Senior Warehouse Specialist

Senior Warehouse Specialist

The Senior Warehouse Specialist is a senior individual contributor responsible for executing complex warehouse operations, including domestic and international shipments, inventory control, and interdepartmental coordination. This position ensures end-to-end supply chain execution with internal and external stakeholders while promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement. It involves direct communication and coordination with Anika customers and 3PL providers. The Senior Specialist will act as a subject matter expert in SAP inventory management and lead efforts to optimize space, process flow, and service levels following lean and Six Sigma principles. While this role provides technical guidance and knowledge sharing to team members, it does not have direct supervisory responsibility.

Coordinate and execute domestic and international shipments, including carrier selection, shipping documentation, customs clearance activities, and Incoterms compliance.

Communicate directly with customers, freight carriers, and third-party logistics providers to ensure professional, timely, and accurate shipment coordination.

Partner with Customer Service and internal stakeholders to align shipping schedules and support on-time customer delivery commitments.

Arrange and monitor transportation activities with freight carriers and 3PL partners to ensure cost-effective and efficient logistics execution.

Receive, process, and coordinate customer returns while partnering with Quality and Inspection teams to support product disposition activities.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Sales, and Marketing to determine appropriate disposition of returned materials, including restock, scrap, or sample distribution activities.

Coordinate logistics and documentation associated with marketing sample distribution and inventory movement activities.

Coordinate and execute cycle counts, month-end reconciliations, and year-end inventory activities to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and control.

Monitor and maintain accurate inventory records within SAP, including lot control, stock status management, and inter-site inventory transfers.

Balance inventory levels between on-site and off-site warehouse locations, including replenishment coordination with third-party logistics providers.

Utilize Excel and reporting tools to track warehouse metrics, inventory activities, and operational performance indicators.

Support daily warehouse material flow activities for manufacturing and packaging operations while maintaining strong internal customer service.

Coordinate incoming raw material deliveries, labeling activities, and indirect material distribution to internal stakeholders.

Coordinate shipments to and from off-site sterilization providers while ensuring proper chain of custody and documentation accuracy.

Drive warehouse organization and process improvements using lean warehousing practices, 5S methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.

Identify operational improvement opportunities and support implementation of process enhancements aligned with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Support onboarding and training of warehouse personnel and contribute to the development and revision of SOPs and work instructions.

Serve as an advanced SAP user capable of resolving inventory discrepancies and executing complex inventory and warehouse transactions.

Ensure all warehouse, shipping, and distribution activities comply with QSR, cGMP, safety requirements, and internal procedures.

This role requires the ability to prioritize and execute multiple complex warehouse and logistics activities simultaneously within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position exercises strong judgment, prioritization, and problem-solving skills while coordinating cross-functional requests, inventory activities, customer shipments, and third-party logistics operations. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, accountability for assigned warehouse processes, effective communication, and a continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.

High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in warehousing, logistics, or inventory control within a manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, or life sciences environment.

Demonstrated expertise using SAP or equivalent ERP systems, including inventory transactions, reporting, and inventory management activities.

Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments, freight carriers, customs documentation, and logistics activities.

Knowledge of warehouse equipment operations, including forklifts and pallet jacks.

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate professionally with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical warehouse activities as required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel for data tracking and reporting activities.

Advanced SAP experience with inventory modules, goods movement transactions, and warehouse reporting tools.

Experience coordinating with third-party logistics providers and off-site sterilization partners.

Knowledge of global shipping logistics, customs processes, and international transportation requirements.

Familiarity with Lean warehousing concepts, 5S methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Experience supporting SOP development, warehouse process documentation, and operational training activities.

Strong understanding of inventory accuracy, warehouse optimization, and material flow best practices.

Experience working within cGMP, QSR, or regulated manufacturing environments.

Ability to independently manage complex shipment schedules and inventory priorities in a dynamic operational setting.