Warehouse Associate

Job Summary

The Warehouse Associate / Team Lead is responsible for the inventory control, accuracy, and integrity of stocks within an assigned warehouse location. The role serves as the first line of supervision and internal control, ensuring compliance with inventory policies, serial number accuracy, FIFO rules, and documentation standards.

The Warehouse Associate / Team Lead supports inbound activities by preparing storage space based on packing lists and expected deliveries, and by physically inspecting inbound shipments for damaged or compromised corrugated packaging prior to storage. The role also verifies the correctness of all outbound transactions before release.

Reporting to the Warehouse Supervisor, the Warehouse Associate / Team Lead is accountable for location level inventory accuracy, loss prevention, fraud control, and process discipline, while leading warehouse staff assigned to the location.

Responsibilities

1. Inventory Control & Accountability

• Exercise strict inventory control over all stocks within the assigned location.

• Take full accountability for inventory accuracy, quantity, condition, and traceability.

• Control and validate internal stock movements, transfers, and adjustments.

• Ensure system inventory always matches physical stock.

• Escalate inventory discrepancies, risks, or control breaches immediately.

2. Daily Counts, Reconciliation & Variance Control

• Lead and validate daily inventory counts.

• Reconcile physical counts against system records.

• Investigate inventory variances and identify root causes.

• Implement and monitor corrective and preventive actions.

• Maintain inventory count and reconciliation reports.

3. Serial Number Accuracy & FIFO Enforcement

• Enforce proper serial number scanning, labeling, and documentation.

• Ensure 100% serial number accuracy and traceability.

• Ensure strict FIFO compliance at all times.

• Detect, investigate, and escalate serial discrepancies or FIFO violations.

4. Inbound Support & Physical Inspection

• Prepare and allocate storage space based on approved packing lists.

• Physically inspect inbound shipments for damaged or crushed corrugated packaging.

• Ensure damaged or questionable items are segregated and reported.

• Coordinate with Inbound teams to prevent mixing damaged and saleable stocks.

5. Outbound Transaction Verification

• Review and verify all outbound transactions for correctness of items, quantities, serial numbers, and documentation.

• Ensure outbound releases comply with approved documents and inventory controls.

• Confirm system transactions match physical inventory prior to release.

• Escalate outbound discrepancies or irregularities immediately.

6. Fraud Prevention, Quality & Compliance

• Act as a control point to prevent inventory losses, pilferage, and fraud

• Monitor for unusual or unauthorized inventory movements

• Enforce access controls, approval requirements, and SOP compliance

• Support investigations led by the Warehouse Supervisor

7. Team Leadership, Safety & Housekeeping

• Lead, guide, and assign tasks to warehouse staff

• Enforce SOPs, inventory controls, and discipline

• Coach staff on accuracy, FIFO, and serial handling

• Ensure safety compliance, PPE use, and housekeeping standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or vocational certification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field

• Proficient in warehouse management systems (WMS), SAP, or equivalent platforms

• Strong literacy and numeracy skills for inventory documentation and system transactions

• Familiarity with cycle counting, stock reconciliation, and warehouse SOPs

• 3–5 years of experience in warehouse operations, with at least 1–2 years in a team lead or inventory control role

• Proven track record in managing cycle counts, resolving discrepancies, and supporting inbound/outbound workflows

• Experience coordinating with warehouse staff, clerks, and cross-functional teams to maintain inventory integrity

• Exposure to audit preparation, process improvement, and system-based inventory reporting