maintain material-handling equipment by completing pre-use inspections and performing operator repairs
- Keep inventory areas, loading docks, and machinery clean and organized
- Open containers, sort, and catalog materials for proper storage and easy access
- Track supply levels and submit purchasing recommendations regularly to inventory control teams
- Contact vendors for pick-ups or returns as needed
- Collaborate with internal departments to resolve issues related to missing packages, incorrect deliveries, and damaged products
- Record daily units handled and moved using production sheets and data entry systems
- Analyze pick sheets based on customer orders and pull appropriate products for each order
Required Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Ability to lift heavy materials ranging from 50 to 100 pounds without assistance
- Excellent physical fitness with the ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and stretch for extended periods
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to read and analyze information for accurate data entry and inventory tracking
- Basic computer skills including proficiency in MS Office, Excel, and Word
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Valid driver's license and safe driving record
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to adhere to workplace safety regulations and protocols
- Availability to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and public holidays as needed
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- 1-5 years of experience in a warehouse setting or material handling role
- Previous stock or inventory management experience
- Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, or other powered industrial trucks
- Current and valid OSHA forklift operation certificate
- Knowledge of inventory control systems and warehouse management software
- Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems
- Experience with data entry and inventory tracking software
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Problem-solving skills and process improvement mindset
- Excellent time management skills with ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines
- Ability to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously
- Basic mathematical skills for accurate inventory calculations
- Knowledge of Good Distribution Practices (GDPs) and regulatory compliance
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What Does a Material Handler Do?
A material handler loads, unloads, moves, and organizes materials and products within warehouses and manufacturing facilities to ensure efficient production and distribution. This role is essential for maintaining the flow of goods throughout the supply chain, from receiving raw materials to shipping finished products to customers.
Material handlers work across various departments within an organization, collaborating with inventory control teams, purchasing groups, production staff, and shipping coordinators. They ensure that manufacturing teams have access to necessary raw materials, help fulfill customer orders accurately and on time, and maintain organized storage areas that facilitate smooth warehouse operations.
Material handlers need physical stamina and strength to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods. They also require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with inventory management systems and material-handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Material Handler?
The responsibilities of a material handler are receiving and verifying incoming shipments, storing materials in designated locations, and preparing products for distribution.
Material handler duties include operating forklifts and pallet jacks to move inventory throughout the facility, maintaining accurate records of stock levels and locations, and pulling materials based on production orders and customer requests. They also inspect materials for quality and completeness, document all transactions, and keep work areas clean and organized.
These responsibilities directly connect to the importance of asking relevant interview questions that assess candidates' physical capabilities, organizational skills, safety awareness, and ability to work effectively in fast-paced warehouse environments, helping companies identify and hire the best material handlers for their operations.
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