Senior Material Handler

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to clients worldwide. The job opportunity below is with one of our clients specializing in biotechnology product development services. The client is dedicated to supplying laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies, and services essential in healthcare, scientific research, safety, and education. As a global leader in serving the scientific community, the organization generates approximately $40 billion in annual revenue and is committed to making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. Their global team delivers innovative technologies, convenient procurement solutions, and pharmaceutical services through industry-leading brands.

Position: Senior Material Handler
Location: Santa Clara, CA 95054
Duration: 6 Months
Job Type: Temporary Assignment
Work Type: Onsite

Shift: Day shift

• Material Receiving & Inventory Management:
  • Coordinate receipt and distribution of incoming materials while ensuring inventory accuracy and timely availability for manufacturing.
  • Verify material transactions and resolve routine inventory discrepancies before escalating issues.
  • Monitor warehouse inventory levels and identify replenishment needs.
• Shipping & Material Movement:
  • Coordinate domestic and international shipments, ensuring compliance with shipping and export requirements.
  • Prepare export documentation including Commercial Invoices, packing slips, and required customs documentation.
  • Review shipment documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance prior to release.
  • Safely operate forklifts, order pickers, pallet jacks, and other approved material handling equipment.
  • Prioritize daily shipping activities to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Inventory Control & Warehouse Operations:
  • Coordinate and perform cycle counts, inventory verification activities, and inventory reconciliation.
  • Identify, investigate, and report inventory discrepancies to the Inventory Clerk or supervisor.
  • Maintain organized warehouse storage locations and support efficient material flow.
  • Support manufacturing operations by fulfilling material requests and ensuring timely material availability.
  • Investigate inventory discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support inventory reconciliation and audit readiness.
  • Serve as a resource for inventory transactions and ERP-related questions.
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Operational Support:
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, Purchasing, and Trade Compliance to resolve material availability and shipping issues.
  • Represent the Distribution team during production and spares planning meetings.
  • Communicate shipment priorities and inventory concerns to internal stakeholders.
• Technical Support & Knowledge Sharing:
  • Provide day-to-day guidance and training to new and less experienced Material Handlers.
  • Share best practices for warehouse operations, inventory management, and shipping processes.
  • Support cross-training activities to improve operational flexibility.
• Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes and material flow.
  • Support implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Recommend improvements to inventory accuracy, shipping efficiency, and warehouse organization.
  • Assist with development of standardized work practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support business and operational objectives.

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience in a warehouse, material handling, manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, or other operations environment; OR
• Associate's degree and no previous experience required.
• Experience maintaining inventory accuracy and following standard operating procedures.
• Experience using ERP or inventory management systems to complete material transactions and inventory activities.
• Technical certification or vocational training in Supply Chain, Warehouse Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing, biotechnology, or life sciences environment.
• Experience operating forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Experience supporting domestic and international shipping activities, including export documentation.
• Experience using SAP or other ERP systems for inventory management and shipping operations.

• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory control, and material flow practices.
• Ability to accurately receive, store, pick, stage, and ship materials.
• Ability to investigate and resolve routine inventory and shipping issues.
• Knowledge of domestic and international shipping requirements.
• Understanding of export documentation and Trade Compliance requirements.
• Understanding of safety practices and quality standards within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow written procedures, work instructions, and shipping documentation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple shipping and warehouse activities with minimal supervision.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Proficiency using ERP systems to process inventory, receiving, and shipping transactions.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work independently when required.
• Ability to communicate effectively across Manufacturing, Planning, Quality, Purchasing, and Trade Compliance.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple assignments.
• Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks, including forklifts and order pickers. Company-required training and certification will be provided as applicable.
• Ability to provide guidance and knowledge sharing to less experienced team members
• Familiarity with GMP or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement principles.
• Experience supporting inventory audits and cycle count activities.
• Familiarity with shipping documentation and transportation requirements.
• SAP experience.
• Experience with continuous improvement projects.

• Frequent standing and walking throughout warehouse and manufacturing areas during the work shift.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and lifting while handling materials and inventory.
• Frequent lifting and moving of materials up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of heavier items with appropriate equipment or assistance.
• Manual dexterity required for handling materials, packaging products, and operating warehouse equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements while handling materials and operating warehouse equipment.
• Work performed in warehouse, manufacturing, and office environments with exposure to varying temperatures in warehouse areas.
• Regular operation of powered industrial trucks, including forklifts and order pickers.
• Regular use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated work areas.
• Exposure to warehouse traffic, moving equipment, and manufacturing activities while following established safety procedures.
• Ability to work overtime or adjusted schedules as required to support business needs.