DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE JOB DESCRIPTION

A Distribution Associate moves product reliably from receiving dock to outbound trailer. The role owns the physical handling layer of a warehouse operation: unloading inbound freight, maintaining accurate inventory counts, picking and packing orders to specification, and loading outbound shipments for retail or commercial customers. Powered Industrial Equipment certification and demonstrated cycle count accuracy are standard expectations. Few warehouse functions expose inventory error more directly than daily pick-and-verify work.

As the Distribution Associate, you execute the inbound, storage, and outbound product flow that keeps warehouse throughput commitments on schedule and inventory records current. You operate within a warehouse team under direct supervisor or manager oversight, supporting order accuracy and physical inventory integrity across all assigned shift activities.

Career Impact: Gaining Powered Industrial Equipment certification and WMS proficiency in this role builds the operational credentials that warehouse leads and logistics coordinators are consistently promoted from.

Business Impact: When pick accuracy and same-day order fulfillment rates hold, retail and commercial customers receive correct shipments on time - errors in this seat surface immediately in customer order data.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to cycle count reconciliation, multi-carrier manifest processing, and PIT-certified equipment operation expands your scope toward inventory control and distribution supervisor roles.

• Pick and verify orders using warehouse management system processes, confirming quantities and lot accuracy before pack-out.
• Load and unload trucks and freight containers, applying safe manual handling techniques throughout each shift.
• Stock received inventory to designated locations and maintain organized storage areas within assigned zones.
• Execute cycle counts and physical inventory audits to identify and reconcile discrepancies in on-hand quantities.
• Pack and process outbound orders for domestic shipment, ensuring product condition and labeling meet delivery requirements.
• Operate Powered Industrial Equipment including forklifts and pallet jacks in compliance with certification requirements and facility safety rules.
• Complete all required shipping documentation and transaction records for each movement of material through the facility.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area across dock, storage, and staging zones in line with housekeeping standards.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• 1 or more years of warehouse, shipping and receiving, or distribution experience, with demonstrated physical inventory handling.
• Forklift or Powered Industrial Equipment certification, or willingness to complete certification within the introductory period.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds repeatedly and to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for full shift duration.
• Working knowledge of warehouse management system processes including order picking, receiving confirmation, and inventory scanning.
• Strong attention to detail in counting, labeling, and order verification tasks to minimize misfills and shipment errors.
• Reliable attendance record and ability to work flexible schedules including overtime when operationally required.
• Valid driver's license and current authorization to work in the United States.

• Prior experience operating electric order pickers, turret trucks, or walkie-rider equipment in a high-volume fulfillment environment.
• Familiarity with multi-carrier outbound shipping processes including domestic manifest systems and basic shipping documentation.
• Demonstrated experience completing cycle count programs and reconciling variance reports under supervisor direction.
• Basic computer proficiency sufficient to navigate order management screens, enter transaction data, and generate standard reports.

• Pick accuracy rate, reflecting the percentage of orders verified correct before leaving the pack-out station.
• Cycle count variance percentage, measuring how closely physical counts align with system inventory records per audit cycle.
• Order fulfillment cycle time, tracking average hours from pick initiation to confirmed outbound scan.
• Equipment certification compliance rate, confirming all PIT operation occurs within current certification and inspection status.
• Shift documentation completion rate, reflecting whether all material movement transactions are recorded before end of shift.
• Typical tools: warehouse management systems (commonly WMS with RF handheld scanning); inventory tracking and order processing platforms (commonly PC-based manifest systems).

• Base Salary Range: $17–$22 per hour, depending on experience and location.
• Bonus: Shift differential and attendance bonuses common in this sector.
• Equity: Not typical at this level.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; eligibility typically begins after 30 to 90 days.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Safety boot allowance, uniform provision, overtime availability, and internal promotion pathways.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment for this position. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request throughout the hiring process and in the workplace. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to their start date.

The Distribution Associate at Aesculap owns the end-to-end processing of medical device products, including etching, packaging, labeling, and domestic and international shipment preparation within a B. Braun healthcare manufacturing environment. Collaborating with multiple business units and Global Partners, this role delivers accurate, compliant product distribution that directly supports patient care quality across surgery and closure technology lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute all required process steps consistently, interpret applicable work instructions and SOPs, and provide periodic project updates to project owners.
• Demonstrate competency in warehouse and inventory management systems, document control software, and other applications.
• Follow procedures for control and distribution of finished devices, process LPO and OEM projects throughout the month, and etch, package, and label medical device products as required.
• Perform picking, shipping confirmation, and auditing of shipments for accuracy and distribution to internal and external customers.
• Prepare domestic and international shipments, arrange transportation, and generate customs invoices and certificates of conformance when applicable.
• Pull, pack, and process daily orders through multi-carrier manifest system, perform cycle counting, and reconcile operational problems.
• Operate forklifts and soft material handling equipment, utilize laser and chemical etching equipment, identify and initiate NCMRs, and assist with ATS Custom Modification Projects.
• Collaborate with multiple business units to meet daily business needs and comply with all GMP, ISO, and FDA regulations.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree in a technical field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of related work experience, preferably in the medical device industry, and minimum 1–2 years with UPS/FedEx manifest systems; LEAN Manufacturing experience a plus.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and applicable ISO and FDA regulations.
• Strong PC skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and PC-based warehouse management automated systems.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports, speak effectively before groups, and apply mathematical and reasoning skills.

Embedded within a warehouse operations team, the Distribution Associate delivers a combination of manual and automated tasks covering receipt, storage, and shipment of product across receiving, picking, packing, and staging functions. Working closely with Supervisors and Managers, this role builds inventory accuracy and operational throughput by maintaining certified equipment operation and Warehouse Management System proficiency.

Core Functions

• Pack and pull orders using Radio Frequency (RF) handheld terminals.
• Load and unload trucks and containers.
• Stock inventory using RF handheld terminals and process orders on Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Receive orders and finished goods on WMS with Radio Frequency terminals.
• Maintain an organized work area and become certified on Powered Industrial Equipment including forklifts, walkies, and turret trucks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or Manager.
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Required Qualifications

• Forklift Certification and Experience preferred; valid driver's license required.
• Warehouse Management System and RF handheld scanning experience required.
• Practical PC experience required.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, think innovatively, work independently and in a team environment, and commit to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Dependable with good attendance and ability to work flexible schedules including mandatory overtime.
• Must be able to communicate in English.
• Must be able to lift/pull 50 pounds; frequent lifting, standing, bending, and walking 8+ hours daily on concrete floor; reasonable accommodations made for individuals with disabilities.

Reporting to hospital supply chain leadership, the Distribution Associate shapes the flow of materials across Hackensack Meridian Health by retrieving dock deliveries, stocking assigned areas, and ensuring same-day order fulfillment within one of New Jersey's largest healthcare systems. Partnering with hospital personnel across departments, this role enables uninterrupted patient care by maintaining accurate, timely, and regulation-compliant supply distribution.

Primary Duties

• Retrieve products from the loading dock and deliver and stock them in each assigned area.
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment and ensure shelves, bins, and dock areas are orderly.
• Verify and sign for incoming supplies and record receipts appropriately.
• Ensure outgoing packages are securely packaged in compliance with all shipping requirements.
• Fill supply requests, input issues, and deliver orders to proper departments the same day received.
• Rotate inventory appropriately in all par-replenished areas and notify EVS when floor cleaning is needed.
• Communicate and interface with hospital personnel and others in a courteous and friendly manner.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Ability to operate electric jack and/or forklift desired.
• Two years of experience in a hospital setting desired; hospital distribution/warehouse experience a plus.
• Computer skills required including MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Lawson experience preferred.

Sitting at the intersection of warehouse operations and retail logistics, the Distribution Associate leads the timely unloading, storing, case picking, and trailer loading of finished goods destined for various retail customers. Operating across lift truck functions and inventory scanning systems, this role ensures product accuracy and on-time outbound shipment performance.

Duties

• Use lift truck to properly identify and unload finished product off trailers.
• Use lift truck to properly identify and store finished product in required stocking locations.
• Use lift truck to retrieve, stage, and load finished product onto proper trailers.
• Perform Case Pick actions by retrieving and separating single boxes to complete specific customer requests.
• Ensure inventory accuracy by scanning product into PKMS during all unloading, storing, retrieving, and loading activities.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must successfully complete PIT training.
• Minimum 12 months of related work experience required.
• Must be proficient in all safety and housekeeping requirements.
• Must be able to multi-task and self-start.
• Must be motivated for continuous change and improvement.

A key member of the warehousing team, the Distribution Associate shapes the assembly, packaging, shipping, and receiving of products for domestic and international markets within a growing ISO 13485-certified life sciences and biotech environment. Collaborating across the organization under supervisor guidance, this role enables compliant, accurate product distribution that supports human healthcare and life sciences research outcomes.

Functions

• Fill, assemble, and package products, and receive, inspect, and process incoming materials following SOPs and written instructions that meet company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Print batch history records from quality management software and assign lot numbers in Microsoft Access database.
• Ensure production supplies and inventory are properly labeled and stored, and accurately print and apply labels to packaging materials manually and with automated equipment.
• Process domestic and international shipments following supervisor's guidance, including potential handling of dangerous goods.
• Participate in physical inventory activities such as routine cycle counts to maintain inventory integrity.
• Follow ISO 13485 quality management system requirements and the terms of a quality contract diligently.
• Support distribution activities and perform other duties as assigned by management.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma with 1+ years of warehousing experience in manufacturing, biotech, or medical device, or equivalent education and experience.
• Working knowledge of dangerous goods handling and ISO 13485 quality management systems; demonstrated experience with dangerous goods handling preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and experience with FedEx and UPS shipping systems.
• Strong commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and results-oriented performance.
• Must be highly accurate, detail-oriented, reliable, productive in a team environment, and demonstrate good professional judgment and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Distribution Associate delivers order picking, cutting, packaging, and outbound shipment loading for a cable and wire operation, ensuring each product is correctly identified, staged, and marked to Draka's quality standards before reaching the customer. The work directly supports shipment accuracy and customer satisfaction by requiring above-average forklift operation, precise cutting to specification, and strict adherence to quality assurance procedures.

Key Deliverables

• Pick, respool, cut, stage, package, label, weigh, and ship customer orders according to customer and Draka specifications.
• Address customer orders and load onto specified carriers, maximizing capacity and ensuring proper weight distribution.
• Identify quality problems through knowledge of all plant processes and purchased parts applications.
• Assist in eliminating inventory inaccuracies.
• Perform housekeeping duties including proper storage of finished goods and keeping dock and reel storage areas clean and organized.

Technical Qualifications

• Understanding of standard operating procedures, quality assurance instructions, and all plant processes and purchased parts applications required.
• Above average forklift driving skills and skill in operating cutstands required; precision required in cutting exact desired lengths and dexterity required in packaging electrical hardware.
• Basic computer skills required to research inventory quantities.
• Good physical condition required; ability to lift 25 to 100 pounds with physical endurance on heavy ship days.
• Initiative required to ensure quality packaging and marking representative of Draka's high standards.

As the Distribution Associate I, this role shapes domestic order picking, cart building, and hazardous material handling using Voice WMS and GMP-compliant procedures within a structured warehouse shipping operation. The shipping department relies on this work to maintain inventory integrity, meet KPI targets across safety, quality, delivery, and productivity, and ensure all outbound shipments are accurately processed and documented.

Job Functions

• Pick domestic orders and build carts using Voice WMS; pull production work order materials from shelves, boxes, and bins.
• Perform Kanban Audits and understand DBS Tools and departmental KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity).
• Stock warehouse shelves and pull all domestic shipments.
• Complete paperwork transactions for all material movement and verify quantities on hand.
• Follow all standard operating procedures and job instructions in the shipping GMP Manual.
• Prepare distribution paperwork by recording quantity and lot number shipped on work orders.
• Pull orders from inventory, palletize, and shrink-wrap or stage cases for shipment.
• Read and apply procedures from materials data safety sheets and ensure proper handling of all hazardous/raw materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• HS Diploma/GED with 1 year of related work experience in shipping/receiving, distribution, or logistics; or 2 years of related experience; or 4 years of general work experience.
• Ability to use a pallet jack or dolly and basic knowledge of weight scales, measurements, and mathematical skills.
• Preferred proficiency in Oracle and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn and utilize computer for standard applications.
• Strong communication skills in English (reading, writing, and verbal); interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficient time management and sense of urgency; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions from area Lead/supervisor.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out written or oral instructions and deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods as required by work schedule.

Distribution Associate II manages order verification, pack-out processing, and safe forklift operation within a warehouse fulfillment environment, applying structured training certifications including GEN0202, GEN0203, and GEN0204 to maintain shipment accuracy. The work directly supports warehouse throughput and order integrity by ensuring compliant pick, verify, and pack workflows are completed to standard across all assigned shifts.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Follow safety and manual handling guidelines and safely operate electric forklifts, order pickers, and related equipment.
• Pick and verify orders per Picking Training GEN0202 and perform final verification at pack out per Address Verifier Training GEN0203.
• Verify and label orders at pack out; verify, pack, and process per Order Verification Training GEN0204.
• Restock shipping and warehouse supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Background & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ years of warehouse and forklift experience required.
• Must be detail-oriented, well organized, and able to work with little or no supervision.
• Working computer knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer.
• Self-motivated with ability to work effectively under pressure and read, write, perform basic math, and speak clear English.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds; occasional requirement to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or work in a cold environment such as a walk-in refrigerator/freezer.

Accurate inventory control and on-time order fulfillment depend on the Distribution Associate, who delivers stock management, shipment auditing, and order packaging across the full distribution cycle while working closely with Managers to meet supply, quality, and delivery requirements. Based within a regulated distribution environment, this role strengthens organizational efficiency by maintaining compliant inventory records and supporting internal and external audit activities.

Accountabilities

• Work closely with Managers to help meet supply needs, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Inspect shipments for accuracy and completeness; receive and unpack items as necessary.
• Provide information on items in stock, location, quantities, and inventory movement upon request.
• Record, count, and stock items including full and cycle counts; maintain spreadsheets and systems for all non-production inventory transactions.
• Pull and pack orders for distribution and manage QA of order picking.
• Process order returns and wasted product; assist with internal and external inventory and packaged goods audits.
• Fulfill all duties related to packaging finished stock and preparing orders for delivery per established regulations and labeling requirements.
• Comply with all applicable rules and regulations and work collectively and respectfully with team members.

Experience & Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in inventory control and distribution required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel.
• Detail-oriented analytical thinker with ability to work independently, manage time efficiently, and perform repetitive tasks accurately.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, sit, stand, kneel, bend, or walk for extended periods, and work 7 days per week with flexible scheduling if necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to handle and offer constructive criticism, and articulate job goals effectively.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, authorized to work in the US, with proper employment documentation and valid driver's license.
• May be exposed to fertilizer, dusts, odors, high heat, low/high temperature, high noise, vibrations, allergens, and other environmental variables.