“Warehouse job” is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of positions within a warehouse. In this post, we talk about 10 of the most common warehouse jobs and the responsibilities of each.
10 Common Warehouse Jobs and Their Responsibilities
As you can see from the list below, a warehouse is a complex operation with many moving parts. Every role is important and must be performed with accuracy in order to ensure the success and effectiveness of a warehouse.
1. Receiver
The receiver (also known as receiving clerk) is the person in charge of handling the receiving of items in a warehouse. The responsibilities of a receiver include:
- Receive shipments
- Verify the delivery of goods against warehouse records
- Inspect goods for damage
- Unload items
- File paperwork for shipments received
2. Stocker
Stockers move large quantities of goods from one place to another within the warehouse. Some of the main responsibilities of a stocker include the following:
- Ensure that shelves are properly stocked
- Monitor inventory levels
- Lift boxes and other heavy items
- Label and package items for shelving
- Load and unload material
3. Loader/Unloader
As the name suggests, the main duty of a warehouse loader/unloader is to help load and unload freight to and from cargo vehicles such as trucks, vans, and trains. Their responsibilities also include:
- Lift heavy items for long periods of time
- Use a forklift to move large items
- Inspect items
- Check freight paperwork and keep records
- General janitorial tasks
4. Material Handler
Material handlers, also called warehouse associates, locate items on the shelves and make sure they are appropriately placed in cargo vehicles. The main duties of a material handler usually include:
- Package items
- Document orders
- Assist in product inventory
- Lift heavy items
- Operate a forklift when necessary
5. Receiving Associate
When goods arrive at a warehouse, they are processed and sorted by a receiving associate. These are some of the responsibilities of a receiving associate:
- Sign for shipments
- Process incoming items
- Process returns
- Unload items
- Lift heavy objects
6. General Laborer
A general laborer performs a wide array of basic duties, fulfilling an indispensable role in the fast-paced environment of a warehouse. Their responsibilities often include:
- Restock shelves
- Accept products
- Load and unload goods
- Assist in product inventory
- General janitorial duties
7. Warehouse Clerk
A warehouse clerk is the warehouse worker in charge of processing outgoing orders and ensuring that they are packed according to requirements. Here’s a quick list of the main responsibilities of a warehouse clerk:
- Pack products
- Ensure that items are in good condition
- Returning damaged items
- Keep records and file paperwork
- Keep the warehouse area organized
8. Forklift Operator
In a warehouse, it’s often necessary to move large quantities of items or items that are particularly large or heavy. That’s where forklift operators come into play. In addition to operating a forklift, the responsibilities of a forklift operator include tasks such as:
- Move items to pallets
- Move goods around the warehouse
- Identify and report damage to merchandise
- Inspect machinery
- Follow security standards
9. Inventory Control Manager
An inventory control manager keeps track of a warehouse’s inventory and resolves any discrepancies. Here are some of the main responsibilities of inventory control managers:
- Execute inventory analysis
- Locate items that have been placed in incorrect locations
- Perform and monitor product inventory counts
- Prepare inventory documentation
- Train warehouse staff
10. Warehouse Supervisor
Warehouse supervisors monitor and evaluate the work of other warehouse workers. A warehouse supervisor is responsible for a wide array of duties, which include:
- Maintain and oversee inventory
- Report the effectiveness of the warehouse
- Make sure that items are ordered in a timely manner
- Ensure customer satisfaction
- Train warehouse employees
To learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a warehouse supervisor, check out our previous blog “How To Become a Warehouse Supervisor.”
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