Warehouse Associate

Warehouse Associate Newport News, Virginia, United States | Full-time Apply by: No close date Company Description Mercana is one of North America’s leading home furnishings wholesalers, with interior designers and retail partners around the globe. As a “design-first” company, we produce unique pieces for the home each season, including wall art, furniture, lighting, and home decor accessories. We are seeking a hardworking and positive individual to join our Warehouse Team. This team plays a crucial role in managing the inventory and movement of our products. The successful candidate will be a well-organized team player who prioritizes safety while pursuing quality work. Above all, they have a positive attitude and contribute to our respectful work environment. Position Summary Hourly position starting at $18.00 plus Benefits The Warehouse Associate is central to the execution of Mercana's distribution and warehousing operations, working across outbound (picking, packing, loading), inbound (receiving, put-away), and general functions (returns, inventory, and sample management). A dedicated part of the role is sample management — picking, assembling, packing, and tracking samples and stock items for product reviews, photoshoots, and visual merchandising — coordinated closely with the Design and Merchandising teams. The focus is timely, efficient, and error-free completion of assigned work that meets and helps exceed individual, department, and warehouse performance metrics. This is a foundational hourly role; Associates grow in responsibility and level (O1 to O2) by mastering all warehouse functions over time. Key Responsibilities Outbound — Picking & Packing Gather items from bins and palletized locations and pack orders for shipment in a timely manner. Conduct quality-control checks to ensure order accuracy and product integrity. Use RF scanners and the warehouse management system (WMS) to track inventory and manage orders; create shipping documents and labels. Communicate with internal stakeholders when orders are ready to ship. Outbound — Loading Load palletized orders into delivery vessels for safe transport. Ensure orders are properly wrapped, supported, labelled, and documented to minimize transit damage. Inbound — Receiving & Put-Away Stock and organize inventory within the distribution center. Confirm product received against the BOL and inventory systems; inspect for damage and report discrepancies. Assign warehouse locations for received items and document accurately in the inventory management system. Returns Processing Physically return cancelled and returned items to the correct bins or locations. Receive returned goods in the inventory system and move them to Quality Control; use RF scanners to bring product back into inventory and assign bins/pallets. Ensure timely, accurate daily processing of returns on Mercana's eCommerce platform, including put-away and reshipment; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Inventory Counting & Control Participate in regular audits and cycle counts; identify and address discrepancies and maintain accurate records. Communicate inventory movements and ensure prompt system adjustments to reflect accurate levels. Barcode any items missing barcodes to ensure accurate tracking and identification. Sample Management Pick samples and stock items accurately and on time for product reviews and photoshoots. Unbox and assemble samples and stock items to provided guidelines and standards, taking care to avoid damage. Pack and label items for return or storage; ensure physical disposition of all samples — returning to the warehouse or to sales locations. Move large furniture items safely and coordinate sample inventory movements with the Warehouse lead and Design / Merchandising teams. General Warehouse Duties & Safety Follow safety protocols during heavy lifting and loading/unloading; operate mechanical assists (forklift, pallet jack, raised platforms) and work safely at heights. Maintain clean workspaces, work collaboratively, and participate in process- and procedure-improvement projects. During downtime, support other warehouse activities (picking, packing, put-away, container unloading) as directed; additional duties may be assigned Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent; positive, reliable attitude. Experience in warehouse operations and picking/packing; sample handling and product assembly an asset. Basic computer acumen; familiarity with RF scanners, WMS, and barcode / inventory management systems. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking skills; able to follow assembly guidelines. Physically fit for repetitive bending, twisting, reaching, and lifting; able to handle furniture up to 300 lbs with support equipment. Comfortable working at heights up to 30 ft on secure safety equipment. Fluent in English (oral and written). Reliable transportation an asset. Steel-toed safety shoes required; additional PPE provided. #J-18808-Ljbffr