Warehouses represent the backbone of our global economy, and they come with an impressive list of jobs and duties. Whether you're looking to hire for new roles at your warehouse, improve the sucess of those roles, or you are looking to apply for a warehouse position for yourself, it's important to be familiar with the industry standard break-down of the different roles and functions on which warehouses rely.

In this post, we’ll take a look at 21 different types of warehouse positions and their specific duties so that you can get an idea about how each role fits into the broader function of a warehouse and how each role might use Extensiv tools on a daily basis.

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1. Warehouse Manager

warehouse postions

The warehouse manager is the leader of all the warehouse employees. They’re responsible for the safety, productivity, and efficiency of the whole operation. Their primary day-to-day duties include overseeing inventory control, managing employees, and working with buyers and sales personnel to ensure that orders are filled correctly.

Most importantly, a warehouse manager is responsible for identifying expensive warehouse costs and working on reducing them.

Warehouse Managers can utilize Extensiv Warehouse Manager for real-time inventory visibility and mobile optimization, enhancing efficiency across multiple warehouse locations.

Explore Extensiv’s warehouse management solutions

2. Lead Hand

The lead hand is another key position in the warehouse. They direct and supervise other workers, and they make sure all orders are filled correctly and timely to ensure smooth delivery of products. They also work closely with the warehouse manager to ensure that the company goals are met.

Lead Hands can leverage Extensiv's seamless integration capabilities to efficiently coordinate and oversee various warehouse activities.

3. Forklift Driver

fork lift driver

Forklift drivers are one of the warehouse positions that’s the lifeblood of an operation. They’re responsible for moving and managing inventory daily, ensuring that every piece of product is where it needs to be. Forklift drivers also take care of some maintenance tasks such as cleaning and grease removal.

Forklift Drivers benefit from the mobile-first approach of Extensiv Warehouse Manager, enabling efficient management of stock levels and warehouse tasks on-the-go.

4. Warehouse Specialist

Specialists are warehouse employees who have certain skills and perform specific tasks. Typically you will see positions for specialists in areas such as receiving, shipping, or damage control.

They don’t always require you to have a diploma or degree, but you should be aware that you will need some relevant experience to get hired.

Warehouse Specialists employ Extensiv's detailed tracking systems to maintain accurate stock levels and ensure efficient inventory management.

5. Clerk (Shipping and Receiving)

Clerks are tasked with handling the receipt and shipment of products. They act as a liaison between you, your warehouse, and the shipping company you use.

Their main job is to make sure that all products you order end up where you want them to be without any damage or loss along the way. Part of their duties also include optimizing warehouse space.

Clerks can utilize Extensiv Integration Manager to automate and streamline shipping and receiving processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

6. Loader/Unloader

unloader

A loader or unloader is responsible for moving items around the warehouse. The main difference between the two positions is that a loader usually puts the product on trucks, and unloaders take the product off.

Most loaders and unloaders also know how to drive a forklift. A loader will also be responsible for knowing how to work with a pallet jack and being aware of their surroundings at all times, so they don’t accidentally cause injury to themselves, others, or damage products in transit.

Loaders/Unloaders engage with Extensiv's cloud-based platforms for efficient management of loading and unloading tasks, improving overall workflow.

7. Stocker

A stocker is one of the warehouse positions with a focus on the warehouse’s shelves, ensuring they stay stocked and organized. Their primary duties include restocking items that have been sold or damaged so they don’t go out of stock (in retail, this is called shelf replenishment). If you like math and problem solving, then a career as a stocker may be right for you.

Stockers take advantage of Extensiv Warehouse Manager's mobile optimization to manage and organize inventory effectively in real-time.

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8. Order Selector

Order selectors are warehouse employees tasked with selecting products to fulfill customer orders before they go out for shipping. Order selectors act in conjunction with warehouse managers to make sure that every order meets quality control standards.

They will also keep track of all inventory levels and alert management if anything needs to be reordered or replaced due to damage at their earliest convenience.

Order Selectors use Extensiv Order Manager to efficiently manage and route orders, ensuring accurate and timely order fulfillment.

9. Receiving Associate

Receiving warehouse employees receive inventory as it’s moved in and out of the warehouse. They ensure that all paperwork, documentation, and taxes are taken care of before a product comes into the warehouse.

Their duties may also include setting up shipping routes for the warehouse and ensuring all freight is accounted for.

Receiving Associates rely on Extensiv Warehouse Manager's integrated validation process for precise handling of inbound shipments.

10. Package Handler

Package handlers fulfill warehouse orders by packaging and labeling shipments as they move them to their final destination. Most package handlers don’t need any previous warehouse experience.

Still, employers prefer that you be at least 18 years of age because this is one of the warehouse positions that can work with forklifts, trucks, and other heavy machinery during regular business hours.

Package Handlers benefit from Extensiv's automated systems for efficient handling and tracking of packages throughout the fulfillment process.

11. Inspector

Warehouse inspectors are employees whose job is to inspect products before they leave the warehouse. In addition, they make sure that employees follow all policies and procedures.

Inspectors ensure items have an accurate barcode or label on them and that warehouse personnel follow safety standards. They also ensure that shipped products match their paperwork and any damaged goods undergo damage control.

Inspectors utilize Extensiv’s robust tracking and validation features to ensure quality and accuracy in inventory management.

12. Inventory Clerk

inventory clerk

An inventory warehouse employee is responsible for keeping track of inventory. They do this using warehouse management software to keep information and organize it to make sense.

An inventory warehouse employee can be someone with previous warehouse experience or who completed an associate’s degree program in a relevant field.

While most inventory clerks use tracking software to manage the inventory, they still have to know about all the different types of inventory tracking methods. They should understand the advantages and disadvantages of each one and be able to figure out which type is best for their specific needs.

Inventory Clerks leverage Extensiv's real-time inventory tracking and management capabilities for accurate inventory control.

13. Material Handler

A material handler is one of the warehouse positions that makes sure warehouse infrastructure is working correctly. This includes forklifts, shelving systems, lighting, and more. Their duties include checking all equipment to make sure it continues to operate at optimum levels.

They also ensure employees follow warehouse safety standards so no workers get hurt while performing their daily tasks. Material handlers also make minor repairs when needed and inform warehouse management of any significant or potentially dangerous problems they find.

Material Handlers employ Extensiv’s mobile-optimized solutions for efficient management of materials within the warehouse.

14. Order Picker

Order pickers fulfill warehouse orders by selecting products to ship from the shelves. They’ll use a warehouse management system and customer information to ensure that customers get their products on time and in good condition.

An order picker won’t necessarily need extensive experience, but most employers prefer employees with at least a basic level of warehouse experience.

Order Pickers use Extensiv Order Manager’s automation features for efficient picking processes, minimizing errors and enhancing productivity.

15. Delivery Driver

delivery driver

In the world of blue-collar jobs in transportation, the driver is responsible for delivering warehouse inventory to its final destination. This employee drives a delivery truck and usually works in conjunction with personnel at the receiving or shipping warehouse when it comes time to load all of your products onto their vehicle.

Warehouse delivery drivers will also ensure that documentation is correct and necessary taxes, fees, and paperwork are taken care of before moving anything out of the warehouse.

Delivery Drivers integrate with Extensiv’s systems for streamlined order tracking and efficient route management.

16. Assembly Laborer

The warehouse assembly laborer performs work that requires little to no warehouse experience. This may include cleaning, stocking warehouse shelves, and other warehouse maintenance tasks.

Warehouse personnel with more experience may be called upon to help fulfill orders in a pinch if they cannot find any qualified employees with experience.

Assembly Laborers benefit from Extensiv’s solutions for efficient organization and management of assembly tasks within the warehouse.

17. Marketer

Marketers are warehouse employees responsible for making personnel aware of sales, coupon offers, promotions, and news. In addition, they help inform workers about unique products or work schedules.

Sometimes the marketing department will include additional departments such as graphic design, public relations, or social media/web departments to help with different tasks in this arena. Utilizing graphic design tools is crucial for creating visually compelling content that resonates with the target audience.

Marketers utilize insights from Extensiv’s platforms to strategize and optimize marketing efforts for warehouse services.

18. Packaging Specialist

The packaging specialist is one of the many warehouse positions that may handle items directly. Packaging specialists are responsible for packing products that need to be shipped out.

They’ll use shipping boxes, shrink wrap, or packing tape to ensure products don’t get damaged during shipment.

Warehouse employees with more experience may require training on how to properly pack and label all items in a manner that ensures customers receive their goods in good condition.

Packaging Specialists leverage Extensiv's advanced tools for efficient packaging and shipment preparation.

19. Warehouse Management System Analyst

warehouse management system

The warehouse management system analyst is responsible for knowing how to use a warehouse management system correctly. This employee will also be responsible for overseeing all orders in conjunction with order pickers and other department managers, especially when it comes time to ship out products.

Warehouse employees who have an associate’s degree or equivalent amount of previous experience may not require much background information in this area.

Still, employers will usually prefer someone with a technical degree related to warehouses, such as computer science or mathematics.

Warehouse Management System Analysts are able to analyze and optimizes warehouse operations using the data and insights provided by Extensiv’s comprehensive suite of tools.

20. Warehouse Safety Supervisor (OSHA)

The warehouse safety supervisor will oversee the safety of all employees, even if it means they run a more hands-on approach than other supervisors.

This may include reporting any dangerous situations or instances where employees should wear personal physical protection equipment (PPE) and following up with warehouse personnel to ensure they use the PPE properly.

Warehouse Safety Supervisors can utilize Extensiv’s platforms to ensure compliance with safety standards and efficient management of safety protocols.

21. Warehouse Security Supervisor

The security supervisor oversees the security of all warehouse assets and ensures that employees are aware of any potential aspects of crime in their work area. In addition, they monitor various transactions by scanning ID badges for customers and employees.

The security supervisor will also be responsible for setting up and running criminal background checks on employees before hiring them. People who want to become warehouse security supervisors usually need an associate’s degree in business administration or criminal justice.

Warehouse Security Supervisors can integrate with Extensiv’s solutions to oversee and enhance warehouse security measures effectively.

Whether you’re working in a warehouse management position or trying to jump into the warehousing world, you’d love our blog. We offer lots of tips and tricks for improving your warehouse efficiency.

At Extensiv Warehouse Manager we also regularly offer job opportunities for those who appreciate and enjoy supporting warehouse staff. You can see our job openings here.

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