A material handler is responsible for receiving, distributing, and storing all products, with good organizational skills being imperative. They must have clear communication skills and good math and computer skills, and often require experience in related positions.
A material handler processes all goods received or shipped by a company. She is responsible for the physical receipt, distribution and storage of all products, from office supplies to raw materials, parts and tools. Your work can take place in a large or small company. Depending on the size of the company, she may work alone or as part of a team of material handlers.
Good organizational skills are typically imperative to the success of a materials handler. As goods are received from external sources, she is expected to record their receipt, place them in appropriate storage areas, or distribute them to the correct departments. Her authority usually allows her to sign the bills of lading, so it’s important that her review of the shipment is detailed and accurate.
If she is required to ship materials, the handler generally must follow an equally meticulous process. She usually reviews the accompanying documents for accuracy and confirms special shipping details and instructions. If problems arise regarding the destination of the goods or shipping methods require changes, it is customary to keep all parties involved informed of the changes.
As she typically interacts with all departments in the company, her communication skills are expected to be clear and concise. If a production manager requires expedited shipment of materials to keep manufacturing processes on schedule, the material handler is typically expected to ensure the order is given top priority. If there are problems with a contractor or supplier, the material handler is usually the person designated to resolve the issue.
Other departments that depend on the accuracy and efficiency of the material handler are accounting and inventory control. The accounting department relies on the material handler to efficiently validate and transfer invoices for payment. Inventory control personnel generally expect to be promptly notified of backorder items in order to advise the appropriate departments on necessary adjustments to work or delivery schedules.
In addition to being organized, a material handler is generally required to have good math and computer skills. Discretion and honesty are important as she is often asked to handle sensitive goods and materials. Generally, good writing skills are required to compile reports and summaries for management.
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. College courses or other formal training is preferred by some employers. However, most of these jobs are assigned to those with solid experience in related positions, irrespective of educational background.
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