Warehouse Associate

Job Summary

The Warehouse Associate is responsible for accurately selecting customer orders, inspecting products for quality and freshness, properly handling inventory, and preparing orders for shipment. This position works under the direction of the Operations Manager and is responsible for maintaining productivity, food safety, and warehouse safety standards while ensuring customer orders are completed accurately and efficiently.

Essential Job Functions

• The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:
• Accurately pull customer orders using an electric pallet jack or other approved warehouse equipment. 
• Inspect products for quality, freshness, proper packaging, and code dates while selecting orders. 
• Report damaged product, shortages, quality concerns, or inventory discrepancies to the Sales Department and Operations Manager promptly. 
• Build customer pallets according to company standards to ensure product stability and minimize damage during transportation. 
• Stage completed pallets in designated shipping locations for loading. 
• Shrink-wrap pallets securely for safe transportation. 
• Safely operate electric pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment in accordance with company policies and OSHA requirements. 
• Properly receive, store, rotate, and replenish inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory practices. 
• Assist with loading and unloading trucks as assigned. 
• Participate in inventory counts and warehouse organization. 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment at all times. 
• Follow all Food Safety, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and company sanitation procedures. 
• Follow all workplace safety policies and immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, or injuries. 
• Communicate shortages, damaged product, and customer order issues promptly to the appropriate departments. 
• Cross-train in other warehouse functions and assist where operational needs require. 
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Performance Expectations

To be successful in this role, the employee is expected to:

• Maintain a high level of order accuracy. 
• Meet established productivity and order selection goals. 
• Consistently inspect products to ensure customers receive high-quality merchandise. 
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and warehouse safety procedures without      exception. 
• Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout each shift. 
• Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance and punctuality. 
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, Sales, and Receiving personnel. 
• Operate warehouse equipment safely and responsibly. 
• Work efficiently in refrigerated, freezer, and ambient warehouse environments. 
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in multiple warehouse functions as business needs require.

Education and Training Requirements for this Position

• High School Diploma

Work Experience

• Previous warehouse, produce, grocery, food distribution, or food service warehouse experience preferred. 
• Experience operating an electric pallet jack is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to accurately select customer orders. 
• Basic math and counting skills. 
• Ability to read order sheets, labels, and product codes. 
• Strong attention to detail and product quality. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Good communication skills. 
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Knowledge of proper product rotation (FIFO) preferred. 
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation procedures. 
• Commitment to workplace safety.

Physical Requirements

The employee is regularly required to:

• Stand and walk for up to 8–12 hours per shift. 
• Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and reach. 
• Frequently push and pull loaded pallets using powered warehouse equipment. 
• Frequently lift, carry, and move products weighing up to 50 pounds independently. 
• Occasionally lift items weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance. 
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements throughout the workday. 
• Work in refrigerated, freezer, and ambient warehouse environments. 
• Maintain sufficient visual ability to inspect products, read labels, and operate warehouse equipment safely.